His forehead creased as his mouth tightened. “This city’s rotten, Vera. I gave up on playing the hero a long time ago.”
“I’m sorry.” I squeezed his hand, feeling the edge of my frustration slip away, just a little.
“Don’t be.” Alistair’s fingers lifted my chin. “I’ll tell you a few things you may not want to hear.”
“I can handle it.”
“The moment Julian ends things with her, she’ll come after you. Saira hates being rejected. She tears families apart, leaving nothing behind. Don’t be fooled by her appearance. She looks like a porcelain doll, but she’s dangerous.”
“How does she treat people, Scotty?”
“Before our divorce, I visited one of her establishments. Her sex workers were abused and mistreated. A few contracted sexually transmitted infections that aren’t curable. They were bold enough to ask me for help.”
“Oh, shit.” I sucked in a deep breath, then exhaled.
“Exactly. After buying her share, I revamped the club and gave payouts to those who were infected. I couldn’t have them working for me because they’d put others at risk. Think of clients with wives, partners, and families.”
“The business. Is that The Church?”
“Bingo. I suspect Saira paid officials to look the other way while she conducted her illicit activities. Things are differentunder my management these days. My employees have health insurance and fair wages.”
“What does this have to do with my brother?”
“Saira still runs an illegal sex ring for wealthy clients. She hires prostitutes, both men and women, and provides drugs to entertain her clients at secret soirées.”
“Oh.” I suddenly felt sick.Julian.
“Julian is one of Saira’s favorites, but he’s risking his life and yours. He’s playing a dangerous game.”
“Alistair, I don’t feel so well.”
“I’m sorry, love.”
My brows knitted together. “Julian did this to pay off our college fees.”
“Vera, I’m sorry. Do you and Julian have remaining debts I can help you with?”
“You’ll have to ask him.”
“Would you like me to talk to your brother and my ex-wife to see if I can mediate and keep you and your family out of danger?”
“Y-y-yes,” I whispered, clutching my stomach. I stood up but stumbled, only to have a pair of strong, muscular arms catch my body to keep me from falling.
“Stay with me today.” Alistair’s green eyes met mine, more vulnerable than I’d ever seen.
I didn’t answer. My arms stayed crossed, fingers digging into my elbows. My foot tapped against the deck, impatience radiating from every inch of me. He’d forced this meeting, and I didn’t want to make it easy.
He reached for my hand. I pulled back, letting his touch fall short. Silence stretched between us, tight as a wire.
He tried again, this time letting the backs of his fingers brush lightly down my arm. I stiffened but didn’t move away, caught between the urge to bolt and the ache to lean in.
As he spoke about Saira, the threats, and the custody fight, my anger started to cool, replaced by something heavier. Worry pressed in. The playboy routine had dropped, leaving only a man fighting for his son.
By the end, I let him take my hand. His palm was warm and steady. I held on, just enough to let him know I was still there.
Lunch was a slow negotiation. Alistair slid a plate of oysters my way and raised an eyebrow, daring me. “They’re good luck, you know.”
I hesitated. “Only if you believe in luck.”
