It’s dark down here, with round poker tables sitting under bad lighting. It’s nothing like the crowded, luxurious lounge above us that’s clearly a front for whatever’s going on down here. It almost could pass for a storage space, but it’s clearly not. Instead, there are maybe twenty or so people sitting at tables playing various games.
About ten million questions immediately zip across my brain.
Does Dex know about this underground casino? Do any of my siblings?
How long has this been going on?
Is this where my family’s money comes from? I always thought it was the real estate development firm my dad has run since before I was even born. But what if it was this all along?
What if the Bradley money isdirtymoney?
“What is this?” I demand a second time, trailing back up the stairs to confront my father. The man in black doesn’t respond as my father walks through the door, and I follow behind him.
Maverick is gone. He either went into the lounge or disappeared out the back door into thin air.
“Everleigh,” my father says, and he moves to take me into a hug. He yanks me off the steps and back into the hallway, and he turns to the man in black as he slams the door closed. “I said nobody comes down here without credentials. You’re fired.”
“Dad, stop. I forced him to let me in. Besides, if this is your place, why don’t I get credentials?” And what the ever-lovingfuckwas Maverick Jennings doing here? How doesheknow about this room owned bymy own father,and I don’t?
“This is a restricted-access area,” he says rather than addressing my question. “Why are you here?”
“Liam’s been trying to call you. Mom broke her arm.” I can’t force myself to form theCword. Liam said it’s speculation, so until we have proof that’s what it is, I’ll continue to hope for the best.
“Shit,” he mutters. He doesn’t move to pull his phone out of his pocket, which tells me he might not even have it on him. “I’ve been dealing with some things here and haven’t even checked my phone. I’ll call her right away.”
“Quick question first.” I narrow my eyes.
“What?” he murmurs as he glances behind me at the closed door.
“Why was Maverick Jennings here?”
He pauses, and then he says, “He’s a whale.”
“A whale?” I repeat.
“A high roller. He spends a lot of money here, so he gets privileges other clients don’t.”
I don’t think he knows about my position working with Maverick, but I can’t imagine spending wads of cash at what looks to be an illegal backroom would in any way reflect positively on his image.
I don’t particularly want to have this conversation with him, but I know I’m going to have to since we saw each other here tonight.
Add it to the list of conversations I don’t particularly want to be having at all.
CHAPTER 21: Maverick Jennings
An Errand
What the fuck is she doing here?
Anger courses through my veins, but that’s nothing new.
Did she follow me here?
The really fucked-up thing is that I have to keep reminding myself about how much I hate her. The problem?
After last night, Ican’thate her.
Instead, I can’t stop fucking thinking about her. One night and it’s already a fucking obsession.
