ChapterFive
Paddy
As soon as the alarm blares, I know exactly what happened.I’m not surprised when I slide my arm across the bed and find it empty.I jump up and yank on a pair of sweatpants.I make it down to the offices on the second floor and move to the security office, where I see on the feed that my sweets snuck off on me.
I’m livid.
What part ofyou’re minedid she not understand?
I head back upstairs and get ready for the day, trying to figure out what I’m going to do.Do I chase after her and force the issue that I took her bare?Or do I just let her go and chalk it up to a perfect night with a fairy?
After my shower, I spot her dress hanging out of the hamper, and the memories flood my mind.How she felt.How everything was different with her.My skin crawls thinking about how dangerous it was for her to rush out into the alley.
I need to see what happened after she got out and where she went.Just to make sure she’s safe, I tell myself, but I know it’s more than that.Deep down, I still need her.
I have a quick cup of black coffee, then head down to my office and get to work.
Even on a Saturday, I’m busy, not just with the clubs, but with family business.This traitor issue is gnawing at me.Just yesterday, before we headed to the ballet, we had to endure an inspection from the state.I don’t have any gambling here, but I do have a couple of tables at the back of one of our strip clubs.The inspection was here at Transitions, something about safety protocols and an anonymous tip claiming the women’s restrooms were unsafe.It was false, but it was still a pain in the ass to go through.
At nine, both Hayes and JJ step into the office.
“Thought you’d still be upstairs.How long you been in the office?”JJ asks.
“For a while.”
I don’t elaborate, but now that Hayes is here, I need to go see what my sweets is up to.I’ve forced myself to work, but my mind has been on her all morning.
“Hayes, I’d like to take a drive down the Strip.”Again, I don’t explain myself.
“What time did your little dancer leave?”JJ asks as a joke, but just the implication that she’s that kind of dancer grates on my nerves.
“She’s a ballerina, not a dancer,” I clarify.“She left at about four.”They should already know or have figured it out since both of them were alerted when the alarm went off.
“Wait a minute.”JJ finally catches on.“Fuck.”He groans as he reaches into his chest pocket and pulls out something.I watch as he slaps it into Hayes’s hand.
“Told you she’d run.”Hayes chuckles, and I realize what they just did.
“You’re fucking betting on my love life.”
“Yep.It’s Vegas.We bet on everything.”JJ laughs, then pauses.“Wait.Love life?So, it’s serious?”
“As serious as it comes.”
I’m not going to lie to these two men.They’re the closest to me.They should know what Daria means to me.I’m going to tie her to me in every way possible.It’s why I ignored her comment about not using a condom.I want her pregnant.Then her brother and the Bratva can’t take her away from me.I’m marrying her as soon as possible too.
“Hayes, I want a full background on everyone around her.I’d also like the car ready in fifteen.”
JJ reaches into his pocket again and pulls out a folded bill that he hands to Hayes.
“Told you,” Hayes says with a deep chuckle.He then turns to me.“Sorry, boss, but you have a meeting with your uncle.He added it to your schedule last night.Didn’t you look at the schedule for the day?”
“No.It’s Saturday.I try not to have meetings on Saturdays.Also, I want tickets for the ballet every night Daria is dancing.”I know she won’t perform every show.Two or three other dancers will cover the nights she doesn’t.“Private box, please.”
“I’ll try to get that.I’ll have some breakfast sent up.”
“Hayes, I’d like you to assume Daria’s personal security eventually.Find a guard you trust to become mine.”
“Yes, boss.”He nods and walks out before JJ plants himself in the seat across from my desk.
