AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Keep going.”
“When Johnny was at the club, he liked our new dance floor. Said it was badass to have deadly fish swimming just under the surface.” Nick’s lips quirked. “Why don’t we show him just how deadly those fish are—up close and personal.”
Frank slowly nodded his head. “Talk about sleeping with the fishes.”
“The beauty part is, no murder weapon, no evidence. Just some well-fed fish.”
“Perfect ending for a scum who put hands on my daughter and could’ve put my granddaughter at risk.” Frank winced. “Two fuck ups he never should’ve done.”
Nick went through most of his life thinking Frank didn’t have a heart no less feelings, but him acknowledging his daughter and granddaughter surprised the fuck outta him. Wait till he told Samson about this conversation. He’d never believe it.
“I planned on keeping Cheryl, Portia, and Izzy at my penthouse until this shit gets sorted. Then later today I’ll put a call into Johnny. Set it up for tomorrow night. We sit down, have our bullshit meeting, then when the club closes we take him on a behind the scenes tour.”
“Until then we act like nothing’s going down. Johnny’ll probably call me with some story regarding Cheryl to save his sorry ass and I’ll play along.” Frank met his gaze. “You sell your side of the bullshit and I’ll sell mine. No jumping the gun on this. We have to take that bastard totally by surprise.”
Nick internalized Frank’s words. As much as he would’ve loved to end the fucker himself, this was better all around.
“It seems Johnny has an apartment over on Decatur at the Desert Apartments. I have Jax keeping eyes on it in case he shows up there. I also have Mamba sitting on his place at County Club Hills. I wanna know where he is until we pull this off tomorrow night.”
Frank pushed out of the chair. “How do you plan on handling your side of this situation with Cheryl and Portia?”
Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? “I already told Cheryl I want a relationship with Portia, and I plan on supporting her any way I can.”
“And you and Cheryl?”
“Hard to say.” Fuckin’ impossible, but he still didn’t trust Frank enough to spill his guts. Or admit it took every ounce of willpower to leave her bed last night—especially since he spent the rest of the night tossing and turning in a fitful sleep.
Frank rounded the desk. “Don’t fuck it up.”
Not exactly sage advice, but what did he expect for two thugs from Brooklyn. Nick’s first reaction was to remind Frank it was him who separated them ten years ago, but what good would it do. He hardly expected them to sit down and bullshit about their feelings.
Cheryl settled into their adjoining suites at the Bellagio with Izzy clucking over her.
“I just wish you’d get back into bed and rest.” Izzy glared down at her as Cheryl tapped at her laptop.
“I rested enough yesterday. I want to make sure all my accounts are secure. I never shared any passwords with Johnny, but I just want to put some extra security on my private bank accounts.”
“I don’t suppose you went to the hospital for those tests like you promised yesterday.”
“I will, but right now this is more important.”
“I still think you should’ve stayed at Nick’s penthouse.” Izzy rolled her eyes dramatically. “For that matter I think you should stay with that man permanently.”
“And I told you that isn’t going to happen. When I’m feeling stronger, I’m going to start to look for a place to rent here in Vegas. Set up a visitation agreement with Nick and let them get to know each other.”
“You are so stubborn. Didn’t you see how he was looking at you, how worried he was about you.”
Cheryl wouldn’t fool herself into thinking Nick’s perceived concern was anything more than guilt over the situation.
“Yes, but sympathy and worry don’t equate to love. We’re too volatile, too emotional, too?—”
“Too much alike?” Izzy shot her an annoying smirk.
“You’re probably right, and like they always say it’s opposites who attract.” Cheryl returned with a satisfied smile.
“You’re impossible.” Izzy shook her head. “Just do me a favor—do not leave this suite alone. That maniac is still out there andnow that he realizes you’re not coming back there’s no telling what he’ll get up to.”
“I promise.” Cheryl reached out and squeezed Izzy’s hand. “I love the way you look out for me, but after yesterday I have no intentions of putting myself in anymore danger. I’ve already put in a call to my father, and he’s assured me he’ll take care of the matter. Plus, this suite is on a private floor with restricted access.”
