AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What?”
“I don’t fuckin’ like that I can’t tell what he’s thinkin’, but it’s workin’ for Brick. So…” He shrugged.
“Well, that’s something.”
Trigger chin-pointed over my shoulder. “Deal with him. I gotta make some calls.” I nodded as Knox came into view.
“I got your message.” I pointed to a chair, and he unbuttoned his suit jacket and waved his hand for a drink. A woman dove in at the far end of the pool, but other than her, the place was practically empty. Most guests were at a concert at the main pool.
“Nice suit. You dress up for me?” The corners of my mouth rose. I was impressed to see he’d made an effort and didn’t look like a member of a surf club.
“I’ve been thinking, and I want to step up and fill in, now that Leo’s not here. You two were always so close. I know you wanted him to work under you, but I guess I hoped you could teach me now. You know, do the same for me.”
That was unexpected, but I remembered what he had said to me that night at Indulge. It had bothered me ever since. “Knox, I don’t want you to compare yourself to Leo. I just want you to understand that you’re a Gates, and you need to learn the family business. You have to get an understanding of how to protect what we’ve built. I’d be glad to help.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” He looked pleased.
“I also know you’re young and Calli did a number on you, but you need to use this.” I tapped his head. “Be smarter than them.”
“I know.” He lowered his gaze, and I thought I’d let him in a little.
“Do you know why Dad and I went after that property we just bought?”
“Because we wanted the land?”
“No,” I leaned forward, “we got it in hopes you could run your own place someday. Indulge, Secrets, and,” I waited, “what would you call the hotel?”
“Sins?”
I smiled proudly, and he joined in. “We need to be united more than ever now.”
He looked away, and I saw his eyes had gone glossy. “I feel like this is all my fault. I let Calli get so close.”
I felt a hole open in my chest. I missed Leo so much it killed me. “Justice was served, even if it wasn’t by our own hand. Calli was being used as much as you were.”
He looked back at me and took a swipe at his nose. “How’s Kenna?”
“She’s doing okay.”
“Good.” He stood and pushed the chair in. I knew he was struggling to hold it together, so I stood, reached for him, and pulled him in for a hug. His arms wrapped around me, and he let out a sob. “I’m sorry, Grim, for everything.”
“We’re good, man, I promise.”
“Yeah?” He sniffed and pulled himself together and then stepped back. “I have a dinner date I need to get to, so…”
“Oh, yeah?” I grinned, curious who the new woman might be.
“Eww, don’t. It’s with Mom.” I laughed from deep in my belly. “I just need…” He paused, and I knew what he was saying. Mom was a force in our family, and when we needed strength, we went to her. “I’ll see ya later.”
I slapped his shoulder as he walked by. I was happy we’d had a chat. It was long overdue.
I lit a joint and leaned over the rail to watch the city below.
“I have Mr. Knox’s drink. Is he coming back?” The waitress held up his whiskey, and I reached for it.
“No, but I’ll take it.”
“Sure thing.” She batted her lashes at me, but I wasn’t remotely interested.Well, look at me. Growth.
