The Big Blind (Nadia Wolf)

by Pierce, Nicolette

  “Boss?”

  Remy ended the call and backed off. I turned and hailed a taxi.

  I shut the door to my apartment and sunk into the couch next to Gus. He grunted as I scratched him behind his ear.

  “What the hell did I just do, Gus?”

  He didn’t answer.

  “I think I made a huge mistake. Should I have left like that?”

  “I wouldn’t let it bother you,” a man said behind me. “Greyson can take care of himself.”

  I jumped from the couch and swung around. “You!”

  Chapter 10

  I studied the man standing before me. He was the same one that made the cameo appearances in the security monitor and footage. He was tall, lean, and familiar somehow. His hair was dark, and he had a hard handsome quality to him. His eyes were steel gray like Greyson’s.

  “Holy shit!” I was standing in front of Greyson’s missing brother. “You’re David!”

  He smiled showing his perfectly straight white teeth. “What gave it away?”

  “Your voice, your handsome cologne-model features, and the way you carry yourself; but it’s your eyes that sealed it.”

  “Ah yes, the family gray eyes.”

  “Why are you here? Am I supposed to be afraid of you?” I was too stunned and curious to feel any real danger.

  “You mean you’re not afraid of a stranger standing in your living room?”

  “Not really. You’re Greyson’s brother, and I’m too exhausted.”

  He smirked. “I hope my brother didn’t keep you up all night.”

  I glared at him. “Don’t even start. I have to stay awake for twenty-four hours. It has nothing to do with Greyson.”

  “He didn’t even try anything? I thought I taught him better.”

  “You taught him enough; I refuse to talk about this further. What do you want?”

  “Should I be afraid of you? You have a punching bag in your room and a lack of fear of strangers.”

  “It’s for pent up hostility from the poker table.”

  “Do the clothes draped on it help or hinder the expulsion of your hostility?”

  “Hinder. Which is why I’m still hostile.”

  “Good to know,” he said and relaxed on my couch.

  “What do you want from me?” I settled into a chair opposite of him. “Why aren’t you talking to Greyson?”

  “Greyson’s movements are always being watched. He has cameras everywhere, and his people know where he is at all times.”

  “You already broke into the cash room. You don’t seem to be worried about cameras.”

  “I did that for evidence. I allowed the camera catch me so Greyson would figure it out. I can’t, however, keep letting the camera catch me.”

  “What’s with the hand signal in the camera?”

  “We had secret hand signals when we were kids. Greyson knows what it means.”

  I arched my eyebrow. “So, you’re trying to help Greyson?”

  “Yes, but I need you to relay my messages.” He eyed Gus who was lying on the cushion next to him. “What’s wrong with him? Last time he attacked me.”

  “He was on a diet, but I gave up. Why can’t you call Greyson yourself?”

  Gus glared at me when I said “diet”. He attempted to curl himself into a ball but couldn’t with all the extra stomach. He settled for a horseshoe shape and sighed.

  “I don’t want you to call him. You have to give him the messages in person.”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “I need your help.”

  “I’m not getting involved.”

  “You’re already involved.”

  I tapped my foot. “I don’t see why you can’t call him.”

  “I think some one is tapping into his phone calls.”

  “If that’s the case, wouldn’t there be some kind of bug in his penthouse?”

  “I’m sure there is.”

  “And his limo?”

  “Most likely.”

  “Why don’t you ask him to meet you somewhere else?”

  “Because I need you.”

  I studied his face. “You’re afraid of him.”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why did you disappear for two years?”

  “I can’t tell you.”

  “The way I see it, you’re either in hiding or working on some sort of secret case. Otherwise, you wouldn’t go missing and then reappear now. You couldn’t tell Greyson or the rest of your family, and now you’re afraid Greyson will kick your ass for disappearing and not telling him.”

  He smirked. “Something like that.”

  “Is the reason you disappeared have anything to do with the counterfeit money?”

  “No, it has nothing to do with it. But it makes it even more important that I keep a low profile.”

  I crossed my arms. “You haven’t been keeping a low profile so far.”

  “I only let you see me when I want you to.” He stretched out his long legs making himself at home.

  “You mean you’ve been around me before and I haven’t seen you?”

  He nodded and scratched Gus behind the ear.

  “You’re not making your case any better.”

  “Listen, Greyson needs help whether he knows it or not. I can’t help him without blowing my cover. Please do this for me.”

  “Why me? Why not Mya?”

  “I can’t let her know. I believe she’s being watched as well. Speaking of Mya, did she pick that outfit out for you? It doesn’t resemble the style I’ve seen you in.”

  I groaned. “She was doing me a favor. My clothes were drenched, and she bought these from the boutique.”

  David nodded. “It has Mya written all over it.” His lips curled. “It works for you. I’m sure Greyson had an eyeful.”

  I ignored the remark about Greyson. “Mya is a sweetheart. How could you leave her?”

  His eyes softened. “Believe me, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I can go home to Mya sooner if you help me.”

  “How?”

  He sighed. “You ask a lot of questions.”

  I opened up my mouth to argue, but he raised his hand to stop me.

  “I’m working on something right now. I can’t say anything about it, but I always keep an eye out for my family. I had gotten wind of some dirty money coming from Greyson’s casino. I came back to find out for myself. I took a big risk coming here.”

  “Tell me what you know.” It appeared I was already involved and was going to be riding this train wreck until the very end.

  “I know the money is fake and not done professionally. I’m surprised it hasn’t caught up to Greyson yet.”

  “Do you know how it’s filtered into the building?”

  “I don’t know. I’m still figuring it out.”

  I relaxed in my chair. “Greyson watched all the footage, but some of it is missing.”

  David nodded. “That makes sense. Does he have any idea who it might be?”

  “He knows it was an inside job. There was a guy hired and paid by the casino, but Greyson said there was no way he would have hired him.”

  “I figured as much. So, you’ll help me?”

  “I’ll help you for Mya’s sake, but no one else.”

  He smiled. “I’m glad Mya has a friend like you.”

  “Yeah, just hurry up and come back home so she can dump her jackass boyfriend.”

  He chuckled. “You really do have some pent up hostility.”

  “Aren’t you mad she’s dating?”

  “Of course I am, but I knew what was going to happen when I left. She’s a beautiful and vibrant woman. It would be ignorant to think she would wait for me. I’m actually very happy she waited as long as she did.”

  “Well, fortunately for you, she’s still hung up on you.”

  David smirked. “The Miller’s tend to have that affect.”

  I scoffed at him. “I haven’t seen anything to make me believe that
.”

  Amused, he raised his eyebrow. “You know what they say about pets and their owners, don’t you? You’re starting to resemble Gus, or is it the other way around?”

  I stood abruptly. My hands flew to my hip. I was about to give him a stern what-for when he laughed.

  “Seriously, you’re too easy to rattle. Come here.”

  I stood my ground. My eyes followed him as he stood up and strolled into my bedroom. He returned a short while later with my boxing gloves.

  “Put them on,” he said.

  “I don’t feel like punching anything.”

  “Your whole body is pulsing with negative energy. I’ll have to give Greyson a lecture next time I see him. If he would have properly taken care of your needs, you would be soft and satisfied.”

  I glared at him. I really didn’t want to hear about his brotherly advice on girls, especially if it had to do with Greyson. He could probably give a few lessons of his own.

  David chuckled, grabbed my hand, and led me into my bedroom. He positioned me in front of the punching bag and shoved the gloves on my hands as he gave me instructions on proper technique.

  “Go ahead,” he said, stepping out of the way. “Give it your best shot.”

  I tapped the bag with my glove.

  “Try a little harder.”

  I gave it a soft punch. A smile crept on my face. I quickly smothered it.

  “Good; now harder.”

  “Really?”

  “I want you to beat the shit out of it.”

  I gave it a solid punch. My tension dissipated. I punched it again.

  “Great. Let’s switch it up so you don’t fatigue or hurt yourself.”

  He positioned himself in front of the punching bag and demonstrated jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. I watched in awe as his muscles rippled underneath his t-shirt. He was in top physical condition. I could see why Mya was still hung up on him. My mind shot to Greyson. I pushed David out of the way and hauled back and walloped the bag. David called out punches, and I followed his instructions. After twenty minutes, I was drenched in sweat and exhausted.

  “Can I stop now?” I asked.

  “Have we vanquished your aggression yet?”

  Caleb zapped into my brain. I clenched my teeth together, spun around, and kicked the bag. It smacked into the wall with a thud.

  David’s eyes widened. “Where did that come from?”

  “Jet Li . . . and a whole lot of resentment.”

  “Hit the shower, Jet. We have work to do.”

  Chapter 11

  After David explained the counterfeiting details, and what I was to relay to Greyson, he departed through the window. I preferred the sensible route and chose the stairs. Plus, he had to return to spy headquarters or wherever he came from. He gave me the message for Greyson before he Spiderman’d his way out the window. I glanced out the window after he left but didn’t see him. I was on my way out the door when Frankie caught me.

  “You’re looking decent considering you haven’t slept,” he said. “Why aren’t you with Greyson?”

  “I’m going back over there.”

  “Before you go, I have some fabulous news.”

  “Can it wait?”

  Frankie arched his eyebrow at my absurdity.

  “Okay, tell me the good news.”

  “Lupier called and wants you to perform again.”

  My jaw dropped open. “You can’t be serious. I mooned the crowd and TV viewers, and I nearly burned myself up with my own cards. My hair still has burnt edges.”

  “Yes, your locks are dreadful, but his ticket sales spiked because of you. He wants you to be his assistant this time. That way, there won’t be any mistakes.”

  “It wasn’t entirely my fault! And I don’t know any thing about magic.”

  Frankie flipped his hand in the air. “What’s there to know? He does all the work, and you just stand there looking pretty.”

  “Uh-huh.” I was pretty sure that wasn’t what was going to happen. “When is it?”

  “In two nights. He’ll have your costume and everything. You’ll need to hook up with him to learn the routine.”

  Working closely with Lupier wasn’t on my list of fun things. I’d contact him later; procrastination has benefits.

  The taxi dropped me off at the casino. I stood on the sidewalk hesitant to go inside. It would only be a matter of minutes before I was spotted and Greyson would be aware of my location. I’d wait for him outside where there weren’t any extra ears. If he didn’t come out, then I would have to go inside.

  I lumbered to the nearest bench and sank down. The hot sun melted me to my seat. I wasn’t going to be able to wait longer than ten minutes before I would have to seek the air-conditioned casino. A shadow fell over me. I gazed up to find Remy towering over me.

  “Greyson wants to see you.”

  “Tell Greyson to come out here.”

  Remy crossed his arms. “I will not tell him that. You need to come inside.”

  I smirked and crossed my arms. “I don’t think so. Tell him I’ll meet him at Café Sofina if he wants to talk.”

  “What the hell happened between you two? You’re obviously ticked about something.”

  “I am. But that’s not why I’m here. Tell him I have a message. If he wants it, he’ll have to come and get it.” I stood to leave. “I’ll give him ten minutes to be at the café, and then I’m out of there.”

  “You know I could just pick you up and carry you to him.”

  “Remy, you wouldn’t dare. And after my battle with the punching bag this today, I have the fighter’s blood of Jet Li and maybe Bruce Lee. Nobody messes with them,” I said and poked his arm.

  “That’s it,” Remy said, grabbing my waist. He picked me up like I was a football and carried me like one into the casino.

  “Don’t you dare, Remy.”

  “Looks like I already dared,” he said.

  Okay, I now know not to poke his arm.

  Eyes from the casino patrons flickered to Remy and me. No one seemed to think anything of it and their eyes turned back to their slot machines.

  “Put me down. I’ll walk myself.”

  “I don’t trust you. You might go all Jet Li on my ass.” He chuckled. “Actually, I’m thinking you might be more like Jackie Chan.”

  “Jackie Chan is a great martial artist.”

  “Yes, he is. But his movies crack me up.”

  “Are you saying I’m a clown?”

  “I didn’t say clown. Jackie Chan isn’t a clown, but he does make me laugh; so do you.”

  “You know I could punch you below the belt right now.”

  “You could though it wouldn’t help you at all.”

  “Why? I could run away.”

  “I wear a cup.”

  “I don’t want to hear this,” I said, trying to stick my fingers in my ear.

  “Hey, you have to take precautions if you’re in my line of work.”

  “Do all security guards wear cups? Why did I just ask that? Forget it! I don’t want to know.”

  “Not all. I’m keeping my boys safe. I’ve had too many close calls.”

  “Remy! I don’t want to hear about your boys unless they happen to be your children.”

  He chuckled.

  “I don’t want to be seen like this,” I said.

  “You should have thought about that before.” He punched the elevator button with his meaty finger.

  The elevator door opened and Catarina stepped out. She glared at me, but a smile slithered to her face.

  “Well-well, what’s this? Remy, are you taking Greyson’s dog for a walk?”

  Damn her! I flung my leg at Catarina just as Remy turned to step into the elevator. I missed Catarina and my leg connected with the metal elevator door frame. Tears sprung to my eyes as a shockwave roared up my leg with pain. Catarina laughed and sauntered off. Remy glanced down at me and shook his head.

  “Are you okay?” He asked, swiping his pass in the elevator. He
pushed the top floor button. “If I had known you were trying to kick her, I would have stood still. You’re making this harder on yourself.”

  “I’m making this hard? All I needed to do was give Greyson a message, and you go all King Kong on me. The only difference is we’re taking the elevator to the top floor instead of scaling the building.”

  He smiled. “I like King Kong. He’s a cool monkey.”

  “Isn’t he a gorilla?”

  “Can’t leave it alone, can you?”

  “What?”

  He sighed. “I’m glad I only have to escort you to Greyson. He can deal with you.”

  “This is what you call an escort? I think my whole middle is bruised from this escort.”

  The elevator door opened, and he continued to carry me like a football the final distance to Greyson’s penthouse. Greyson opened the door and only then did Remy set me down inside the door. I rubbed my stomach.

  “She’s all yours. Do you need me to stay?”

  “No, it’s okay,” Greyson said.

  Remy grinned at me. “Hey Jet, it’s been fun.”

  I stuck my tongue out at him. He retreated from the room with a chuckle. Greyson closed the door behind him. His eyes focused on me, but he didn’t speak. I sighed and limped to the couch. I inspected my leg to find it already puffy and red. It was only a matter of time before a nasty bruise would appear.

  Greyson inspected my leg. “Do you want some ice for your leg?”

  “No.”

  “Did Remy do this?”

  “Not really.”

  “Do you want to talk?”

  “No.”

  Greyson knelt in front of me. “Nadia, what’s going on? Why did you leave so abruptly and return the same way?”

  I groaned. I felt like an ass. Greyson has only been nice to me—the King Kong incident aside—and I’m treating him like crap because of what Mya said. Because he had a bachelor lifestyle and I wanted . . . wanted what? I certainly didn’t want a man who was married to his work. So, what was my problem? I sighed. The problem was: I was yet another woman who needed Mya to go and fetch her things; just one more woman to iron out her needs and then send her on her way.

  “Nadia, what’s going through your head?”

  “Greyson, I’m sorry. I overreacted to some thing someone said to me.”