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“Despite whatever Maury the Mouth told you, no, he does not. He may not admit it, but you’re the first person to get this kinda deal.”

Jimmy didn’t know what to say to that, and he filled the silence with more alcohol. It made him question his current circumstances even more.

What exactly had he gotten himself into?

“I know screwin’ around for a few days may not seem like a really big deal to you, but trust me.” Rowena slid off the counter. “It totally is. He likes you. And maybe if you know more about Cold and try to understand him, well.” She smiled hopefully. “Maybe you’ll get the chance to get to know Roddy.”

“I’d like that,” Jimmy admitted. The alcohol was making him warm all over, and soon he couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of actually being close to Roddy.

No, Cold.

His deal was with Cold.

Jimmy, remembering Maury’s warning about his heart and his dick getting mixed up, drowned the thought with another drink.

“Yeah, figured you might,.” Rowena winked. She chugged the rest of her drink, setting the empty mug in the sink. Gesturing for Jimmy to do the same, she huffed, “Come on.”

Jimmy nodded obediently, tipping the mug back. He frowned when he saw Rowena leaving the kitchen and making a beeline right to his room. “Um, what are you doing?” He chased after her.

“Roddy said you needed a new wardrobe,” Rowena said as if what she was up to was obvious, already digging through his closet and then moving to his dresser.

“Pretty sure he just meant for the party?” Jimmy watched her thumb through his underwear drawer in horror.

“Pretty sure I can interpret it however I want. And, okay, yeah. You need some new threads, sweetie.” Rowena picked up a rather dismal pair of boxer briefs that had several holes in them. “Desperately.”

“Oh God.” Jimmy giggled, wishing he could sink into the floor. He was already pretty buzzed, and his legs felt like rubber. He leaned against the wall and pressed his hands to his face, groaning. “I know. It’s so bad.”

Rowena snickered, enjoying his embarrassment as she pranced to the door. She left all of the margarita supplies except the bottle of Goldschläger, shoving that down into her big purse.

“Don’t you worry. Roe is gonna take care of you. Come along, sweetie,” she cooed with a waggle of her brows. “We’ve got some serious work to do.”

Chapter seven

It was a very good thing Rowena had arrived in a limo because neither she nor Jimmy were in any shape to drive. They stumbled out of Jimmy’s apartment building together, arm in arm, laughing and chatting. It was so easy to be comfortable around Rowena. Her warm and happy energy was positively infectious. They piled into the back seat, and Jimmy was instantly in awe of the plush accommodations.

“I’ve never been in a limo before,” he confessed, stretching out his long legs over the seat.

Rowena sat opposite him next to the built-in bar and pulled out the bottle of booze from her purse with a giggle. “It’s the fucking best. Roddy spoils me rotten.” She grinned at Jimmy, poking at his feet. “He’ll spoil you too, you know.”

Jimmy put his hands over his face, hiding a tipsy smile. “Oh, come on.”

“I’m just saying. Roddy is very good to the people he cares about.” Rowena picked up a small phone that connected her to the driver. “Jerry? Hi! Yeah, we’re ready. The usual, but save Volturo’s for last. Thanks!”

Jimmy wasn’t sure if Cold truly cared or if he was merely invested in their deal. The way Rowena kept talking about it was giving Jimmy a lot of hope that he wasn’t sure he should hold onto. He watched Rowena hang up the phone and pour them drinks, mixing in a clear citrus soda and a splash of grenadine.

She had obviously done this many times, able to pour the drinks with the limo in motion without spilling a drop. She shoved the glass into Jimmy’s hand and cheerfully said, “Now! Here’s to you, Jimmy Poe!”

“To me?” Jimmy didn’t understand but toasted anyway, sipping at the syrupy sweet concoction.

“Yes!” Rowena pointed at him. “I haven’t seen my brother this happy in a very long time.”

Jimmy’s cheeks were hot as he smiled bashfully. “I think you might be getting your hopes up about what exactly your brother wants from me.”

“Trust me,” Rowena said, arching her brow. “I know him better than anyone. The other night when we met at the hotel? I haven’t fuckin’ seen him smiling like that in years.”

Jimmy knew exactly which smile she was referring to. “That… that was because of me?”

“Uh-huh,” Rowena mumbled over the rim of her glass as she drank. “Sure was. I don’t know what you’re doing to him, but keep doing it, okay?”