Page 91

Over the next five minutes, Wizard snapped out a variety of orders.

“If you can’t accomplish your assigned tasks, speak up now. By the end of the day, I want results, not excuses.”

The brothers filed out, leaving Doom sitting at the bar and Celeste cleaning behind it. Wizard walked around the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Go take a break,” he told her.

Doom watched him as Celeste disappeared into the kitchen.

Dropping his harsh expression, Wizard blew across the coffee. “I’m tired as fuck,” he complained. “I don’t know where that woman gets her energy. I swear, the next time I fuck her, I’m searching for batteries. She can’t be human. Fucking her is going to put me in an early grave.”

Doom burst out laughing. “I tried to warn you that you wouldn’t be able to keep up with her. You’re a night owl, and she’s a morning lark. She’s the Energizer Bunny. Between the factory and the club, you’re already running on fumes.”

“Maybe so, but I’ll die trying.”

Doom’s expression turned serious. “Don’t overextend yourself. When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep?”

“I don’t remember,” he confessed, taking a sip of hot coffee. “Been a good while.”

“Go to bed. I’ll handle things until you wake up.”

“Bed’s going to have to wait. I have a trip to make.” Forcing himself not to accept Doom’s suggestion, he drank more of the strong coffee. “I do need you to take care of shit here until I get back.”

Doom frowned. “Where are you going?”

“How’s the cleanup going?” Wizard kept his destination to himself.

Doom’s frown deepened. “As soon as Reaper takes one video down, another pops up. The girls are still staying close to home, so there’s no new information on that front.”

Drumming his fingertips against the counter, Wizard let his displeasure show. “Blue is in their age group. It’s time to make him useful.” Wizard could tell Doom was about to get protective over his young brother-in-law. “Don’t come at me with the big-brother attitude,” he warned before Doom could begin. “All I want him to do is have a party. He’s been bragging to Puck that he’s Mr. Popular. Let’s find out if he’s full of shit. Have him talk it up; say there’ll be a band and a barbecue. Tell him to make shit up. I don’t care if he claims Mouth2Mouth will be there.”

“Exactly where are you planning for Blue to have this party?” Doom squinted at him, trying to determine whether he was serious. “Do you know how much a party that big would cost? Where the fuck would Blue even hold it?”

Retrieving the coffee pot, Wizard refilled his cup. “Ackhurst’s field. Ben owes me a favor. He rents the property out for bonfires a couple of times a month.” Returning the pot, Wizard rubbed the back of his neck. Damn, he was tired. Maybe he should grab a few hours of sleep before heading out.

Doom gave him a slow smile. “You know, that might work to draw them out. What about the money?”

The thought of how much the party would cost erased Wizard’s desire to sleep. Reaching into his back pocket, he took out his wallet, took out a credit card, and slid it across the counter. “Don’t go crazy with that,” he warned, trying not to cry when Doom picked it up. “I want receipts, too.”

“Brother, if you hadn’t dragged my ass out of bed so early, I might almost feel sorry for you.” He slipped the card into his jacket pocket and patted it with a smirk. “The only thing that hurts you more than spending money is getting a ticket.”

Wizard winced. “That’s because tickets cost me money, too.” Finishing his coffee, he placed the cup in the sink. He walked out from behind the bar, pausing beside Doom. “Don’t call me for the next few hours unless it’s an emergency. By the way, I want you to clean out the fridge before I get back.”

Satisfied he had repaid Doom for griping in front of the brothers about when he would get another good night’s sleep, Wizard headed for the door. “Make fucking sure you don’t comment about me getting bored with Natalia in front of Tink. She’ll tell Natalia in a heartbeat. I’m going to marry that woman, and I don’t need you sabotaging me from the sidelines.”

Amusement warred with anger in Doom’s eyes. “Does Natalia know she’s going to marry you?”

“I’m still in the asking stage,” he said noncommittally.

“What was her answer?”

Wizard shrugged carelessly. “No, but she’ll change her mind.”

“I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.”

“She’ll marry me,” he boasted confidently.

Sadly, his best friend didn’t seem so sure. “I hate to break it to you, but from what Arden tells me, I don’t think Natalia likes you enough to marry you.”