Page 26 of Drowned in Gold


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“Oh.” He hoots, the vodka wafting off his breath. “Dangerous words from a big man. I’m listening.”

I take a beat, admiring the chiming slot machines and lavish carpets all steamed for our arrival tonight. Patrons glance at us, because we’re a sight. Big swinging dicks buzzed and getting richer. I make bold moves in business – which is how I got my name.

“Some of Loophole’s boys got rolled into other crews. Yeah, his main guys got the axe, but a few of them shouldn’t be breathing. We… might be doing something about it in the near future.”

Yuri bares his teeth. “An animal amongst the Italians. Big, big balls.” He puffs his chest. “I like that. Maybe you show me you’re not puffing smoke out your ass, then we talk about reopening some channels, ah?”

I run my tongue over my teeth, then extend my hand. He grasps it firmly.

“Now, let’s get that victory drink. No more killing the buzz with this business talk,” I say and snap my fingers once we reach the restaurant. “Table for four.”

The next two hours are full of exchanged stories about gambling wins and losses, how I had to literally drag Tony out by his loafers because he passed out at an overnight poker tournament. We hear about the night Big Ace got his name. Even Yuri shared how underground Russian poker houses go down. Ace asked if they’re played in meat-lockers, and everyone laughed.

It’s a good night, truly. And when Yuri retires to his quarters, I give the rest of the crew the green light to come meet us.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss Gia. Been almost a week now since I last saw her, but I’m messaging her as often as I can, getting what fix I can in our banter. She should be on my arm enjoying this victory. I think of that cute little smirk she gives me when she’s trying to resist me. What’s more, her savory pussy haunts my taste buds, no matter how much alcohol I drink to numb it. Can’t wait to get back home to New York and sneak a visit again.

I tried to resist her, I did. But it was just us in the back of the SUV, blocked out from the rest of the world, and her yearning was screaming just as loud as my own. How could I leave her disappointed?

Things are looking good. We’re on a sure road to double our crew’s business, and for the first time in a while, I’m excited to see a woman.

We head to the Alqui bar that Tony bought out for the after party. I walk into dim amber lighting, black marble floors, and red-felt booths with champagne iced on every table. Plopping down at the center of everything makes me realize how buzzed I am. Half my job is holding my liquor, so I don’t mind indulging after a good night.

Ace, Tony, and the others gloat about their winnings. But my chest tightens when I see Marco sauntering in. He’s so fucking brazen. He’s got clear plastic bags full of powder flapping under his belt. What’s worse, a harem of girls follows him inside our bar.

“Party’s here, bitches.” Marco winks and pretends to toss one of the women at Billy. “One for you, and for you, and for you.”

The girls giggle as he manhandles them. All escorts – of course, compliments of Marco’s grimy connection on the east coast. He struts up to us with five of the most beautiful in his harem, and presents them like he’s handing out awards.

I don’t know what’s come over me, but my palms are sweating, and I suddenly want to rush back to my room and slam the fucking door.

“This is Lisa, Bonny, Apple, Deedee, and Mia.” Marco’s irises are quivering he’s so high.

Two of the women eye me and start seductively playing with their hair. I want no part of it.

“Oh, you like the boss, do you?” Marco looks at Apple and Bonny. “Yeah, what else is new? He steals all the ladies.” He shoves them gently to sit beside me, then plops on the far side beside Tony.

I extend my hand to be polite. “Castor. Hi, Castor.” I offer a flash of a smile and nothing else so hopefully they get the hint that I’m not interested.

They don’t.

One sits uncomfortably close. Her skin-tight short dress rolls up even higher compliments of the seat, but I don’t even offer a glance.

“Busy day, Marco?” I lean forward to grab some champagne – breaking the girls’ attempt at hooking my arms.

“Oh, you know me, Cast.” He smiles wide, then eyes the women, noticing their change in mood. “Hey, what’s the big idea?” He gestures between them. “Don’t like my selections?”

“Cut it out. That’s rude,” I scold him. “We were brought up better than that.”

“What? I don’t get it. One tall brunette with wavy hair, lots of jewelry like you like. And this one, blonde southern-type bell with those weird pointy nails you like. You sick fuck.” He laughs hard at his own doing, prompting Tony to cackle alongside him.

With that, there’s no way I can sit here and entertain any more of this. I get up, politely excusing myself.

“Whoa, what the fuck, Cast?” Marco spreads his arms. “I worked hard for you.”

“Sorry. Not feeling it tonight. I’ll catch you all in the morning. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

I pour the women their first glass of champagne in apology and cheers them farewell.

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