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Ever since she started working at the flower shop with Apricot, she’s not been around a lot. That’s saying something since I live with the woman. According to Ryann, who’s more open around me than her friend and our roommate, Nevaeh spends a lot of time at the gym.
Swear, when it comes to Nevaeh, she’s like a drug that calls to me, but I know better than to go there with her. She’s been through hell and isn’t ready for something like what I’d want from her. Shit, she probably won’t ever want any man touching her body again. Not after the bullshit she endured. Out of the three girls we saved alongside Fawn, she endured the most pain.
It doesn’t stop me from wanting her, though. Everything about her I find compelling. Considering my past with the ladies, it’s fucked up to me. I prefer to find a woman who is easily available to me and my needs. It’s one thing I like about the torpe-da-hoes as the ol’ ladies started calling them. Any number of them would do as I tell them and give me what I want.
However, since moving in with Nevaeh and Ryann, I’ve all but become a monk. For some reason, it doesn’t feel right getting with another woman when Nevaeh’s right down the hall from me and she’s the one I want.
Clearing my throat, I answer, “Yeah, sorry, Prez, what were you saying?”
Viking smirks and glances in the direction I’ve been staring, then looks to me again. “What I was saying is, I want you to go down to the coast and check out some properties for the club along with Pirate, Sabotage, and Wrath.”
I nod. “What are we looking for? The usual or something else?” It’s not the first time we’ve done this, and usually, we find fixer-uppers we buy and rent out for tourist season. We also use them for safe houses when needed. So far, we’ve got five of them.
“Something else,” he answers. “I got a call about a business proposition from Romeo Cohen about building a secure location for him to bring his shit in and we’d run protection for him.”
At the name, I cock a brow and frown. “You talking about actor Romeo Cohen? The one who was in that action flick that just came out? Or another guy with the same name?”
“The one and the same. Seems he’s not just an actor but deals with the shadier side of things. But he keeps a low profile on it so as not to have the media get wind of his side hustle as he explained to me.”
“Why’d he come to us?” War asks, grumbling, not taking his eyes off his woman, Shyann. “Doesn’t he have other people he can call?”
Viking snorts and shakes his head. “Seems he’s got a thing going on with a particular woman who is associated with our club.”
War whips his head around, brows furrowed. “What woman?”
“Your ol’ lady. Her grandmother referred us to him. He said Shyann’s grandmother is one hell of a woman.”
“The woman is a menace to society,” War growls. “She’s nothing like Shyann. Sanai speaks her mind at any given chance and doesn’t back down, no matter the issue. She ain’t shy, that’s for sure. But I give her credit, even at her age, she’s protective as hell and will gut a man if need be. Doesn’t surprise me she’s referred us to this guy.”
“Well, evidently, she overheard him talking to someone, and she butted in. Damn woman is lucky he found it hilarious the way she did it. He’s even adopted her as a grandmother figure.”
“Fuckin’ great,” War mutters.
“Guess you’ve got a celebrity now in the family.” Snickering, I shake my head at all this shit. “So, you want me and the others to go check out an area that would be good for him to build up his business and check out the best way to handle security to run protection for him?”
“Yeah.” Viking nods, confirming what I said.
“Great, do we know what we’ll be protecting?” I ask.
“Mail-order brides and grooms,” Viking answers.
“No shit.” I gape, staring at my Prez.
“That’s what I said at first as well.” Viking chuckles. “Anyway, yeah, it’s mail-order brides and grooms. And before you ask, I told him we don’t peddle in flesh. That ain’t our thing. These men and women are all legit as they can be. They sign a document that allows Romeo to sell them off. He also vets the clients who purchase his or her bride or groom.”
“Still, though, it’s selling people.” I glance over at Nevaeh, memories of seeing her in that damn cell when we first got them out.
“I know. That’s why I want you to take either Nevaeh or Ryann with you as well,” Viking declares, shocking the hell out of me.
“Come again?” I demand, whipping around to look at him like he lost his mind. “You want me to take one of those girls?”
“Yeah,” he grunts, crosses his arms, and stares at me. “Nevaeh would be a good choice to take. She’s got good judgment when it comes to people. According to Apricot and Fawn, she’s working herself to an early grave. Don’t you see the shadows under her eyes?”
Oh yeah, I noticed them. I also know she’s rarely home, and when she is, the woman passes the fuck out nearly as soon as she steps through the front door.
“What do you mean she’s working herself to an early grave?” I knew her work schedule, but didn’t know what else she did. Any time I’ve tried to ask her, she brushes me off. I mean I know I can’t have her. I’ve had to give up on that thought and let her go, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care.
“She goes to a gym and works out. If I’m not mistaken, she told Apricot she’s taking boxing lessons there,” Grimm states joining the conversation.
