“If this is the wrong kind, I can get you another. Just tell me what brand you want.”
She lifted it. “This is a hundred and twenty dollar bottle. You ain’t got that kind of money.”
Cleo smiled with a nod. “I have savings.”
Inez’s brows shot up. “Savings! Means you’re supposed to save it. I swear, one is dumber than the other.”
Cleo sucked in a breath, trying to ignore the sting of the insult. It wasn’t the first time her intelligence had been used as a weapon to hurt her. Her mother and stepfather used that tactic often. Cleo may not have always been the smartest person in the room, but she wasn’t stupid.And I’m not dumb.
She rolled back her shoulders, and forced a smile. “I should go. Bye.”
She made it halfway down the hall.
“Get your ass back here.”
Cleo walked down the hallway and when Inez widened the door, she walked in, accepting the reluctant invitation.
Inez placed the bottle on the counter rather roughly. “What’s this for?”
“Wraith said I could have Grizz’s little house.”
Inez raised her brows, mockingly. “And?”
“I figured you’d told him to let me have it.”
She scoffed. “You think I can tell that boy anything when it comes to you?”
“Well, you’re the boss, so…” She left her statement open ended. There was no need for further explanation. Cleo never understood how the dynamics worked between Inez and the club. Details had never been explained to her. She’d asked her brother a few times, but he’d brushed it off saying it was a partnership like any other business.
Inez grabbed her box of cigarettes, pulling one out. Her eyes were trained on Cleo.
“You’re here. My boys aren’t.” She narrowed her eyes. “You turned your location off again, didn’t you?”
She pressed her lips together and shrugged.
“Jesus Christ.” She reached for her phone, and Cleo rushed forward. If Inez made the call she suspected, Cleo would have to leave immediately. That would ruin everything.
“Please wait, Inez.”
She snorted. “Your ass is going home, or I call the boys. Choose.”
Cleo licked her lips. “Can I add an alternative choice?”
Inez rolled her eyes. “What do you think?”
No.
“But fucking humor me.” Inez waved her hand, impatiently.
Cleo perked up. “I wanted to stop by the bar and…”
“A bar?” Inez pointed toward the door. “Get your crazy ass home now.”
Cleo held up her hands. “No, not to drink, I just wanted to go see Regina.”
Inez stilled. Cleo’s answer seemed to catch her off guard. She didn’t waste any time with her explanation.
“Regina said I could stop by her apartment when I was in the city, but she’s moved out since then. I just figured I would stop by Starr’s. But then I promise I’ll go straight back to Killcreek.”
