CHAPTER 2

Brock

Eight Months Later

For the fourth night in a row, I sat in a car outside a sleazy looking motel. Waiting for any sign of the prick who’d made it on my to-do list. When Malcolm Hawes said he wanted someone gone, he wasn’t fucking kidding. I was there the night he put his former brother-in-law in the hospital. The man would never walk, see, or speak again. Now, it was another fucker’s turn.

Marcello.

Nathan Marcello made the worst decision of his life when he sent his men after Tess, Miller’s girlfriend, trying to extract more money from him. Being the ‘fixer’ for the Hawes family meant I dealt with problems in a way that most people wouldn’t be able to stomach. Which left me sitting in front of a rundown hotel on the seedy side of town, instead of at the club looking for a warm body to press against mine for the night.

Unfortunately, the little shit skipped town for Europe days after we got our hands on Wasden. Bastard stayed away for months, gallivanting from country to country like he didn’t have a care in the world. If only Miller didn’t want to get his hands on him. Killing him overseas would have been much easier than here. Bringing him back to the US wasn’t. Which left me sitting on my ass, waiting for Marcello to return. We kept a close eye on him, until his plane landed almost a week ago. Since then I’d been tailing him wherever he went. 

I glanced out the window again. The building looked as if it hadn’t been painted since the 1970s. Beige paint chipped at different places, most notably around the windows and doors. The dumpster on the side hadn’t been emptied in probably a week or more. Trash was caught in the gutter and stuck to the corner of the building. Not sure how the fucker made a dollar on the place, except for the cheating bastards who brought their mistresses there for an hour or so for a quick fuck, before going home to their wives with lipstick on their dicks.

One of the doors opened, revealing a man, his hair messed up in that just fucked look. His tie thrown over his shoulder, the button-down shirt left open, his wife beater visible underneath. Exactly what I expected, but not who I was watching for. A brunette in nothing but a red lace bra that didn’t cover her nipples and a thong traipsed onto the balcony, crooking her finger. Like a dog with a bone, the man walked back. The woman leaned up on her toes, kissing him before wrapping her hands around the edges of his shirt, pulling him back into the room. The door slammed behind them, but my attention was drawn to the front.

It opened and out he walked. His suit belied the state of the building behind him. The confidence in his gait as he walked to the car was ironic. It was that of a man who thought he was untouchable. He’d learn soon enough how wrong he was. The sides of the car were flanked by two of the cheesiest bastards I’d ever seen in my life. Every member of his entourage looked as if they belonged in some Hollywood version of the mafia. He seemed to have a small security detail everywhere he went but in his home. After a month of watching him, I was starting to give up on finding him alone anywhere but here and in his home, which probably had a million layers of security. Not that Dean couldn’t find a way to bypass it, but I liked dealing with as few variables as possible. It made it less likely I’d run into a problem.

I reached over and grabbed the notebook and pen I’d left lying on the seat. In my own code I wrote down the time he left, before following him to his next location. No matter where it was, his patterns were beginning to become evident.

Soon the prick would be mine.

Unsurprisingly, he turned into the driveway of his home. The gate was another problem Dean could solve. I waited for another hour to be sure Marcello wasn’t going anywhere else for the night, before I pulled away from the curb. The small black coupe closed in on me. These kinds of jobs always left me missing my ’69 Chevelle. I’d rebuilt the car myself, the purr of her engine a comforting sound. But her cherry red paint was too obvious to hide. I thought sliding into the calming interior of my car might settle my nerves, but even the familiar rumble of her engine didn’t help.

Frustrated with my inability to find the opportunity to take the bastard, I drove home, deciding a stop at Orbit for a drink was on the menu. Maybe I’d find someone to keep me company for the night and help me forget my irritation. I’d get him one way or another.

The parking lot was crowded for a day in the middle of the week, but I ignored it all and went straight for the VIP stairs. Normally, I’d hit the bar first and find someone to sit up there with me, but I needed a drink or two to wash away the bitter taste in my mouth at being stopped at every turn trying to get the bastard. I reached the top of the steps and was surprised to find Elena sitting alone on one of the couches. A quick glance around the area left me with no sign of Ashton.

“Hi, Brock.” Elena waved me over.

Unsure why she was alone when Malcolm had made it clear that the women were not to be without guards under any circumstances until Marcello was taken care of, I took the seat next to her on the couch. It didn’t matter what country he was in.

“Elena.” I nodded at her. “What are you doing here alone?”

She rolled her eyes at me. It was amazing to see the difference from the first time I met her. No longer did she keep her gaze down or look in every direction to avoid my eyes. “After everything that happened with Tess? You must be crazy if you think I’m here alone.” She laughed. “Ashton’s in the back, watching over a private game Miller had scheduled.” This time she did glance down.

“When are they coming back?”

“Should be back sometime tomorrow.”

Miller had gotten tired of waiting for Marcello to return so he could stop looking over his shoulder and decided to take Tess away for a week. She’d finished her degree and gotten her nursing license. Miller wanted to celebrate that. According to him, he wasn’t going to let “some egotistical bastard ruin what Tess had worked so hard for.” They were packed and on a flight a few days later.

“Good for them. We all need to get away from the bullshit. “Did he take any security with him?”

“He did in case they were ever separated.”

“I can’t blame him for that. If I were Miller, I’d be attached to her side everywhere she went.”

Elena scoffed. “Yeah, I can’t imagine Tess going for that, but for now she seems content to let it be. Especially after her parents showed up.”

From what I understood, Miller made it very clear they weren’t to come back. They’d shown up when Tess was still in the hospital, demanding money from Miller for ruining their business. They were lucky Miller only ran them out of town. Didn’t mean they’d listen. “If they’re smart, they won’t go near Tess again.”

“Hopefully not. Miller and Tess have enough to deal with since Marcello is still on the loose.”

I ground my teeth together. I’d never had a job take so long. My reputation would come into question if I didn’t get my shit together. And as much as I wanted to snap, I bit the inside of my cheek, the taste of iron filling my mouth. Realistically, I knew I couldn’t control the time he spent overseas, but I definitely thought I’d have him in no time once he returned. I called one of the waiters over and ordered a whiskey, not my normal drink, but I wanted to feel the burn as the liquid slid down my throat. “Which is why it amazes me that Ashton left you alone.”

She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. “Oh, he didn’t. The guys at the bottom were told they weren’t allowed to let anyone pass but you, Dean, and Charlie. Not to mention, Steven is at the bar watching the floor for anything suspicious.”

I couldn’t stop myself from looking around the club. Considering my mood, I wasn’t surprised I’d missed Steven at the bar, but I probably wouldn’t mention the other three men I saw in that brief glance.

“Keeping your eyes on my fiancée?”

I turned my head to the stairs to find Ashton crossing the area to where we were seated. I lifted a brow. “Someone has to keep her company.”

Ashton took the seat on the other side of Elena, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her to him. “When did you grow a sense of humor?” He laughed.

“I have my moments.”

The waiter came back with my drink, and I put it back in a single swallow. The liquor burned a path down my throat, wiping out my shitty day.

Ashton narrowed his eyes at me. “Are you all right?”

I shook my head. “No. But not here.”

He leaned over and pressed a kiss to Elena’s lips. “Will you be okay for a few more minutes?”

“You and your father have at least five men in this room, not including Steven, you, and Brock. I think I’ll be fine while you’re in Miller’s office, which happens to be right down the hall.”

I should have known Elena would have noticed the other guards in the room.

“Okay, smart-ass. Behave yourself and I’ll be right back.”

It was good to see Ashton like this—relaxed and happy. For the longest time, he begrudgingly collected debts on his father’s behalf, believing he owed him. When Elena was offered to him as payment for a debt, I thought he was a dumb motherfucker for accepting the deal. As Elena came out of her shell, shoving off the role her former husband forced her into, I saw Ashton accept his own role in the family. Elena had somehow shown him that he was the best man for the job. Since then we’d spent many nights in different club houses with Elena collecting debts.

And true to Ashton’s style, he only took things further when he had to, which meant more people borrowed from Ashton and paid the money back on time. He was good at what he did, and normally so was I.

I followed Ashton back into Miller’s office where we would have privacy and no prying ears. He shut the door, locking it for good measure, but I didn’t miss him opening the set of blinds that would give him a direct view of Elena. He sat on the edge of Miller’s desk.

“What happened?”

I ran a hand through my hair. “I can’t find a way to get the sleazy fucker alone. Not without taking him at home, hoping we can bypass his security system with no problems.”

“Have you talked to Dean about that?”

“I sent him the photos I took of the system. He’s working on it.”

Ashton crossed his arms over his chest. “He’ll fuck up soon enough, and you can hit him on the street. He already screwed up by going after Tess.”

“Your father wants him gone.”

“We all do. Doesn’t mean Dad wants you to take unnecessary risks to get him. If it will expose you, wait.”

“Your brother wants me to bring him in.”

Ashton ran a hand through his hair. “Jesus Christ. Of course he does. And no one bothered to mention this sooner. No wonder it’s taking you so long. Grabbing him takes way more planning.”

I dropped down into the chair across from the desk. “I’ve been watching—”

“For four days. You’ve been watching him for four days. Of course the fucker decided to skip town for months while he got his security in place. He’s going to be on high alert. It may take time, but eventually he’ll grow comfortable again. He’ll stop looking over his shoulder, and we’ll have him.”

“I know you’re right. Doesn’t make it any less frustrating. These types of things normally go much easier. Thought I’d have him in a couple of days.”

“If only he hadn’t jumped ship. He’s a sleazy bastard who made the dumbest fucking mistake of his life, but even he knows he has to be cautious for a while.”

I rested my arms on my knees. “I’m going to check out some of the places he owns downtown, see if I can find anything to help us.”

The sound of liquid filling a glass hit my ears. A tumbler was shoved under my nose. “We’ll find a way to get him.”

“I know.” I knocked back half of the drink. I’d find a way to get my hands on him. Never had I failed at finishing a job, and I wouldn’t start now.

Ashton gestured toward the door with the glass in his hand. “Go find a girl to take home. One who will help you refocus.”

I lifted a brow at him. “This coming from the now one-woman man?”

Ashton smirked. “Just because I only want Elena in my bed doesn’t mean I don’t remember how fucking a woman has a way of clearing your head.”

I nodded. “Point taken.”

“Good. Then take my advice. I saw a bunch of blondes on my way from the card room.”

I lifted the glass to my lips and swallowed the rest of the brown liquid. Ashton knew my penchant for women with fair hair. After setting it on the table, I stood and walked to the door. I made sure to say goodbye to Elena on my way past. I scanned the room as I walked down the stairs. Plenty of women. The question was which one wanted a quick fuck and didn’t expect me to stay and cuddle. The bartender placed my drink in front of me without having to ask. Perk of working for the family, all the bartenders knew what I drank and didn’t waste time getting me what I wanted. A few moments later, a small hand wrapped around my bicep.

“You look lonely,” a voice whispered in my ear.

I peered over my shoulder to see a tall, willowy blonde, with legs that stretched on for miles. Images of those legs hooked around my hips as I thrust into her slender body filled my mind. But I wasn’t in the mood for games. No small talk or wining and dining. I wanted to fuck and go the hell home.

I focused on my drink. “Depends on what you’re looking for,” I said before lifting the glass to my lips.

“Some fun.” Her eyes roved over my body.

Setting the glass down, I swiveled on the stool to face her. “I can do fun, but only for the night. No games.”

She stepped away from the bar and gestured toward the front door. “What are we waiting for?”

I couldn’t pull my eyes from the sway of her ass as I followed her to the exit. She was exactly what I needed.

“Your place or mine?” she asked when we stepped outside.

“Your place is fine with me. I’ll follow you.”

A sexy smirk lifted the corner of her lips. “I’m the corvette over there.”

The sleek, white finish caught my eye for a brief second until they were drawn back to the tongue that snaked out over bright, red lips. My dick surged behind my pants. I closed in on her, wanting to taste those cherry lips. I slid my hand around her nape, holding her steady while my mouth took possession of hers.

Not cherry, but cinnamon.

Her lips parted, and I pushed my tongue into her mouth, tasting every inch. My hand caressed down over her ribs and curled around her ass, bringing her body flush against mine. A shiver ran through her, and she tore her mouth away.

“Get your car and we can take this to my place.”

Without a word, I jogged around the side of the building where I’d parked my baby earlier. The paint matched her lipstick, standing out even in the moonlight. I climbed inside, running my hand along the dash, more comfortable than I’d been since I’d picked her up earlier. My dick was as hard as steel. I adjusted myself and pulled away from the building.

Little white corvette had already backed out of her space and was waiting by the exit for me. The moment I came up behind her, she threw on her blinker and pulled from the lot. It was a short drive and I didn’t waste time, jumping from the car and taking her hips in my hands as she made her way to the front door. I gripped her body, bringing it into full contact with mine while she unlocked the door and let us in.

The moment it shut behind us, I shoved her up against the door, capturing her lips once again. The feel of her body made me forget everything but the warmth of her skin. Taking both of her hands in mine, I lifted them above her head, holding them tight against the door, kissing down her neck. My dick was hard as steel. I ground my hips into hers. “Where’s your bedroom?” I asked, licking my way up her jaw to her ear where I sucked the lobe into my mouth.

She moaned, deep in the back of her throat, trembling in my arms. “Second door on the left.”

I grabbed her hand and led her down the hall. Both me and my dick were getting impatient and wanted inside. Her body was soft and warm. It was time to feel her skin to skin. We reached the bedroom, and I shut the door, whipping her around to face me. I slammed my mouth down on hers, my fingers feeling around her back for the zipper to her dress. They came into contact with the small piece of metal, and I tugged it down, letting the dress pool around her ankles.

I moved around her, pressing my front against her back. Her nipples stood proud and erect. I cupped her breasts, thumbing the tiny nubs before giving them a quick pinch.

“Oh hell,” she called out. “Do that again.”

I continued to roll her nipples between my fingers, my dick pressed tightly to her ass. Her body writhed against mine. Every inch of me begged to take her. It had been a few weeks since I’d had time to fuck a woman. Ashton was right. I needed to stick my dick in a warm, wet pussy and let loose. I moved forward until I could push her body down on the bed. Her tight ass was on display. I stripped out of my clothes, pulling a condom from my wallet before I dropped it to the floor.

“Spread your legs for me, baby,” I commanded, caressing her curves.

Sliding the condom onto my shaft, I ran a hand down her back and pushed inside her in one quick thrust.

“Oh, God,” she cried out, her knuckles white as she gripped the sheets.

I gripped her hips, holding tight while I continued to pound into her body. My mind was finally empty of anything but creamy skin and tight pussy griping my dick. Every thrust brought me a little bit closer to the edge. Her legs quivered against mine. I slid my hand up her back and into her hair. Fisting my hand in the locks, I twisted her head to the side to slam my mouth down over hers. My tongue darted inside in the same rhythm that my dick slid into her. My balls drew tight to my body. I might have been a cold, calculating bastard, but I never left a woman in bed without an orgasm, and I wouldn’t start now.

Slipping my arms around her chest, I pulled her upright against my body, all the while continuing to take what I needed from her. I ran circles around her clit with my thumb, and she pressed back harder against me. My balls tightened. I pinched her clit, her climax hitting like a freight train. She tightened around me to the point I couldn’t hold off any longer. I thrust into her one last time, my body spilling into the condom.

Sharp, shallow pants were the only way I could pull air into my lungs. The blonde fell from my arms and onto the bed. Her chest rose and fell in rapid succession. I dropped down next to her and realized I never even bothered to get her name. Not that it mattered. Once my body settled, I was heading home.

She rolled to her side, gliding her fingers across my thigh. “You definitely know what fun is.”

“Glad I could help.”

I stood and reached for my pants and shirt. Her eyes were trained on me the entire time I dressed. She’d been the perfect way to clear my head. As I pulled the keys from my pocket, she walked over to me and slipped a card in my hand.

“Don’t worry, I’m not looking for a relationship. But now you know where to find me if you ever want to have some fun again.”

I looked down at the card. Lenora. “Lenora. I might take you up on that.”

I slipped the card in my pocket and left her place for the night. Now that I wasn’t stuck so far in my head over this Marcello bullshit, I wanted to get home and think through the problem.

Somehow, I’d find a way to get my hands on him.