Tilting my head to the side, acting like I’m deep in thought, I give Broderick an opening.“Are you saying my men will listen to you?”
He fidgets in his hot seat again.I send a quick instant message from my computer to Hayes to fire Sally immediately.Just then, there’s two heavy thumps on the door, letting me know it’s JJ.
“Enter,” I bark, unwilling to let our game go.
I’m going to have to watch Broderick, and it starts with a visit toAintínEireen.She’s going to be the key to bringing down myuncail.He might not be the leader, but I think he’s been influenced by this person.Broderick wouldn’t have killed my parents.Would he?I need to really contemplate this situation.Right now, my focus is on my sweets and getting to her as soon as possible.
“Hey, cuz.Hayes wanted me to remind you about our noon meeting.”JJ walks in.
I spot Hayes in the outer office, holding his tablet up.I stand up.I’m a good eight inches taller than Broderick and use my height to intimidate him as he remains seated.Walking around the desk, I lean against it in front of him, folding my arms over my chest.Arms that I developed while fighting in underground rings before taking over the family.I’ve maintained my body because it’s my greatest weapon.
“Just to answer your question.No, Jordon hasn’t gone to the safety deposit box yet.But he will soon.And Johnny confessed about it before he was killed.”I nod, letting him know it’s his turn to answer my question.He’s afraid to say it in front of JJ.JJ has killed lesser men with his bare hands for doubting me.
“Your men support you, son.You are the head of this family.”Broderick stands and walks out of the room faster than he came in.
The way he said that last sentence makes me doubt him, though.He’s always made sure he’s secure in his position with the organization, and now that I’m not needing him as much, he’s getting bitter.But how bitter is he?Would he try to go after my position?
Son.I hate when he calls me that.My father was a great man who didn’t deserve to die the way he did.
I look at Hayes, and he nods.Sally is gone.
First stop is to find my wayward little sweets, then to the hospital I’m not supposed to visit.I’m going to start picking apart Broderick’s life.He’s lying about something, and I’m going to figure it out.
Daria
After I showered this morning, I had to dress in an outfit I normally don’t wear to work.Patrick made sure to mark up so much of my body, I’ll have to use extra body makeup tomorrow for my performance to hide the love bites he left on my thighs, arms, and back.He was shocked when the makeup started coming off in the tub and he saw my tattoos.
The long black wide-leg pants and sheer blouse over a black tank top are covered by a lightweight leather jacket.Normally, I’d just wear a black bra under the sheer top, but my stomach and breasts have love bites all over them as well.I have my hair down and straightened.Today I’m scheduled to help some high rollers in a televised poker game happening here in the casino.
I’ve been at work for a couple of hours now, and I’m tired from my lack of sleep, but I keep the smile on.I’ve been avoiding my brother since I got here.Alek wants to talk, but I’m not ready.I miss Patrick.There’s an ache in my chest I’ve never felt before, but I can’t sentence him to the same fate my father met.
Originally, the families were serious about not mingling unless absolutely necessary.Now, though, I can’t stop thinking about Lyric and Ainsley.And then there’s Lennon, their half sister.Her father owns another casino.Rumor has it he bought it with money earned as a hit man for the late MacEvoy before he died.
Could Patrick and I find a way to be together?I worry we can’t.
“Okay, Jeb, I’ll get you set up for a massage after your game tonight.Anything else I can take care of for you?”
I’m walking outside the casino in the porte-cocheré with one of the players, who’s heading out for his pre-game ritual of saki and a sushi dinner at a local restaurant.I’ve never met a more superstitious group than poker players.
Before he ducks into the limo, he leans in and kisses my cheek.I step back, trying to dodge it, but he still does it.
“For luck, Daria.”
“You know the rules.No touching.”I step away from him as a chill moves up my spine.I’m being watched.I glance around but don’t see anything out of the ordinary.“I’ll make that call during my lunch break.I’ll be back before you return,” I assure him as I close the door.
I step back and watch the limo pull away.Taking a deep breath, I turn to look up at a camera.I wave to it before heading down the street.
I call my assistant to schedule Jeb’s massage as I walk to the closest drugstore.I need a day-after pill.I could have had one delivered, but I don’t want my brother finding out.
Patrick never once wore a condom, and even though a part of me would love to have a piece of him with me always, I can’t do that to a child.I know what it’s like to be raised without a father.I missed so much.
I move around the crowds and drunks as I walk farther from the casino.
Again, that chill works its way up my spine, and I stop in front of a store window, using the reflection to look behind me.I notice an SUV parked close by that was at the casino too.It could be a coincidence, but something tells me it’s not.
I pick up my pace and reach the drugstore quickly.I move among the aisles, killing time before heading to the pharmacy counter.
“What are you looking for, sweets?”
