Dakota needed answers. Could Providence and Rapture be the same person? A few months back, he’d spoken with Rapture, but he couldn’t remember much about her. She had long hair, but he thought she was a redhead. He didn’t remember her having a southern accent. And why would Providence shower at the club right before closing?
Once on the second floor, he pushed through the crowd in search of Stryker, spotting him in the corner booth. He slid in across from his friend. “What’s the word?”
“I saw the damn video. It’s all over the Internet.” Stryker tossed back his drink. “Dude didn’t have much of a right hook, but that choke hold you put him in caught my eye.”
“Sin will divert everyone’s attention with a juicy D.C. scandal.”
“You’re the scandal. You look like you know what you’re doing, bro.”
“That’s because I do.”
Stryker laughed. “You’re a stupid, fucking idiot.”
“Fuck you,” Dakota said, and both men laughed.
After the server took their drink order, Dakota texted Sin. “I’ve got a video that’s trending. Can you bury it for me?” He sent it, but no dots appeared.
“I never like when any of us gets tagged on social media,” Stryker said.
“I’m not worried. The Matt debacle will be dead by this time tomorrow. I need to know… are you and the new GM close?”
Stryker shrugged. “I guess. She’s cool. Very chill, you know?”
“How long have you known her?”
“Forever.”
“Things serious?”
Silence.
“Say, what?”
“Are you and Providence serious?”
“As in,together?”
“Yeah, she’s your gal, right?”
Stryker threw back his head and laughed. “Hell, no. She’s my cousin.”
Dakota couldn’t contain his smile. “No, shit.”
“You’ve got a thing for her, don’t you?”
“I’m crazy attracted to her. Is she seeing anyone?”
Up went Stryker’s eyebrows. “Wow, you do have a thing for her. She’s been solo for a while.”
“What’s her story?”
“She’s a marketing consultant, but things have been slow, so she asked if I could bring her onboard. Perfect timing with Mavis out for a few.”
The waiter returned.
Stryker tapped Dakota’s glass. “Here’s to…” He paused. “Jesus, my mind blanked. I’m running on empty.”
Dakota shook his head. “Story of your life. Here’s to your cousin, Miss Rhode Island.”
