“I’m almost done,” he said.
I leaned against the doorframe and slipped a hand into my pocket. “I’m not in a hurry.”
Kase lifted his head and gestured for me to come in. “It was a good night.”
“Yes, it was,” I agreed, stepping into his office. I glanced down at the bundles of cash. “How have you been liking our arrangement?”
Kase tore his gaze away and sighed when he focused on the money. “It has its perks. I just never thought I’d be in business with someone like you.”
He was four years younger than me and a savvy businessman. He wasn’t a part of my world by choice, but I knew he couldn’t resist what I had to offer. The Labyrinth was a high-end club that appealed to the elite, but it was also a place where people could fight clean and get noticed. I knew many high-stakes gamblers who loved putting their money on the line for a good fight. All Kase had to do was say yes. His fights would stay legal, but now he’d get a cut of the profits. I made him a more prosperous man, and if it weren’t for me, he’d be fighting in illegal death matches for my brother.
“It’s better than the alternative,” I said matter-of-factly.
Kase scoffed. “That’s for damn sure.” He slid a wad of cash into an envelope and met my gaze. “Do you need Rossi’s earnings as well?”
I nodded. “If you don’t mind. He had to leave.”
Kase gathered Valentin’s money and put it in another envelope for me, handing me both before sitting down behind his desk.
“How long are you planning to stay in Vegas this time?”
I tucked both envelopes carefully into the pocket of my gray suit jacket, my fingers brushing against the cold metal of my holstered SIG Sauer P210.
“I’m not sure,” I responded honestly. “I guess until I’m needed back in California.”
A look of understanding passed across Kase’s face. “Have you heard from your brother?”
“No,” I replied, keeping my face blank.
Nikolai’s silence could only mean one thing . . . he was planning something big. He had a lot of targets on his list, and Kase was one of them.
Kase huffed and ran a hand over his face. “Great. I’m just waiting for the day that cocksucker shows up here.”
I shook my head. “Not if I can help it.” Voices echoed down the hallway, so I buttoned up my suit jacket and stepped toward the door. “Until next time,” I said, walking out.
Coming down the hall was none other than Kali Andrews. She glanced behind her and seemed relieved that no one else was around except for the burly bouncer standing guard at the end of the hallway.
“Hey,” she said, keeping her voice low.
“Good evening,” I responded.
She stepped closer. “Did Valentin say anything to you before he left?”
I gave her a slight nod. “He said he’ll meet you at the hotel if you can get away.”
Her lips pulled back into a smile. “Perfect.”
She started toward Kase’s office, but I grabbed her wrist. Kali was an MMA fighter, and I knew she could take care of herself in the ring, but in the real world with my people, I questioned whether she could handle it on her own. Valentin would protect her, but even he wasn’t invincible.
Kali tilted her head to the side, her gaze narrowed questioningly. “What’s wrong?”
Sighing, I let her wrist go. “Be careful, Kali. Valentin cares greatly for you, but being associated with people like us puts you in danger.”
Kali smiled sadly and gave a shrug of her shoulder. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
And with those last words, she disappeared into Kase’s office. If she only knew of the things we’ve done and how evil we could be.
Turning on my heel, I headed for the exit and the bouncer stepped out of the way. However, standing right off to the side was Ripp, with a scowl on his face and arms crossed over his chest.
