“Apermanent zoning commissioner has been appointed,” Ivan informs me.
“Is there a problem?” I grab an apple from the fruit basket sitting on the kitchen island. “You sound like there’s a problem.”
“No. Not really. But we’ll have to see how he plays. Alexander has a meeting with him when we get back to town.”
“And when is that?”
“This afternoon. We’d planned on staying until Wednesday, but the groom of this wedding we all packed up and flew across the country for got a stick up his ass and left for home already.”
“You don’t have to be an ass about everything, you know. Some people try to be pleasant this early in the morning.” I takea bite out of the apple, making sure it’s loud and right in the receiver of my cell phone.
“Is that so?” He laughs. “And have you been pleasant? Have you said good morning to your blushing bride, or did you leave her in bed while you snuck out this morning because you didn’t want to face her.”
I stop chewing.
“You’re a real ass.”
He laughs. “And you’re a stubborn ass. Vee explained to me that this girl you just married is the same girl she saw sneaking out of your hotel room the night before.”
“I never considered Vee to be such a gossip. Being around you has been bad for her.”
“It’s Megan’s doing, not mine. But it’s true, yes?”
“Yes.” I lean a hip against the counter. “A sad coincidence is all it was.”
“I don’t know, maybe it’s a good thing. You liked her enough to take her up to your room; maybe you can like her enough not to make her and the rest of us miserable the rest of our lives.”
“You’re really reaching there, old man.”
He scoffs. “Old. I’m barely five years older than you.” He sighs. “You realize she could be plotting against you as much as you seem to be plotting against her. I mean, we did take out all three of her brothers. She’s going to hold that against you.”
“Enough about my wife. I’ll handle her.” I drop the rest of the apple into the trash can. “But there is an issue with her uncle. The pleasure house on the west side is still operating. Got confirmation last night.”
“He was supposed to close them all by the wedding.”
“I know. That’s why I’m bringing it up.”
“Okay, I’ll talk with Alexander on the flight home. Did you make any moves when you found out, or did you do the mature thing and wait?”
The sound of footsteps entering the kitchen draws my attention, and I turn around.
Sienna walks into the kitchen, sees me, and heads for the fridge. Her hair is tied back in a loose braid. She’s wearing a pair of jeans and an oversized pink knit sweater. Every bit casual, but with the elegance of royalty. It’s a natural look on her. She hasn’t even covered her face in makeup.
My dick reacts to her as though a woman kneels at my feet begging for my attention.
“I got confirmation, that’s all.”
“You went there?” His question comes out hard.
“I did. I managed to get two girls free without having an issue, but there’s at least half a dozen more.”
“Don’t do anything else until we get home.”
“Wasn’t planning to, but you realize he’s broken the agreement.”
“Just keep your temper in check until we get back. We have to be smart about this. No going off half-cocked.”
The refrigerator shuts, and she glances at me, as though sensing my eyes fixed on her.
