by KB Winters
“Anyone laid eyes on Ravager yet?”
Jasper shook his head and sucked back half of his beer. “Don’t even fucking get me started on that fucker.”
Frustration rolled off of him in waves. I felt bad for the guy, but it was the burden of being the man in charge.
Maureen sauntered over to our booth, her giant tits leading the way and her dimpled smile aimed right at Jasper. “Hey Boss Man, figured you might need this.” She set down two double shot glasses and a bottle of Black Barrel Jameson.
Jasper looked up, his gaze lingered on the strawberry blonde’s tits for just a moment before the disappointed slope of his brows told me he remembered she was twenty-two and his employee.
“Not that I don’t appreciate a good shot of whiskey, Maureen, but why do I need Jameson’s? Christ, don’t tell me you’re leaving.”
His tone and the pleading in his eyes said Jas couldn’t take another blow. Not today.
Maureen’s dimpled smile widened. “Like you could get rid of me that easily, handsome. I figured you must’ve heard by now.”
The amusement in her eyes dimmed as she nodded towards the TV mounted on the wall. “I guess not. Hang on.” Even in anger and frustration, his gaze lingered on her ass when she turned to grab the remote and unmute the TV.
That meant he wasn’t anywhere close to the breaking point. Yet.
Maureen cranked the volume on the TV closest to our table and Jasper groaned as the story aired.
“Parochial Vicar, deputy to beloved local priest Bishop Dietrich Mueller was found murdered earlier today in an alley off of Seventh Street and Liddell Avenue known for drugs, prostitution and crime. Authorities say robbery does not appear to be the motive as he was found with his wallet and valuables. Is this part of a recent crime spree or another hate crime against members of the clergy? Tanya Torres has more. Tanya?”
Jasper grabbed the Jameson’s with fire in his eyes. “Fuck me, this shit doesn’t end!” He pulled the cork on the bottle and poured until both glasses were filled to the brim. “Thanks Mo.”
“No problem. You boys want something to soak up the booze?” Her gaze bounced between us, a haunted look now in her eyes.
“Fish and chips with extra tartar for me, thanks Mo.”
She glared at me. “Mo now, am I, Ter?”
I shrugged. “Extra fries too. Maureen.”
“That’s better. And you Jasper, what’ll it be?”
“Just the stew of the day and biscuits. Lots and lots of biscuits. Please.”
Her lips quirked into an amused grin that Jasper missed and she shrugged. “Coming up soon. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I figured you wanted to know.”
“You did the right thing, and I appreciate it.”
“Yep.”
As soon as Maureen was out of ear shot, Jasper turned to me with a look of disbelief on his face. “What the fuck?”
We both knew exactly what the fuck, or rather who. “Another dead priest isn’t exactly a reason to mourn. I’m just sad it’s not Mueller. That would make both our lives a little easier.”
“A lot fucking easier,” he growled. “But this is close enough to Mueller to be seen as a threat.” And the Ashby family was the only group brave enough to take that fucker on, and it was no secret in certain circles in Glitz.
It wasn’t a threat so much as it was a promise that more dead priests would turn up, and soon, until the matter was solved. Until then, every so-called man of God should be worried. “What do you want to do about it?”
“I want you to keep an eye on Kat. She’s not gonna like it, and she’ll probably fight you every step of the way, but I need you to keep her safe.”
“You know I will.” There was nothing I wouldn’t do for the Ashby family and Kat especially, but Jasper didn’t need to know that. He had enough shit on his plate as it was. “I’ll head over to Emerald Isle as soon as I finish my fish and fries.”
Jasper shook his head. “Another dead priest means the Feds will show their heads around again. And soon.”
And when law enforcement started digging around, they always found a reason to stick around until they found something to justify their digging.
“Fucking Feds,” I grumbled. “You have any idea who’s killing the priests? Isn’t Rhymer in with them?” I took one last shot of whiskey just before Maureen arrived with the food. I needed to be clear headed to keep Kat safe, and to avoid any stupid mistakes that might make shit weird between me and my best friend.
“No idea. But I’ll get to the bottom of it.” Jasper took another long drink and said, “These fuckers think they can get over on us, but they have another think coming.”
I just nodded.
We finished most of our meal in silence, both of us lost in thought about too much shit to voice. We had done as much talking as either of us planned to do, so we let the carbs and the grease soak up the alcohol until I stood, ready to see Kat. Again.
“We should have Cal look into who purchased that green Lambo,” I said, “just for peace of mind.”
Jas looked up from his pool of troubled thoughts. “He’s already on it. Brendan had to get it from somewhere if it was even him. See ya later, man.”
I gave one last wave and walked out of Midnight Mass just as the sun started to sink below the horizon. It was a quick drive to the casino, just enough for the crisp desert air to give me a much needed burst of energy. As the elevator rose to the top floor, I took several deep breaths and waited for the nervousness, the anticipation at seeing Kat again to fade.
Her effect on me should have lessened by now since I’d had her—multiple times—but when I opened the door and she looked up with an excited smile and slightly aroused look on her face, I swear that fucking feeling intensified.
“I don’t remember ordering a hot blond for dinner.” When she flashed that smile at me, I knew I was in deep trouble.
Deep fucking trouble.
Because out of all the beautiful women in Glitz, hell in Las Vegas proper, I had to go and fall for Kat Ashby.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Kat
“Kat, so nice of you to join us.”
Sadie’s smile softened the blow of her words and I just rolled my eyes.
“I left the office as soon as I could, Ma.”
The truth was that I left as soon as I could tear myself out of Terry’s arms and even that was too soon as far as I was concerned.
“Did I miss anything?”
“Nothing but a few drinks.” Sadie had decided it would be nice to have a dinner with just the girls since Sunday dinners had mostly become a de facto business meeting. That left Madison and Bonnie out of those conversations, though honestly it was unclear if Bonnie even wanted to be part of the family. Not that she had a choice.
Sadie brought her glass to her lips and asked, “How are things?” before taking a sip.
“Fine,” I sighed and took the empty seat between Sadie at the head of the table and Madison to my right. Bonnie sulked across from us.
“Busy but everything is going just as it should, well except for the never-ending fallout from Ravager’s disappearance.”
I was sure he had help from somewhere but until Jasper believed the same thing, it was a moot point.
“It will sort itself out, I promise.”
She flashed a tight smile that said Ma wasn’t as calm as she pretended to be, but her message was clear. Pretend for the sake of the other women at the table.
“I know this is supposed to be some kind of ladies bonding type of meal,” Madison leaned over and whispered with a smirk, “but I’m dying to know if you have any news on Molly?”
Shit. I knew Madison wouldn’t let it go, and I didn’t blame her, but with the death of Mueller’s deputy, keeping her safe was top priority.
“So far all dead ends. I haven’t found any evidence that she’s dead but every time we have a lead, we’ve just missed her.”
That wasn’t technically a lie and I hadn’t
given up on changing Molly’s mind yet. But Mueller had to be dealt with permanently, first.
“Well that’s shitty,” she grumbled, pouting into a glass of red wine as the food came out.
“I know and I’m sorry, but I promise to keep you in the loop, Madison.”
“I know,” she sighed. “And I appreciate it Kat. Thanks.”
The pain was alive in her eyes. The agony of not knowing whether or not her family was still alive touched me to the core. I wouldn’t stop trying with Molly until one of us was dead.
“No worries. How’s work?” I asked to switch topics. Ma had put her wicked math skills to use at one of the off-books card games, and Madison used her sharp wit and smart mouth to score a hit as well.
“The players are salty and the money is good, so I can’t complain.” She dug into the food on the table, a sign she was done talking, probably for the night.
Maisie and Bonnie had both been suspiciously quiet, but I didn’t have the patience to deal with Bonnie’s shit, so I turned my focus to my girl Maisie. “How are wedding plans coming along, Maze?”
She perked up at the topic of conversation, a bright smile lighting up her face. “Slow but I’m making progress.” Her gaze turned hesitant and wary as she slid a glance to a sullen Bonnie.
“Actually Kat, I wanted to ask if you wouldn’t mind helping me out? You’re better at all this fancy wedding shit.”
Sadie laughed. “It’s your wedding honey, you pick what will make the day most memorable for you. Virgil only cares that the day ends with you as his wife.”
Bonnie’s derisive snort drew an ice-cold look from Sadie, who surprisingly said nothing.
“I know, but I’d like some input. I always wanted it to be me and my girls doing the planning,” she sighed, “but with everything going on it’s been mostly a solo effort.”
And judging by her glaring silence, Bonnie was being an unhelpful asshole. Bitch. I didn’t know what her deal was, but I planned to find out soon. Like I didn’t already have enough on my plate.
“I didn’t realize that was a thing, but I’m happy to offer my expert advice on your wedding.” I smirked and Maisie’s smile widened.
“Thanks. Smart ass.”
“Precisely why you need my advice.”
She flipped me off and I laughed because, damn it was nice to have a sister.
“To Maisie and Virgil for giving us another reason to celebrate!”
“Cheers to that shit,” Madison said with a grin and finished off her glass of wine. “Sadie, dinner was great, but I’m gonna try to get a nap in before tonight’s card game.”
She walked out of the dining room with a bounce in her step that told me she was doing better than when she’d arrived. Her scars had healed, mostly, and she was showing more signs of life, despite the uncertainty about her sister.
“She seems to be doing well,” Maisie observed when Madison was gone.
“She is,” Sadie agreed. “That haunted look is still there, but it will be until she has her sister back.”
“Maybe helping plan Bonnie’s baby shower will be another nice distraction,” Maisie offered with a cautious smile that pissed me off. Why the hell should any of us be walking on eggshells for Bonnie, who couldn’t be bothered to act like she wanted to be part of the family?
“I don’t want a baby shower.” Bonnie’s words were quiet but there was a hint of steel in them that said she’d given this decision a lot of thought.
Maisie frowned. “Why not? This baby is a reason to celebrate.”
“I just don’t, Maisie. Is that all right with you?” The table fell silent at her outburst.
“Fine. Whatever.” The hurt that shone in Maisie’s blue eyes set my gut on fire.
“What’s with the bitchy fucking attitude lately, Bonnie? If you don’t want to be a part of this family, you know where the door is.”
Sadie might be willing to let her behavior go since she was carrying an Ashby child, but I wouldn’t.
She looked up, feigned hurt in her eyes that I didn’t give a fuck about. “I just don’t want a baby shower,” she snapped.
“Don’t worry, none of us want to celebrate a fucking thing with you anyway.” I snorted in disgust and took a sip of wine, refusing to let Bonnie ruin my night. “There’s a boutique that just opened up in Mayhem, Maze, we can look there for dresses. Maybe you want to invite your aunt?”
She perked up at that idea and nodded. “Send me the details and I’ll set something up.” Her excitement was palpable, and I couldn’t help but love a girl who was so eager to marry one of my lug head brothers.
I picked up my phone and shot over the details with a smile. “Done. Oh, and you should talk to the casino event planner, Lana. Even if you don’t want her help, she can give you all the good places to go for all your wedding needs.”
Maisie laughed. “You sound like a commercial for the casino.”
“Job hazard.”
“Are we all just gonna pretend like another priest didn’t get murdered?” Bonnie’s question was angry and dark and came out of nowhere.
Sadie sighed with more patience than I knew she possessed and put her fork down. “Would you like to talk about it, Bonnie?”
She shrugged; gaze fixed on her plate. “What’s there to say?”
“You brought it up,” I growled. “So fucking talk about it if you have something to say.”
“Did they find out who killed him?”
“No, but the police are investigating. If you have any information,” Sadie said slowly, “I’m sure they would welcome the help.”
Shit. That was a dare wrapped up in a threat if I’ve ever heard one. Bonnie had better tread carefully.
“What would be the point? They probably won’t find anything,” she shot back angrily. “Or will they?”
“If there’s no evidence, probably not. Given how wrong they were about you murdering Father Eric and what it cost you, I would think you’d be happy they’re taking their time to solve the crime.”
Sadie’s reminder had the desired effect of shutting Bonnie the hell up.
Thank goodness.
“So Kat, how was your road trip with Terry?” The sparkle in Sadie’s eyes made me wonder if she’d seen something she shouldn’t.
“It was…interesting.”
Ma’s bark of laughter had my hand reaching for the decanter of whisky.
“Oh please, that boy has had it bad for you since his balls dropped.”
She fucking snorted at that. So did Maisie, surprisingly.
“No, he doesn’t. Terry barely tolerates me. And what do you know about his balls, anyway?” Way less than I did for sure. “He’s only around because Jas asked him to babysit me.”
“Bullshit,” Sadie laughed. Again. “You’re so clueless that I almost feel sorry for you.”
Maisie shook her head in disbelief. “How can someone be so good at business and so oblivious when it comes to her love life?” To bring her point home, she raised a fresh glass of wine in my direction. “To Kat, finally figuring it out.”
I shook my head, not because they were wrong, but because I refused to let that hope take up residence in my heart. It was foolish and would only lead to inevitable heartbreak. The fact that we were still running around, enjoying each other’s company on the sly, told me he would never be mine. Not really.
“Jasper won’t be happy about it, but it’s up to you and Terry,” Ma advised. “He’s protective, possessive of you both. His best friend and his only sister,” she sighed. “Where will that leave him?”
“Exactly where he is now, with Terry at his side and me filling in for him at HOA. He has nothing to worry about, trust me.”
But I couldn’t stop thinking about Ma’s words during dinner and afterwards.
Was Jasper really worried about losing his best friend to his younger sister? No, the answer came quickly. He would be pissed because it was something he couldn’t control.
Well he can’t control me
, I thought later as I paced the length of my living room, anxious and unable to stop thinking about Terry. Thinking was getting me nowhere, so after a quick shower and change, I grabbed my keys and went to the man in person. The drive was too short for me to gather my thoughts, so I went straight to the front door and knocked while my heart beat like crazy inside my chest.
The locks disengaged and the door opened to reveal Terry’s squinting face. “Kat?”
I nodded and took a step forward. “It’s me. Invite me in, Terry.”
He stood up taller and slid one hand through his mussed hair, a smile slowly spreading across his face as he took a step back.
“You don’t need an invite Kat.”
***
“What are you doing here?” Terry’s tone was half sleepy and half curious, his shirtless body making my mouth water.
“I knew you wouldn’t come to me, and I wanted to see you. Is that all right?”
Suddenly I felt nervous, like the gawky teenage girl who’d fallen for him all those years ago. My heart raced against my chest like a runaway train, expecting the worst.
“It is. I just saw you. Earlier.” His lips quirked into a lazy grin that I desperately wanted to kiss.
I took a step forward. “That was earlier. This is now.” I felt as if this was something different between us. Something new. The heat swirled around us; the air electrified as we each moved until we were toe to toe. Eye to eye.
“Hey, Ter.”
His lips curled up again. “Hey, Kat. Good to see you.”
I put a hand on his shoulder and slid it up until the slight scruff of his jaw scraped against my palm. “It’s good to be seen by you.” Finally, my heart whispered. It was so damn good to look into those blue eyes and see the heat and appreciation. So, so good.
“Yeah?” His smile stole my breath and nearly melted my panties, so I just nodded. “Good,” he growled and brushed my hair aside so he could put his lips to that strip of skin between my neck and shoulder. “Very good.”
I moaned at the feel of his lips on my skin, his hands gripping my ass gently. “Terry.”