I wrinkle my nose. “Did she?”
Roz comes around the bar and leans onto it beside me.
“That’s between her and them,” Roz answers. “I don’t assume or ask. I only tell the facts for your safety. So, consider this your warning. Be careful.”
I offer her a small genuine smile. I appreciate how loyal she is to the girls. It makes me feel like she’d be loyal to me too.
“You good? Can you handle this?” she asks.
I look around. It’s impossible not to feel the energy pulsating through the space. Three girls dance on the stage, while“Bury a Friend” by Billie Eilish plays loud through the sound system. It’sLittle Devil Nighttheme here, so the girls are all in deep red or black lingerie with devil’s cloaks to start, and they wear devil masks over their faces, keeping them on even when everything else comes off. The lights are low with a deep-red hue.
“I’m good.” I nod.
She looks me up and down. “You look great. Nice dress.” She winks as she squeezes my shoulder just as the front door opens and a group of guys walks in.
“All right, let’s go. Table six looks thirsty.” She glances at the four men currently stuffing dollar bills in Libby’s thong. Libby sees me and smiles, then winks.
I take a deep breath and toss my ponytail over my shoulder, plastering a sweet, obedient smile on my face.
Here we fuckin’ go.
Chapter 13
Aiden
“Dagger wants to talk. He’s out front.” Archer pops his head into my office at Lavish just after nine thirty. I run a hand through my hair, looking up from my computer and pulling off my glasses. I think for a moment.
“I don’t wanna fucking deal with him right now,” I say honestly, leaning back in my chair to light a smoke.
Archer saunters in, closes the door, and takes a seat across from me. He carries his whiskey and sets a fresh one down for me. His hair is graying now. He’s definitely looking older these days.
“After your little show last night with the new girl, I don’t blame you.” He chuckles.
I grit my teeth. “Her name is Mia.”
“Aye, Brenin, didn’t mean to hit a nerve,” Archer observes.
“You didn’t,” I correct simply. “She has a name, so we use it.”
He nods again.
“And it’s not her that I’m thinking about. I’m thinking aboutthe fact that I have to let Dagger know his shipment of guns is gonna be a few days late and about fifty short.”
“Fuck, they’ve been waiting for those Berettas.” Archer thinks for a moment, leaning back in his chair.
“You reach out to the K-6’s?”
I nod. “They’re dry, and so is every other outlet we could take advantage of.”
Archer’s mouth forms into a frown. “This is why Raef is pushing the mob. You know that…”
I grit my molars. I do know that, but it’s never gonna fucking happen. I say nothing in return.
Archer stands, knowing I’m done talking about that avenue. “Well, Dagger’s all yours. He’s had a few too many and probably something stronger.”
“Yeah, I bet.” Fucking guy snorts coke for breakfast and knocks back oxy as his nightcap. He’s a disgrace to his club, not unlike the way Marco was for ours.
“They’re keeping Mia busy as fuck,” Archer adds.
