Fucking Steve failed me. I’d told him to have Cass call me because I didn’t have her new phone number, and the numb nuts must have forgotten.
I burst through the clubhouse doors and went into the bar. I needed a shot of tequila to calm me down.
During the day we didn’t have a bartender in the bar, so I helped myself behind the counter. I got a glass and a bottle of tequila and poured myself what would be one of many shots.
“Hey, Slay.” Suzy sidled up against me. “It’s like I never see you anymore.”
“Been busy, Suz.” I tossed my drink back and refilled the glass. Fucking busy with the new Russian threat in our territory for fuck’s sake. All info I couldn’t share with a club girl.
“Yeah, I assumed so. What about taking the tequila to your room and we can enjoy it together? Have a little party just you and me?”
I glanced at her. Her offer didn’t tempt me one bit. In fact, she made me think of Cass. Cassandra my beautiful brunette.
“You know you want to.” Her hand glided up my arm. “It’s been a long time, Slay. A man as virile as you must need a woman like me who can go all night. Let me take care of your needs, baby.”
“Get gone, Suzy!” Jefe entered with his son in his arms. “Why do you lead her on if Cass is who you want?”
Oh, shit!
“Cass? As in Cassandra the chick who was here last week?” Suzy asked in a tart tone.
“That’s her. The love of his life. Now leave.” Jefe jerked his chin toward the exit.
Suzy left in a huff, and I was sure I’d hear about it later. She’d corner me and ask a million questions that I’d never answer. She’d probably cry and hate me
Yeah, I was an asshole for giving her false hope. But right now, I wouldn’t worry about her.
Cass was my priority.
“What should I do?” I asked Jefe.
“Seems pretty simple to me. Bring her to the clubhouse where you can keep her safe until we figure this shit out with the Bratva.”
“She’d never willingly stay here. She has her café and a life that doesn’t include me.” I took another shot. Two more would probably do the trick. “Who would keep her business humming along until she returned?”
“What about Steve? She has employees, right?”
“Two. But for how long can they manage without her?” I drank shot number three and sat on a stool, finally feeling calmer. “There’s a lot to figure out, man. This is Cass. If I fuck up her life and business, she’ll cut me out of her life faster than I can fall on my knees and grovel.”
“A Kings never grovels on his knees. Jesus.” Prez shook his head.
“I’m just saying.”
“Grow a pair brother. If Cass makes you weak like this, it’s better to be without her. Go find Suzy and let her suck your dick. You’ll feel better.”
“Cass doesn’t make me weak. I lost her before and I don’t want to do anything to lose her again.”
“That’s assuming you get her back. Can’t lose what you don’t have.”
I hated that he was right. Before I said something I might regret, my cell phone rang and it was Fabio calling.
“This is Slay,” I answered, pushing the bottle of tequila away. Three shots were enough. I needed to remain clearheaded. I would be no good to anyone if I drank myself into a tequila-induced coma.
“My informant said Kozlov is taking her to dinner tonight. He paid for a server to drug her drink. She’s never going to make it home.”
“Jesus Christ. Are you sure?”
“Yes. He gave her flowers earlier today. They’re compromised. A camera and speaker. Don’t get anywhere near them. He can’t know you’re onto him.”
