That slow, wicked smile of his made something flutter deep in my stomach. “Of course. I’d love to help you, darling.”
I quickly looked at Van before my cheeks betrayed me. “I need you to handle the employees and members. Some of them might want to leave, so do what you have to do to keep them. Same goes for the talent.”
Van stepped forward, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “They won’t leave—not our talent. They aren't with us because you’re a Syndicate boss. They’re here because they believe in you and what you’ve built.”
I gave him a small smile, appreciating it, but I also knew the truth. “Loyalty. Sure. That’s why we all think this was an inside job, remember?”
His hand and face dropped. That dejected look on his face pained me, so I gripped his arm, trying to console him. “But I’ve got you. That’s what matters.”
I looked around at all of them. “All of you. I appreciate this more than you know.”
Turning to head for my room, Maso’s firm voice cut across the space. “And us?” He looked at Alic, then back at me.
I glanced over my shoulder and smirked. “You two are coming with me. We’ve got answers to get.”
Inside,I went straight to the closet, yanking open the doors and scanning its contents for the perfect look, something sexy and sharp that screamed “Don’t fuck with me.”As I grabbed a lace bodysuit, mini skirt with a slit, and a cropped blazer, all black, all power, my phone buzzed.
Nova.
“Hey, Nova,” I answered while looking over the outfit I’d picked.
“What up, Niya! I’m heading to your place. Anything I should know?”
I rubbed my forehead, already exhausted. “Calix has been here a little over twenty-four hours, and he somehow convinced everyone to keep it a secret. How do youthinkI’m doing?”
“Oh, shit.” Then she quickly added, “I mean... great! He can finally update the place!”
My thoughts exactly. “He brought Rack with him.”
Her relieved sigh came instantly. “Thank god. I was about to ask you for a gallon of booze to get through the day.”
I chuckled. “That I can do. We’re stocked.” I tugged on the bodysuit. “I’m following a lead on the assailants. Van and Lucus will be at the club. Go to them if you need anything.”
“I know Van,” she teased. “But who’s Lucus… and is he on the menu?”
My fingers curled around the hanger. Rage, sharp and possessive, flared in my veins. That thing we weren’t supposed to talk about heated up at my back, and I had to fight not to snarl.
“He’s mine.”
Her silence was deafening before she loudly said, “Oooohhh. Little Niya has a boooyy tooooyyy?”
A growl escaped before I could stop it, and Nova stopped her teasing.
“Oh, shit. Is it more than that?”
I rolled my neck, annoyed at myself and my situation, not ready to unpack that can of emotional worms. “We’ll talk later. Okay?”
“Sure, sure. But wearetalking later,” she said, all Ezra-like finality in her tone.
“Fine,” I muttered. “I need to get ready. See you soon.”
“Later! You go knock around some skulls. We’ve got this here.”
Hanging up, I stared at my reflection for a beat. I wanted to be there to oversee every damn detail, but the image of what had been done to my club burned in my mind, and the fury returned.
I needed blood. Only that would quiet the wrath roaring in my chest.
They would regret ever messing with the flower of the Syndicate.
