Page 3 of His Forbidden Alliance

Remington snorted.

“Like you didn’t hook up all the time before Henri⁠—”

“I don’t have time for bullshit today.”

Damn, not only was Remington calling when he usually ignored me, but he was fucking cranky. “What’s up?”

“This is a private conversation.”

“I’m in a booth in the hotel lobby. There’s no one around.”

“We’ve got a problem.”

No shit. Why else would he have called? “Which is?”

“You need to be very careful who you let into the high-rollers’ circle.”

Had he really called to tell me how to do my job? “I am.”

“More careful than usual.”

“Why?”

“Rumor has it Ivanov wants to infiltrate the casino.”

Fuck. “You think he’s crazy enough to show up there?”

“No, but he might send somebody, or we might already be compromised.”

“Damn.” I’d be able to think a hell of a lot better if my head wasn’t pounding and I wasn’t wearing too-tight jeans with a zipper getting dangerously close to my most important parts.

“Go home, get presentable, and get to work. I want a list of everyone involved in your high rollers’ games, even the one you don’t tell anyone about, including me.”

Did he have to hit me with all of this when I just woke up? “Umm… about that.”

“If I’d wanted it stopped, it would be over, and you’d be gathering info from the streets for me.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I need anything you can give me that might help us determine if someone is already watching the operation. If you have any trouble or suspicion, you contact me immediately. If I’m not available, call Lance.”

“You’re leaving me in charge?” As soon as he mentioned Ivanov, I assumed he’d replace me with someone he trusted more. No one was more shocked than I was that I’d gained such an important position when Remington thought I was a fuckup.

“You know the place best. Don’t disappoint me.”

“No. I won’t.” I probably would.

“I expect the info I asked for by midafternoon.”

“Yes, sir. I⁠—”

Remington hung up on me.

So much for going home and sleeping off the rest of last night.

Why would Ivanov target the casino? How would that be a way back in for him? Or was it only for revenge? Did he think he could somehow use it to bring our family down? It seemed an odd choice except for… me. He would see me as the weak link, the least capable person put in charge of one of our businesses.

I wouldn’t fuck this up. I couldn’t. I was going to shock everyone. I was going to figure out Ivanov’s plan and take him down. I would make him wish he’d never heard of the Theriots and make him pay for everyone he’d hurt, including my brothers.