Sins (Havoc of Sins #3)

Chapter 5

Kenna

D inner was at one of the brand-new restaurants at Secrets. Grim had changed its name at the last minute to “The Leo.” I loved that he honored his brother in that way. Of course, the Italian food was divine, and it was Leo’s favorite food. I knew we were meeting up with the bitch and the bitch’s father, so I had dressed to impress in a white cocktail dress that put the girls on show. I’d caught her father checking them out countless times, so I figured I’d play into that a little too. Anything to piss off Grim’s future wife. I chuckled at the thought, but then a strange ping hit the center of my stomach. Christ, maybe Minnie was right. Maybe I was falling for him harder than I realized.

A videocall pushed through, and Zara’s face popped up on the large screen on my dresser. I pursed my lips and blew out a little air at the sudden thought that my father’s secretary, who I considered a friend, might know something. I shook it off.

“How can you look slutty and gorgeous all at one time?” She sighed, then jumped into business. “All right, so, I did a little digging, and the Duggan Brothers are two self-made millionaires from Saskatchewan, Canada. They invented—ready for this—a solar-powered battery designed for fancy sailboats. Odd thing to invent for a province that doesn’t even have ocean access.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I did my thing and sent you over all the extra details.”

“Thank you so much for doing this, Zara. I know it’s extra work, but I’ll make it up to you.”

She waved me off. “Your dad’s been extra quiet lately, so the work’s been light. It made the day go faster. Go give that bitch and her highfalutin’ daddy a taste of how smart you can be. It’ll make my day.”

“Well, I appreciate it.” I laughed and blew her a kiss. Once I ended the call, I grabbed my purse and iPad and left my room. As I walked toward Secrets, my phone pinged.

Minnie: Girls’ Night at Dirty Demons, eight thirty!

I chuckled. I knew the girls were concerned I was going to take Yen’s offer at his hotel, so I really needed to show up.

Kenna: You had me at Dirty.

Something hit me in that moment, and a newfound sense of strength and determination came over me. I turned around to look back at Indulge.

Fuck it.

I slowed my walk to make sure I’d show up after the others, more just to make Jenelle think for a moment that I wasn’t going to show. Her face as Grim pulled out my chair said it all.

“Yesterday was a one-time thing,” Grim growled in my ear. “I’m pent-up, hard, and won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“I’m feeling quite relaxed,” I whispered back and settled in my chair. I pulled my napkin onto my lap when I caught sight of the others watching me. Grim made quick introductions and scowled when he saw Jenelle’s father stare shamelessly at the girls.

We jumped right into business, as Grim took the lead. He was impressive to watch. These dealings came easily to him, and in no time, they’d worked out a contract so they’d stay at Secrets whenever they were in Vegas. It also helped that Grim had contacts at a high-end marina in Malibu. It just so happened to be a place the clients had been looking at as a possible site to build one of their vacation homes. I showed off my knowledge, thanks to Zara, and everyone seemed to be impressed except Jenelle, who only seemed annoyed that Grim wasn’t paying attention to her.

“Kenna, do you sail?” one of the brothers asked me after our meal arrived.

“Grim just took me out on his sailboat last week,” Jenelle cooed loudly. “That man just loves a fast boat.”

I had to refrain from rolling my eyes. She sounded like a twat.

The brother closest to me perked up. “What kind of boat do you have, Mr. Gates?”

“It was one of those boats with the two sails,” Jenelle interrupted again as she beamed at him. I swallowed a chuckle. “He calls it the Escape.” Yup a total twat.

“She’s a ninety-foot Oyster,” Grim corrected and went on to describe the boat in more detail.

As the guys dug deeper into their world of boating, I noticed Jenelle’s father’s eyes had glazed over. I decided to chat him up a little.

“So, Lloyd,” I smiled warmly, but it quickly faded when his gazed dropped to my chest again, “what do you think of Secrets? Pretty impressive.”

“I think it fits my clientele better than Indulge. Not to downplay Jim’s hotel, of course,” he quickly added. Then he leaned over and draped an arm over the back of my chair. “Indulge is a little subdued, shall we say, for the younger taste.”

“I see. Well, I’m glad Grim will be able to provide that for you at Secrets. I think you’ll find DJ Clay an excellent choice. He’s been a huge hit on the nightclub scene. Plus, Cajun Cat will be here, and they offer a unique taste of the south.”

“Oh, yes,” Jenelle blurted again, “Grim and I already planned coordinating outfits for their debut this week.” When her father didn’t look over, she cleared her throat. “Daddy, when are you going to show Grim your new Corvette?”

That caught his attention. “Maybe after dinner.” He nodded at her then turned back to me. “Have you ever ridden in a Corvette before?”

“Yes,” Grim said over my shoulder, “she had the pleasure of riding in mine the other night when we attended the midnight party at the Encore.” He gave me a look, and I caught his drift. Lloyd had creep vibes, and I didn’t need another person giving me trouble.

Lloyd squinted then looked at Jenelle. “I thought you two were supposed to go to that party.” She glared at me and shrugged. “You know,” her father moved in too close, and I dug my knee into his as if to say back off, “these two have been dating on and off for years. It’s only a matter of time before Grim gives in and asks my little Nelly to marry him.”

“I’m sure Nelly will make an excellent wife.” I nearly gagged. “I know how Mr. Gates loves a woman who submits.” I eyed Grim, and he moved a hand to my bare thigh and gave it a tight squeeze.

Jenelle sucked on her straw. “A man like Grim has many challenges in his business. He doesn’t need that at home as well.”

“Like I said,” I smiled wide and pushed Grim’s hand away, “you’d make an excellent wife for him.”

Grim chatted with the others as I followed and texted Minnie that I was about to head over.

“Want to see Daddy’s car, Grim? We’re heading over to the Bellagio for a game. Join us.” Jenelle’s voice was like someone “bagpiping” a cat.

Grim pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. “I have to meet Dad, but I’ll touch base later.” She pouted as the valet rolled up with Lloyd’s car. He opened her door for her, and she leaned up to kiss his cheek. He didn’t move away, just gave her a pat.

I hoped she’d trip and dent Daddy’s car with her pointy chin.

She didn’t.

Once they drove out of sight, Grim turned his hungry eyes on me, but I strolled over to where Shore, my driver, waited for me.

“Where are you going?” His mood dipped, and mine lightened.

I tossed my hair over my shoulder and looked back. “Girls’ night!” I slipped inside and watched him hit the screen on his phone.

“Jesse,” I heard him say, “we’re heading out.”

Have fun with that.

Two things that don’t go well together are nerves and two best friends who are scared you’re going to leave them. They were keying off my anxiety, and in turn we were popping champagne bottles like we were living the high life. I was scared to tell them the truth, and they were scared to guess the truth. All in all, it made for a night of drinking, not talking.

My head spun.

“I don’t think I can feel my lips.” Tess pressed them together as Minnie poured her some more bubbly. We all lounged on the furniture out by Tess’s burlesque themed pool. “Yeah, I definitely can’t feel my lips.”

“Good to know.” Trigger slapped her ass as he walked by with a platter of meat for the barbecue.

“You know,” Minnie moved the fan mister toward her and kicked up her legs, “if I angle this just right, it creates this mini tornado down by my own mister.”

“That’s quite the pun, ha-ha.” Brick laughed and reached over and turned the mister toward himself.

I loved that girls’ night was really the guys and us. They gave us space, but they couldn’t help but watch over us. I felt safe when I was with them.

“Dogs are done!” Morgan yelled, holding up a plastic bottle of mustard. He tossed it to Denton, Trigger’s nephew.

“So, how’s it going with you and Grim?” Minnie wiggled her eyebrows, and I downed my glass and went in for another. “That good, huh?”

I didn’t bother to hide my smirk, thanks to the booze. My filter about giving a fuck had already gone out the door. “Actually, he wanted some last night after he broke into my hotel suite at Secrets, and I said if I meant something to him, he’d respect me enough not to have sex.”

“He listened?” Rail took a seat next to me. He hated to miss any kind of drama being spilled. “I’m shocked. I mean, when I’m horny enough, nothing can stop the beast, and let me tell you, Grim’s always horny for you.”

Tess laughed so hard her face turned red. “The fact that you know that.”

“Keep your eyes a little north of the Boy Scout camp,” Minnie joined in giving Rail shit, “though I guess Grim isn’t pitchin’ a Boy Scout tent.”

“No.” I laughed, thinking how true that was. “Oh,” I pointed over Minnie’s shoulder, “I see our entertainment has shown up.”

Minnie sat straighter, and I knew we were in for a good time. “Tess, what the hell is that broad doing in here?” She pointed at Glory and Keller, who were looking around the pool.

“She tried out for the pole last week and couldn’t even do a fireman spin. I felt bad and gave her a free day pass. Maybe I can still make some money off her in one of the rooms.” She pointed to one of the blackened-out windows for the client’s privacy.

“Well,” Keller eyed me up and down as they drew closer, “I didn’t know you were on the menu tonight.”

“Like you could afford me.” I waved him off. “I see nothing’s changed since Dirt’s, and you’re still slummin’ it with diseases of the world.” My stomach rolled at Glory, who had one of Trigger’s hot dogs between her shit-stained fake nails.

“Aw, you jealous, Kenna?” Keller grabbed his crotch. “I know it’s been a while, but just say the word and I’ll fill your hole.”

“You couldn’t fill my piss hole,” I blurted, and the girls burst out laughing.

His face scrunched when the guys started tossing him insults, too. “You wanna find out how big I am?”

“After that thing?” I tried to catch my breath as I pointed at Glory munching on the end of the hot dog. Her teeth were going at it like a hack saw. Bits of mystery meat dropped down onto her shirt, and I couldn’t hold back anymore. “How you got the nickname Glory Hole is beyond me.”

“Nothing’s glorious about those choppers.” Minnie mimicked Glory. “It’s the first time I’ve actually felt bad for you, Keller.” We laughed harder, and Glory swallowed when she realized how she looked.

“But do we?” I dried my tears. “I mean, a hot dog is a step up from Keller, here.” He flipped me the finger.

“Are you offering your finger?” Tess chimed in. “Because that might be the next best thing.”

Glory used a napkin to dig the mustard out of her nail. “Kenna, shouldn’t you be entertaining somewhere?”

“You know what I find funny?” I ignored her lame dig. “That you had Big Cat as a pimp and yet you’re Glory Hole.”

“That’s true,” Morgan smirked as he sat down on the arm of my chair, “and who the hell calls himself Big Cat anyway? You’re basically calling yourself a big pussy, which is ironic because it’s you who has the big, gaping pussy. Oh, man, this is fun.” He snorted, and we all laughed hysterically in a liquor haze.

“Kenna, you’re such a whore,” Glory shouted, only making us double over further. Minnie lost her footing when she tried to stand and fell on her ass. Three of the empty champagne bottles tumbled off the table and rolled toward them.

Keller grabbed her arm. “They’re wasted. Let’s go have some fun.”

“Glory you’re going the wrong way,” Brick called. “The alley’s over there!”

“Fuck you, Brick!” she snarled as Keller pulled her arm to get her away from us. “Fuck all of you.”

I stood. I felt especially wound up on my asshole high. Any worries about my plan for the rest of the night had completely dissolved. I giggled, full of liquid courage, and stepped back to grab a bite from Tess’s burger. When I popped back up, I hit my arm into someone.

“Oh, shit, sorry.” I turned to find Salazar with a group of guys. “Hey!” I couldn’t help but notice his face went six shades of red and his eyes widened then narrowed.

“How drunk are you?”

“Enough to know I shouldn’t be around a client right now.” I hiccupped and put a hand to my mouth. “But probably not enough to forget this when I join you on the green tomorrow.”

“Whoa.” He held up his hands and broke out in a grin, and his friends laughed.

“Oh, please,” I waved him off, “this is my girls’ night. Besides, who do you think expedited your membership in this place?” I pointed dramatically to myself.

“Well, in that case, I owe you a round.” He grinned and ordered us another three bottles then slipped away with his buddies.

“I love my job.” I popped the cork and swung around to look at Morgan.

“Oh, shit,” he groaned, “I know that look.”

I took a swig. “Hear me out, but I did something.”

Five minutes later, we were all walking down the back hallway of Minnie’s club.

“I’m not even sure how we made it.” Minnie stumbled, lost her balance, and almost took someone out as we passed them. Tess grabbed her waist with a laugh, and they both almost fell into a wall.

“Good Lord, it’s only a block away.” Tess laughed as Rail grabbed Minnie and steadied Tess.

The bouncer, Nate, had eyed us up when we arrived, but after a word from Minnie, he walked with us to unlock the door to the Wet and Wild room. “I don’t know what you all have been into tonight, but you certainly are having fun.”

“Bubbly!” Minnie pulled a bottle from her bag. How it hadn’t smashed with the number of times she’d fallen trying to get here was astonishing. “Tess named me Mary Poppins way back, and here I am still livin’ up to my name.” She grinned happily.

Tess laughed. “God only knows what else she has in there.”

Minnie did a Vanna White move next to the outfits. “Pick your poison.” I studied the costumes and chose a cute little white and blue sailor outfit.

“No, no.” Rail snatched the hanger from me and studied the other clothes. Smoke poured out of his mouth as he grinned and held up a very thin, almost see-through little black dress. “It’ll make your nips pop.”

“I’ll be right back.” Morgan laughed. “I love that one, Rail.”

“And what song?” Minnie asked, and I opened one eye and tried to study the screen.

“ Earn It , by The Weeknd.” Tess moved to stand next to Minnie.

Rail grabbed the phone. “If this goes sideways, you will not ruin Fifty Shades for me.” He glanced over. “Don’t worry, it won’t go sideways,” he assured me as I shifted the dress in place. “I just can’t risk it.” The girls tried so hard not to laugh as Rail ignored them and then turned the phone around for me to see Closer by Nine Inch Nails. “This fucked-up situation needs a fucked- up song.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I took a deep breath and another swig of alcohol and went to stand in front of the cage door. I looked back at Minnie and Tess, who now held weapons and waved them around like a bunch of drunks, then I stepped into the cage behind the viewing room.

“You got this baby girl.” Rail checked his gun clip while he popped another beer. “It’s pitch black for you, so let us do the rest.” He was right. We couldn’t see into the viewing room unless the person was really tall. Sometimes, we’d only see their shoes. That was a draw for those clients who only wanted to watch. They remained anonymous, unless they pressed a button to ask the dancer if they could enter. It was nice for the dancer, too, as they didn’t have to watch someone gawk at them and could relax and just dance without inhibitions.

“Yeah, I got this.” I squinted at the time on the wall. It was a little after one a.m., the time I’d told Tracy to tell my stalker I’d be dancing. I’d paid her well. This shit needed to end.

When the music started, I stepped into the water, turned my head off, and started to dance. The beat vibrated the cage walls, and the water drops that flew off me pulsated in the light. I was safe inside the cage. He couldn’t get to me. The only way he could was if I opened the special door myself.

The liquor did its job and helped push all my fears away. It was reckless, but after a few moments, I fell into my normal rhythm and tuned in to the lyrics of the song as I forgot all else and danced.

That was until I caught sight of a pair of shoes. Holy shit, he was here.