Her mouth quirks in that knowing way of hers. “Don’t worry about her. I’ll make sure she’s very busy.”
“That works.”
“Knox.” She studies me, reading me like only she can.
“Yeah?”
“Be careful. I mean with everything. I’d hate for this thing with the Monroes to get messy.”
I smile, not because what she said was funny, but because I know exactly what she means. “It’ll be fine. Nothing bad can happen. The ball’s finally in my court.”
She nods slowly. “Alright. As always, I trust you know what you’re doing.”
“Yes. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about.”
“Okay.” She offers a small smile. “Your car’s ready.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Have fun.”
I dip my head and continue outside.
The morning air hits as I step through the door, cool and crisp against the heat still coiled in my chest. The black Bentley waits at the foot of the steps, engine running. Don is already out and holding the door open for me.
I acknowledge him with a nod and slide into the back seat.
The door shuts with a solid thud, sealing me back in my world of leather and silence.
It’s familiar ground. Controlled and predictable. Not like when I’m around Isla.
Still, I can’t wait to get back to her.
The suite smells like whiskey, cigars, and the faint trace of expensive cologne.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city sprawls in a blur of neon and headlights, but inside, it’s a den of arrogance and bad bets.
My brothers sit at the poker table, all focus and bravado, with the kind of silent competition that’s been running between us since we could walk.
We always do this when we’re in L.A.—unwind with a mean game of poker and too much liquor. Especially after we close back-to-back million-dollar deals.
We’re sharing the penthouse suite at the Waldorf Astoria, one of the few times we get together outside of the holidays. For a few days, it almost feels like being home again.
The same thing always happens. I lose on purpose so I can get out of the game. Levi and Locke are way too competitive for my liking. Dorian always stays in, trying to battle it out with them until he finally gives up.
I’m happier watching, like I am now.
Leaning against the counter, I sip my beer and split my focus between the game in front of me and what’s waiting back home.
I got word from Sheila an hour ago that all was well.
Isla got her stuff, and even though she’s been quiet, she’s settling in. I feel it’s more the case that she won’t give Sheila any trouble. If I were home, I’m sure things would be different.
Levi slams his cards down with a sharp grin. “Read it and weep, gentlemen.”
Locke exhales slowly, the kind of long-suffering sigh that says he’s been putting up with Levi’s bullshit for far too long. “You’ve been bluffing since the first hand.”
“Yeah, and you keep falling for it.” Levi leans back, stretching his arms over the back of the chair like he owns the room. “Face it, little brother. I’m just better at everything that requires brains and charm.”
