AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Got ya, sweet Connor, my newest addiction. And now I’m coming for you.
Chapter 4—Connor
The question gets lost in a full-on wave of utter shock. My eyes dart to the dark-haired man across the room and the combination of dread and trepidation makes my hands hot and sweaty, leaving my head spinning. The dark, mysterious Void. Andhe’s… Damn, what are the odds?
I duck my head, momentarily blocking out my entire surroundings, and concentrating on the useless items I placed on the table in front of me instead. I pick up the pen while I briefly focus on the sensation of the cold metal of the switchblade safely tucked into the heel of my boot and start taking non-existent notes. I’m good at that; at faking it. But every fiber of my body senses his presence. I know him by heart—the dark, strong brows, and thick, mahogany hair that’s cut down to the temple, leaving sideburns on both sides of his perfect face. Even without looking, I know it makes his high cheekbones stand out even more, making that lush mouth look as cruel as it is. And it really is.
A sudden flashback to the filthy words he used on me makes my cheeks heat. I’ve never been able to cut it out of my memory, cuthimout of my memory, despite my efforts. And believe me, I’ve tried.
After graduation, I moved into the apartment my parents bought me in the heart of Greenwich, our territory where I was mostly holed up for the last months, keeping myself busy in the darkroom, or using the communal indoor swimming pool. Most of my work takes place behind my computer screen, in the back of the Audi, or in Mom and Dad’s penthouse where we organize most of our meetings.
Since they retired, Logan has taken over as the leader of The Business, and I’m his right hand. We run a successful company with over fifty Gentlemen’s Clubs throughout the country—behind the scenes, a solid entity that deals in drugs and sex and brings us our monthly jackpot. Taking that into consideration, perhaps I’m not as socially awkward as people would have me believe. I may not be particularly outgoing, but hey, who is?
The ginger-haired woman across from us huffs out a comment and her companions burst out laughing. Once I look up, I can’t stop myself from staring; I need to see how his lips curl into that infuriatingly beautiful smile that’s clearly not meant for me since he’s looking at her. Is she his girlfriend?
I glance over to see Mason’s comforting, strong build as he watches the room like a silent hawk. My bodyguard would protect me from anything.
“Angélique!” An older man gets up from his chair and we all turn our heads and watch as he makes his way toward the middle, to where the large table is positioned, a huge smile on his face. My sister-in-law flashes him one of those brilliant smiles and stands to meet him halfway. Suits from both sides come scooting forward, ready to intervene if things get ugly. However, it is that familiarity with which they greet each other that leaves the rest of us all completely baffled. I turn my face ever so slightly and catch my brother’s hooded eyes that cast a deadly stare as he presses his lips into a thin line. The older man pulls her in for a hug and despite his stiffness, my brother doesn’t make an effort to end this charade.Yet. Knowing him, this must take a helluva lot. But then, ever since he married Angélique, he’s been showing more deviant behavior.
“It’s so good to see you. How have you been? And the baby?” When he flutters a hand over her belly, my brother’s had it.
“Mister T,” Logan utters slowly and I hide my chuckle. “Get your hands off my wife.”
“Oh,amour.” Angélique sends him a flash of her innocent smile and he huffs out a grunt as he crosses his arms in front of his chest like a stubborn child. “You know that it’s thanks to the both ofusthat we’re having this meeting in the first place, right?” Everyone moves to sit down again, all eyes now expectantly on my sister-in-law, who behaves like the natural she is ever since she stumbled into The Business. “So, my name is Angélique Donnelly and we…” she points at the older man before pointing to herself, “met each other at church. After a few interesting conversations, we concluded that we’re facing a mutual enemy.”
“Which is why we would like to work together,” the man going by Mister T. supplies, provoking another wave of anger from the crush of my life. Surprise, followed by dread, makes me swallow thickly. Because like them, we were kept in the dark as well.
“Don’t you think it should be our decision ifwewant to work withthem?” Austin jabs a finger across the table and Logan chuckles as he eyes me. “They didn’t tell us that there was live entertainment.”
I don’t laugh, because realization hits me. “Bro, I’ve already cracked the case,” I plead in a whisper. “We don’t need them.”
Logan shakes his head in regret and I know he doesn’t want to be here either. However, he promised Angélique to work on building a peaceful future as part of their wedding vows. The recent discovery that both our organizations are suffering losses from the French cult who’s out there hanging our people, has changed the rules of the game. Well, if he’s not one to back out, I am. Because there’s no way on earth that I’m going to share the conclusion of this unraveling, horrifying mystery with them. Withhim.
“She’s adamant, man,” he whispers in return. “Won’t stop talking about it. I need you to help me out here.”
“I can’t, not with them,” I whisper-hiss, feeling furious. I’m not some puppet on a string.
“Why not?” He mouths and I roll my eyes on a sigh.
Someone on the other side clears his throat and my brother spins his head round, his usual confident smirk plastered neatly back on his face. “Yes, this is my right hand, and my brother, Connor.” Logan places a firm arm around my shoulders and squeezes me gently.
I swallow, then bite the bullet. “At this moment, there’s nothing to share with you. However, you can put in our terms that I’ll keep you updated.” I give Mason a nod and he grabs my coat, ready for us to hit the road. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an early flight to catch.” My chair scrapes across the floor when I move to get up. Mason flawlessly picks up on my distress and moves to stand next to me, his light eyes ablaze with worry, asking me in silence if I want to go. I do.
“Not so fast,” Austin’s soft voice is sharp as a knife, stopping me in my tracks.
“What?” Logan hisses in a whisper while his eyes shoot daggers at the man across from us. He reaches across me, most likely to protect me, but effectively trapping me in my chair.
“I don’t agree with your terms.”
“What?”
“I don’t agree with your terms.” He eyes Angélique and gives her a charming smile. “You want us to work together, right? I get it because we need to learn how to help each other, to keep each other safe, to create a better future for both our organizations. Right?”
“Right,” Angélique replies, hesitantly. Austin’s smile widens.
“So, if that’s the deal you guys are offering, we’ll gladly accept.” His gaze is now on me, his wicked smile taunting. “Where are you traveling to?”
“I need to go,” I mumble like the coward I am and start fumbling with my coat, ignoring Mason’s worried look.
