Grim, p.6
Grim, page 6
I licked my lips and tried not to lash out at her words. Minnie and I had been close because Trigger and Brick and I were close. Minnie was good people and always spoke straight to me like she did everyone else. No bullshit. I looked away.
“Look, Grim,” she put a hand on my arm, “Kenna’s the best thing that’s happened to Indulge. She’s smart, quick, and sexy as hell. She wins over the worst of them. Not to mention what she has to deal with at the top.” Yeah, her father. “Just know,” she leaned in close, “if she quits, I’ll be first in line to steal her and take her to my club full time.”
“You lookin’ for a hostess at your club?” I mused.
“No,” she chuckled, “but she’s got some skills that she keeps to herself. I’m this close to convincing her to let me use them.” She laughed playfully.
“Skills?” My darker side tuned in. I wanted to hear more.
“Mhm, the girl has a lot to offer, and I don’t just mean her tits.” She fanned herself. “I might be straight, but I’d switch teams for one night with her.”
Her tits were great, perky, real, and begged to be played with.
I chuckled. “I’ve missed you, Min.”
“Well, babe, the feeling’s mutual. But I have to ask.”
“Yeah?”
“Please don’t tell me you’re dating Jenelle again.”
“Fuck, no.”
“Come on,” she made a face like I was stupid, “one slice of Chef Dale’s chocolate cake and Leo’d tell you his deepest darkest secrets while he sucked it back like a cheerleader on prom night.” I smirked, and she leaned closer. “She’s had her eye on you forever, and if you open that door, she’s going to expect more than just some casual dating. You being back permanently will have her wanting to set her claws in.”
“Yeah.” I heard her warning. “But I’ll be fine.”
“Denial looks ugly on you, Grim, and you’re far from ugly.” Her attention was pulled away as someone called her name. “Sorry, I gotta go. But we’re doing drinks soon. Remember, be nice to my girl!”
“Yeah, sounds good.” I walked slowly back to my table as I fantasized about what skills Kenna kept hidden. I was sure they’d require some kind of gag.
It felt good to enjoy dinner with my family, and the meal was superb. Vegas restaurants were highly competitive, and Indulge prided itself on its world-class chefs. I was already on the hunt to source the best of the best in LA for Secrets. I wished I could clone Chef Dale, but he was well rooted here at Indulge, and we were lucky to have him.
After dinner, my parents were called away and they excused themselves with hugs all round. I was left with my brothers and Cameron.
“Secrets is shaping up to be quite the hotel.” My brother, Knox, leaned back as our dessert plates were removed. “I, for one, am so glad you’re home.” He chuckled. “My inbox could use a break from your ninety-nine e-mails a day about Secrets’ progress.”
“A good businessman hates to leave a project.” I shrugged.
“I’m just glad I’m not your bitch anymore.”
“You’ll always be my bitch, Knox.” I grinned and he flipped me the finger.
“I love the vibe at Desires, and I’m sure you will too. It’s lush, fresh, and private.” Kenna’s voice found me. I turned to watch her as she pointed out things to a well-dressed man.
“Is it wrong to fantasize about both sisters at once?” Knox whispered to Leo, who shook his head and waved at him to shut up. Cameron was only a foot away from us.
Obviously, a potential client. “Under the glass flooring is an exceptional array of lily pads and flowers,” she continued. “See how the crystal blue water sets it all off so beautifully. The best part is how all the greenery around the tables creates little hidden pockets for you to dine in. The Gateses fell in love on a boat on a stunning little lake in Georgia. Mrs. Gates hated to leave the lake behind, so Mr. Gates brought the memory to her here at Desires. It’s romantic, if you ask me.”
I studied how she worked and noticed Cameron watched them closely as well. It pleased me that she had taken the time to learn my parents’ history and had incorporated it into her sales pitch.
“This is exactly what I’m looking for.” The man smiled. “I love the design of the place. What are the odds I can get a table for tomorrow night around six?”
“We’re normally booked six months in advance, but if you bring that brother-in-law of yours with you from the Bellagio, I’ll work you in. And I’ll make sure our chef does something special just to show you how much we appreciate your business.” She winked, and I glanced at my brother. Leo watched her as closely as Cameron and I were. The kid was learning.
“You’re very good at your job, Ms. Lodge. I’ll be sure to bring him.” He shook her hand then pulled out his phone as he left and put it to his ear.
“Kenna.” Cameron waved her over. She checked her watch before she approached like she didn’t have time to chat or maybe it was because I was there.
“Yes, Cameron.” I noticed she didn’t say Dad; perhaps it was a work thing. I figured Cameron liked to keep his personal life and connections separate from his work life, given the nature of his job. His type of lawyering wasn’t for the faint of heart. His brand was helping those misunderstood by today’s society. Whatever. I hated to admit it, but he was a big asset to our family and crucial to our business. My father and Cameron had a working wheel that found us clients and signed them to both the hotel and Cameron’s legal roster. They brought in heaps of money and kept everyone happy. Kenna brushed her long, shiny hair back over her shoulder. “What’s up?”
“Who was that?”
“Mr. Crane from San Francisco.”
“I didn’t hear Mr. Crane from San Francisco guarantee he’d show up. I also have never heard of him. He’s certainly not a client of mine.” His unimpressed sarcastic tone made me look over at him.
“No, he’s not, he’s one of –”
“So, why are you wasting your time on him, and not Mr. Salazar, who I saw glance at you more than once?”
“Need I remind you Kenna isn’t just a host for your clients,” I cut in and her eyes went wide. “She’s a host for Indulge first, then your clients.”
“That’s true,” he smiled, but his eyes said so much more, “and she’s on the clock for Salazar, and he’s looking for her to escort him from his table to the bar.”
“Just like the other clients who are here in town, I’m sure he can wait a few minutes.” I stood and buttoned my jacket. “But if you feel he can’t, perhaps I could smooth things over with him myself.”
“No, no,” he shook his head, “that won’t be necessary.”
“Do I need to be here for this?” Kenna rolled her eyes, and I shot her a look.
“Don’t be smart,” her father hissed, his face red. I tilted my head as I watched her lick her lips like she swallowed back a comment.
He caught my expression as I took my seat again. “Let’s leave the Gates to their drinks.” He wrapped an arm around Kenna’s shoulders and steered her out of the restaurant.
“He can be a real asshole when he wants to be.” Knox tipped the last of his drink down his throat. “And now they’re gone, I’ll use this moment to escape.”
“We have a meeting at ten tomorrow morning,” I reminded him. “At Secrets, and don’t be late. The designer is coming in to look at the lobby.”
“Sure, sure.” He waved me off, and I threw an exasperated look to Leo, who nursed a beer.
“What?” I caught his expression.
“Dad said you pissed Kenna off this morning.” He chuckled.
“I friggin’ barely remember the chick, and she’s in the office telling me I screwed her out of a client years back.” I shook my head.
“I’m sorry I missed the lashing.” He laughed, and I rolled my eyes. “I’ve seen her shut clients down, but I’d have paid good money to see her do it to you.”
“She’s got a mouth.” I pulled at my sleeve as my skin heated with the memory of her speaking to me that way. “I won’t tolerate it or her fucking father’s.”
“Mm,” he grinned over the lip of the bottle, “Kenna can get away with a lot here, brother. You’ll see.”
Not anymore, because I’m home.
Simon Gable
“Fuck.” I tossed a file on my desk. I’d spent the last two days reading it front to back, forward and backward. “There’s nothing.”
“There’s always something.” Calli frowned at me from across the room. “You’re just stubborn and won’t take a break.”
“I don’t need a break. What I need is more evidence to prove he was actually there at the same time as the victims.” I stood and paced while my frustration mounted. Thanks to Cameron, I’d become a private investigator years back and had worked for his practice ever since. We had similar interests and goals. I was good with computers and finding people. I was also particularly good at manipulating people to be in places they shouldn’t be. My job had become a giant game of chess, and each move I made helped Cameron’s clients and, in turn, helped me with my plan. I helped his clients when they needed an alibi, or someone to take the fall.
I’d proven time and again to Cameron that I was an asset, and I intended to keep it that way. The trouble was, at that moment I was completely at a loss to see what my next move should be, and that worried me.
“I still can’t believe you and Dad even found a witness who was willing to testify.” She crossed her legs and inched her glasses farther up her nose. “No one ever comes forward when it comes to assholes like these.”
“Until now.” I smirked, pleased what money could buy when the stakes were high enough. Calli didn’t need to know the witness was bought and paid for. No one did. She was doing enough as it was.
I glanced at a text message that popped up on my Mac computer.
CM: Done.
I erased the message and went back to the file.
“You need to eat.” She dropped the red pen in the center of her reference book and dared me to decline. “Come on.” She held out a hand, but when I didn’t make a move, she pouted. I rolled my eyes, locked my computer, and grabbed my jacket.
We skipped a cab and walked the three blocks to Indulge despite my complaint about her choice of venue. I wanted to eat anywhere but there. I just wasn’t in the mood, as the place was always crowded. I had to work on saying no to her.
The moment we stepped into Desires, Cameron came up behind us.
“Finally decided to join the living?” He slapped my shoulder as he pushed by us to sit next to Leo and his brother Grim.
“It’s been a while, Mr. Gates.” Calli reached over and shook Grim’s hand. “Happy to be back?”
“I am.”
“Calli.” She pointed to herself, and he nodded, disinterested. “Cameron’s youngest daughter,” she muttered with a pissed look as she looked at the seat next to her father. He grinned at her lovingly as he patted the seat next to him.
I wasn’t happy with how crowded the place was but reluctantly took the seat between Calli and Leo.
“How’s work going?” Leo asked. I was sure to break the uncomfortable silence Grim created. Grim wasn’t like his other siblings. The only time I’d ever witnessed him in any kind of friendly conversation was when he was with a client. Usually, he was ripping someone a new asshole or throwing orders about, and most of the time he ignored people altogether—at least, he ignored me. I didn’t mind. I was just as pleased not to have to interact with him. Calli, who’d known the Gates family much longer than I had, always described Grim as dark, brooding, and unpredictable.
“Work’s good.” I paused to order the crispy roast duck with honey balsamic sauce and mashed potatoes. I might not like the crowds here, but the food was exceptional. “Right now, I’m following a lead that seems to be a dead end.”
“What’s it like being a PI for him?” one of the waiters I knew asked quietly. He nodded toward Cameron, who was in conversation with his daughter.
“Not as bad as you’d think.” I smiled. I knew almost everyone thought Cameron was an asshole, and he was, but he was a criminal defense lawyer and that seemed to come with the territory. The ones I met, anyway. The waiter chuckled and leaned forward to clear a plate. I’d worked for Cameron for several years but only recently started to get to know the Gates family. I had purposely kept my distance as I knew what they were capable of, but now I realized it was time I acquainted myself more with the people in this city, and that included the owners of this hotel. The Gates were a powerful family with a lot of connections.
I’d met Leo maybe a handful of times but never in such a social setting. I heard from Calli he was going to take over Grim’s position in Mexico to close out the accounts. Something about it being a learning opportunity. I couldn’t help but wonder if that was true or not. Grim gave me the impression he was the type of guy who liked to handle everything himself. I knew Knox pretty well, but that was because Calli casually saw him on the side.
“Dad,” Calli put her hand on her father’s, “any chance I can get tickets for the show tomorrow night at the Mac? Imagine Dragons is my favorite band.”
Cameron looked over at Leo, who shrugged. “Last I heard, they were sold out. Kenna would be the one to ask.”
“Dad, you know she won’t give them to me.” Calli pouted. “Will you ask her for me?”
“All right, all right, I’ll call her,” he huffed but smiled at her as he pulled out his phone. He got up and stepped away from the table. Cameron played favorites, and it was no secret that Calli was his little angel. At twenty-four, there were times she looked and acted about sixteen.
The moment her father turned his back, she reached under the table and slid her hand over my leg. I covered her hand then froze as I caught Grim’s look. I wasn’t sure if he’d caught her action or not, and I purposely turned to Leo.
“Did you hear that Mac’s thinking of expanding the hotel? They’re looking at the new property next to Palms.”
“I had.” Leo glanced at Grim, who was now distracted.
“What the fuck is he doing here?” Grim murmured as he strummed his fingers on the table. An image of a lion about to pounce on a kill came to me as his eyes gleamed gold then narrowed to a sliver. His reputation of being almost inhuman at times suddenly made sense. He lived up to his name; he certainly looked grim.
I looked at Leo with pinched eyebrows as I wondered who he referred to. Leo shook his head, and I knew I shouldn’t ask anything further.
“He’s probably just passing through.” Leo shrugged as they watched three men stroll by. I noticed they all seemed to smirk as they turned their heads toward the Gates’ table. I felt the mood shift to a cold, eerie feel as Grim slowly stood and slid a hand under his jacket. His security team all pulled their weapons.
“Jesse,” he rasped, and he seemed to transform into the demon I’d heard about, “time to move.”
His right-hand man nodded and was beside him in a flash. Grim muttered for Leo to stay put, then they left.
“Jesus.” I swallowed past the lump in my throat. I felt like I had just become a witness to a murder about to happen.
“They’re lowlifes from Chicago.” Leo checked his watch, completely unfazed by his brother’s abrupt change in personality. “They know better than to come to our hotel.”
“Sure.” I shook my head and tried to get my head around what it might be like to have such money and power. The rules of the outside world didn’t seem to apply to the rich.
“Best to not think of it too much.” He gave me a quick smile, and I returned it. I understood what he was saying. When you were close to a family like the Gateses, you didn’t want to be seen to watch too closely or you just might find yourself the focus of their attention.
Our food came, and Leo left to deal with something. That left just Calli, Cameron, and me to chat. I kept watch on the restaurant entrance to see if Grim would come back, but he didn’t.
“Kenna will look into the tickets,” Cameron assured her as he sat back down.
“I’m sure she will.” Calli rolled her eyes. “The day my sister actually does something nice for me will be the day I sprout wings.” Cameron spotted someone and excused himself.
The sisters had opposite personalities and zero interest in being in each other’s lives. I couldn’t blame either of them for that, Cameron always pitted them against one another and loved to see them fight for his approval. He was odd that way. Kenna was older by three years and apparently got all the looks from her mother, but I knew she had her father’s work ethic and desire to win. Calli was cute rather than sexy, and the most obvious talent she got from her father was her love to fight in and out of the courtroom. She might be cute, but she was a scrappy little thing, given the opportunity.
“What do you say we grab a room here?” she purred in my ear. “I can show you that new trick you wanted me to learn.”
Calli and I had casually dated for the past six months, but we didn’t publicize it. Besides, she was also supposed to be with Knox. We worked together at her father’s law firm, and we both knew her father wouldn’t approve. The fact that I had a good ten years plus on her didn’t help. It was never my plan to date Calli, but she was sweet and available and kept my mind occupied.
“I could use a break.” I glanced around then leaned in and kissed her lips quickly. She blushed but giggled in the cute way she did whenever I pushed the line of getting caught. Calli wasn’t as wild as Kenna’s reputation, but there were times when she’d let loose in bed, and we’d had some fun.
