by T. L Smith
“We have business to discuss! Land you are attempting to stop us from acquiring,” I ask. He wants it as well, so he’s fighting me for it.
He simply nods once, then he fires back, “You don’t own it. Much like you don’t own the storefront located on it.”
“And you do?”
“No.” He smirks. “Indeed, I don’t. But I do know who does.”
“Their daughter was never killed, Jasper. She owns it.”
“Where the fuck is she?” Gunner taps his foot impatiently.
“Isn’t that your job… to know your town?”
I step closer. “Do you run yours?” I ask inquisitively, but also trying to get a rise from him.
He smirks. “Not yet, but I will. I’m a patient man, Jasper. Can you say the same?”
“Give me all the details you have on that land.” I know he has it, and saves me looking into it when it’s easily obtainable through him. Gunner never goes into anything unless he knows every single solitary detail.
“Already have it. Now, next time you call a meeting with me, it better be more enjoyable than this bullshit. Do you understand?”
I nod, taking the paperwork from his hand as he leaves.
“And Jasper?” He stops at the door. “I’d watch that one if I was you.” He smirks before he spins to walk away, but I can see the cunningness shine through his features, and in the way he skillfully deceives.
10
Isadora
I left the minute I could. I wasn’t planning on staying longer than necessary that’s for sure.
Stepping out of the shower the next day, I spray myself with a scent that honestly smells like vanilla cupcakes and dress in my normal attire getting ready for my shift.
Walking into the club for my shift, I spot Benny who looks older than he did a few days ago. What the hell is going on? He looks tired maybe, or perhaps there’s something else happening.
Benny walks straight over to me and grabs my arm. “I can’t keep up. They want you to work then they don’t. Which fucking one is it?”
“I’m all yours tonight, Benny.”
With a loud huff, he lets me go. “Look, I don’t want you in here tonight if they decide to come in. The girls are complaining, and you need a break. I need you to deliver something instead.”
“Sure, if I get to use your car.”
Benny rolls his eyes. “It’s in Evergreen. Gunner Reid’s expecting payment, and Jasper asked me to deliver to him. You can do it because clearly, I have enough shit going on in here right now.” He pushes an envelope into my hand and then a card. “That’s the address. Don’t fucking linger. Pass it on. And leave.”
“What’s it for?” I ask looking at the envelope knowing its money.
“None of your business. Got it?” he huffs at me.
“Yes, boss,” I say, smiling.
“And put on a damn coat, or change, or something, but don’t go dressed like that,” he says, waving a hand down my front.
Heading out the back to where my clothing and other personal items are located, I slide out of my skirt into a pair of tight-fitting denim jeans. As I pull the cloth over my legs it feels good to be wearing them again, it’s been too long.
“You didn’t come back,” Heather says, surprising me.
“I stayed longer than expected.”
“I slept, then I left, I hope that’s okay?”
I give her a simple nod in answer to her question, nothing at my place holds anything of value or importance. I don’t want to go into details with her, she needs to keep her nose clean. I feel like I have to protect her and I have no idea why, but somehow she crept in and I didn’t realize until she’d already embedded herself in my soul.
After I left Jasper’s last night I went straight to my uncle’s place and told him about number two. He showed real signs of enjoyment, but it was a fleeting emotion and was gone no sooner than it came.
“Of course, Heather. Go there tonight, if you want. I’ll just be chilling.”
“You aren’t working tonight?” she asks while looking me up and down.
“No, I’m on an errand.” I lean in and kiss her cheek before I grab my bag and step out the back into an alleyway where Benny’s car is located. It’s a nice Mercedes, and I’ve never driven one before. Getting in, I smile wide while turning the key-less ignition and starting the engine. This feels so much better than the shit cars my uncle made me test drive to get my license when growing up.
It doesn’t take me long once I’m out on the highway to arrive in Evergreen, and once I’m there the car’s navigation system directs me to the address where a stunning high-rise apartment complex sits in front of me. All I can see is glass from about the first floor up to the obvious penthouse suites located on the top floors. With steel support beams and gorgeous balconies, this building is stunning.
Walking inside the foyer, I’m met with a bank of elevators. Taking the elevator to the top floor, I’m honestly surprised by the lack of security. Stepping out, I walk the short distance to the door and press the bell. It’s late, but all the lights are on. When the door is opened I’m met with Gunner Reid, who I just so happened to do some research on after I left Jasper. He’s a real estate tycoon and this is one of his many places. Smiling at him, he doesn’t smile back, but he sure as shit looks me over. Then his eyes stop on what’s in my hand and he reaches for it.
“Benny sent me,” I tell him.
“Figured as much.”
A girl walks behind him. I’m shocked to see the sheer amount of bruises covering her body, then there’s another. My eyes go wide and he smirks. The bastard.
“They...” he trails off.
I look at his hand and notice he doesn’t have the symbol tattoo.
So, why was… no. I shake my head.
Those girls are up and walking around, not looking like they were just beaten. Right?
“Now unless you want to join…” he trails off again, but the innuendo speaks for itself.
I look up at his eyes, if eyes could tell stories his would tell a thousand.
Danger, proceed with caution…
You want me? This will be the price you pay…
Oh, hell, no.
So, I take a step back, I already have one devil to deal with and I simply don’t need another one.
“Goodnight, Isadora Marine. My best bet is you run before he figures out who you are.” Fucking hell, that smile, it’s manic, like full Hollywood creepy movie scary.
“Y-you k-kn…” I don’t finish but he nods at my stuttering words.
“Yes, I know. But you see… he isn’t my friend. I don’t have friends, they only get in the way. He’s a business acquaintance. So, as long as he lives your secret is safe with me. Well, for now, anyway.”
I nod, stepping backward.
“Watch your uncle though, Isadora. Sometimes a wolf has a hard time letting go, and might just blow all you’ve been working toward.” He shuts the door on me, and I simply stare ahead having no idea what I just walked in on, let alone what he’s divulged to me.
Who the hell is that man, and how the hell does he know anything about me? I’ve been so secretive, so extremely careful, so I honestly have no idea.
Immediately I start searching his name on my phone again, hoping to find something before I step into the elevator, and this is the first thing that pops up.
GUNNER REID
Evergreen Real Estate
Tycoon, and most eligible bachelor.
I already knew all this, so I keep on searching and reading.
Gunner Reid is reported to be dangerous in the business world. Not many people go against him, and those that have always seem to lose. He uncovers their secrets, some that not even trained private investigators can find. He’s a man of few words, and someone you should tread lightly around.
My hands start sweating, and I’m afraid any second now I will drop my phone. Then it starts ringing, while music is blaring from his apartment.
&
nbsp; I stare at the door thinking, Is he going to open the door and tell me he’s just told Jasper everything?
But he can’t know everything. Can he?
How could he possibly know everything? We’ve been so prudent and attentive to all the details which keep my uncle and I safe.
The phone starts ringing, stops, and then rings again. I put it to my ear and listen, waiting for whoever it is to begin speaking.
“Issy. Fuck! Are you lost?”
“No,” I reply sharply to Benny while looking back at the door before spinning around and walking away to make my way to the parking garage. I drive off and out into the pouring rain, the wipers of the car finding it hard to keep up and clean the windshield effectively.
“You haven’t broken my damn car, have you?” he whines.
“No,” I reply.
“Thank God. You do know how much that thing cost me, right?”
“Benny, I’m on my way back.”
“Good. They’re asking for you again.” He hangs up and my hands grab the steering wheel almost gripping it too tightly, wondering if I should simply drive away to a normal life, one that isn’t so fucked-up.
I’m sure that’s what my parents would have wanted for me.
Yet, here I am, avenging their deaths.
And planning to take everyone down with me.
The rain follows me back, it’s a little less persistent but still streaming down by the time I reach the club. Parking Benny’s car, I run to the front door and step inside. I spot them all straight away. Jasper’s clearly the king of the group, he’s sitting while they all stand around him, listening to his words intently.
I wonder why I never noticed him before. Did he ever come in? Or was he always lurking around out the front?
“Oh, thank you, God.” Benny takes the keys from my hand. “I was worried.”
“I’m fine. No need to worry, Benny.”
He looks up at me and shakes his head, then he turns in the same direction I’m staring. “I can sneak you out, if you want?” As he’s saying it Jasper turns around and looks at me. “Too late,” he says, but I still hear him.
“Did they used to come in this often?” I ask Benny as Jasper stands. His men follow his line of sight straight to me. I don’t have my wig on right now, and Ace doesn’t look long before he turns away.
“No. They would come in for girls, but not him. Never him.”
Before Jasper reaches us, Benny turns and leaves.
Jasper’s cold hands touch my bare belly. My shirt is high and shows off my midriff where I’m still wet from the rain outside. “Where were you?”
“Delivery.”
Jasper raises an eyebrow and I don’t tell him any more than that. If that man, Gunner, knows more than Jasper, I need to keep it that way.
“Why are you here, Jasper?”
Jasper looks around. “I told you I’d come back for you.”
I nod my head. “You did, but so soon?” I question with a smile.
“It seems I need to get you out of my system, and the only way to do that is to have you. So, what do you say, Isadora?” He steps in my space, his hand lays firmly on my hip. “Can I have you?”
“I’m not for sale,” I say, grinning.
“Everything has a price, Isadora, even you. Tell me yours?”
I look over his shoulder, watching his men walk up to us. I pause, waiting, and then lean in and whisper, “What if I don’t want you?” I purposely look past him to Ace.
Ace stands there having no idea what’s going on. But I feel Jasper’s grip tighten on my hip almost to the point of pain where he’s about to bruise me.
My lines with him are becoming blurry, I want him, but I have things I need to do. Which would ruin my want for him. Let’s face it, he will kill me.
“Is there someone else you want?” Following my line of sight he smirks when he looks back to me. “You want one of my men?” He shakes his head. “No can do. I don’t share that way.”
I shrug, and Ace looks at me with a smirk. “Pink.”
I smile brightly. Actually, I like him. Just not in the way I’m making Jasper believe. I have to ruffle his feathers somehow, and I can’t tell him about Gunner, so this is my best option right now.
His fingers dig in further, and even though I feel the pressure I don’t move away from him. Instead, I stay perfectly still.
“It’s best you don’t talk to her,” Jasper states while staring at me.
“Oh… is this her?” Ace questions, raising an eyebrow like it’s finally registering. “Almost didn’t recognize you without your pink hair, pink.”
I wink at him. “I prefer the pink.”
“I don’t. So don’t wear it again,” Jasper barks next to me.
“So controlling,” I whine. I notice he lets me touch his shoulder when we’re this close, usually I’m only allowed when his lips are locked on mine. So, why did he tie me up last time? He made it perfectly clear he doesn’t like to be touched, so I’m careful where I place my hands. Seems it’s okay on his shoulders, but he still tenses.
“Why don’t you show me why you get to keep me all to yourself then?”
“Don’t tease me, Isadora. I’m not a man you want to play games with.”
“I have things I want to do tonight. So, I can’t go with you anyway.” I pull away from him and Jasper attempts to reach for me but I shake my head. “Goodnight Jasper, enjoy your night.” I turn, not looking back, as I head outside. The rain is still heavy but I’m already wet, so it doesn’t stop me.
“Isadora…” My name is called, so I stop and turn around. Jasper walks over to me, his chocolate hair slicking down with water and sticking to his face. He looks like sex, right now. He is sex.
“I’m going home, Jasper. Tonight you don’t get to tell me what to do.” I turn but he reaches for my hand pulling me back, so I have to face him.
“Women don’t tell me what they want to do. They fucking listen. But you’re new to my world, so I’ll let that slide. This time…” he pauses, “… but that won’t happen again, Isadora. You want to be in it, I know you do. You wouldn’t have followed Ace, otherwise. So now, your mine. If you touch another man I will have to kill him. Do you want that? Me to kill another man because of you?” He’s menacing, I see the anger etched all over his face to his eyes that hold something so sinister right now.
“What about if I touch, Ace?” I stir him a little, he damn well deserves it. Jasper pulls me to him so our bodies are touching everywhere, while the rain washes over us. Being touched by him does things to me that shouldn’t happen. His touch ignites me and I don’t like it, but I secretly love it.
“I’ll kill him, too. Everyone’s replaceable. I learned that at a young age. Even someone as significant as a mother can be replaced. What makes you think my men and women can’t either?”
Fuck! I try to hold the shiver that wracks through my body at the sound of those words. He smirks and leans in, kissing my lips. I let him. One… because he’s a good kisser, and two… because I’m a little afraid of him, and three… well fuck, because I like it when he kisses me. Anywhere on my body. He’s a damn fine kisser.
He pulls back, and I keep my eyes closed for a second longer smiling when I look up at him.
“Don’t disappoint me, Isadora. I would hate to have to hurt you, or anyone else around you.” He lets me go and turns to walk off. My hands begin to shake when he’s no longer touching me, my nerves are shot and my head is all over the place.
I watch his gorgeous body step back inside the club, and it isn’t until the door shuts and the rain becomes heavier that I turn to leave. Wondering what tomorrow will bring.
11
Jasper
“You’re to stay away from her. Do you fucking understand?” I tell Ace with a glare that could melt ice, somehow she has grown on me and the thought of another man touching her makes me so angry that I could kill whoever thinks about it. He simply stares at me. “Ace,” I say, demanding he ans
wer me.
“Fine! I found her first, you know. You stole her.” He waves his hands in the air, shaking his head as he walks away.
“Boss, it’s time.” Gabe hands me my pistol and I holster it as we leave the house. “Two men. One’s out the back the other in front.” I give a curt nod as the car takes off. “It’s over one-hundred thousand now, too, boss,” Gabe fills me in as he reads from his iPad.
“Who let the debt get that bad?” I ask him. Small business owners aren’t allowed to be in debt to that extent, especially when he already owes me his life to begin with.
“You,” he says putting the iPad away.
I look to him and he casts his eyes down. “How?”
“We warned you last month that he was borrowing against the business.”
“Of course, he was,” I moan sitting back.
If I had a choice in the world of what my life would be like, this wouldn’t be it. I was born into this world, so it’s all I know. But this is not what I would choose. I do this because I was raised, groomed and coached for this, not because I choose to do it.
Despite not wanting this life, this is the life I was given, so I live it the best I can. Yes, that comes with harder days than the rest, and some things need a show of power to evoke fear to earn respect more than others. My father was feared for so much worse than me, I am not like him.
The car comes to a stop out the front of a small delivery center. Robert helps us ship drugs and launder money. Now he’ll be useless to me, and I’ll have to find a replacement. Fuck.
“Where’s Robert? Back or front?” I ask Gabe.
He simply nods his head to the front.
“Go through the back entrance and secure his son,” I tell him as we get out.
Carter walks in with me while Gabe and Ace slip out back.
It’s quiet, the shops on this street are closed. Opening the front door I spot Richard straight away counting the cash behind the till, he spots us and freezes. His eyes look everywhere, and I see the exact moment he knows what we’re here for. He runs, straight out the back. I begin looking around the shop for things I can use, but there’s nothing of value. I drop a package on the floor and hear it clunk. When I bend down to retrieve it, Richard’s being escorted back inside. Tim, one of my men, has him around the throat and Richard’s son is in Gabe’s hands.