Sins (Havoc of Sins #3)

Chapter 17

Grim

“ K enna was just spotted coming out of Cameron’s office on the twentieth. Simon’s there,” Jesse whispered, and I held up a finger as a thank you. I trusted Kenna, but she was digging into her father, and I was concerned that one of these days she might get herself into more trouble.

“Everything all right?” Trigger eyed me from across the table. Smoke rose from his lips and made him squint at me.

“Kenna’s digging.’” I puffed on my own joint.

He gave me a shit-eating grin. “The women we attract.”

I agreed.

He looked away, but I could tell something bothered him. “So, you’re gonna be a fuckin’ dad.”

“I am.”

“And?”

“And what?” Trigger never spoke more than he had to, so it was always entertaining to make him spell shit out.

“And if you knew her parents might fuck him up, wouldn’t you wanna cut their throats?” Ah, there it is . He didn’t agree with the deal I made with Agent Colins not to retaliate against Talya’s parents. I couldn’t blame him. I wanted to do it. “If Talya’s fuckin’ parents find out who the father is, no tellin’ what kind of life that kid’ll get.”

“Talya’s a big girl. She’s laying low with a friend in Mexico City. If there’s a problem, she’ll call me.”

He stabbed out his joint. “Don’t like it. Colins is gettin’ way too much fuckin’ power.”

“I don’t disagree on that, but we all know his role in the underground, and until he’s not FBI anymore, we should continue to use him.”

“Old mafia.” Trigger shook his head. I knew it still bothered him that Colins had found out late in life that his grandfather was head of a crime family. But there was a big difference being raised in that world and entering it later in life. Then add an FBI badge on top of that, it was mind-blowing. I wasn’t sure of Colins myself. It was a lot of power.

My mind shifted to someone else. “How’s Brick’s brother doing?”

“Fuck do I know?” He flipped his mohawk back. “I just keep lookin’ for the chain to pull to start his fuckin’ engine.”

I glanced at Jesse, who was on a call. “How’s Brick?”

“Happy.” He shrugged. “Just wish this guy could give him more than a google-eyed stare. He’s been waitin’ long enough for it. Deserves more.”

“Yeah, it’s too bad. I could get a doctor to check him out, see if there’s maybe some way to get through.”

He tapped his lighter on the table. “Yeah.” He sighed. “His fuckin’ smile just—” He stopped himself.

“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.

My phone alerted me I had a message.

Kenna: Yen Hong had an emergency in Bangkok and Salazar is entertaining friends. I’m free if you are. Or I can go get into some trouble, and we can fight about it and take the long way around to what I want from you.

I broke into a grin as I responded.

Grim: Rooftop now.

I figured the demand would fuel her fire; I went instantly hard.

“Mr. Gates?” I turned to find Hanna, Kenna’s friend. She stood in front of me, totally naked. Pool water dripped from her breasts, and she casually brushed a drip from a perky nipple. I was unmoved.

“I thought that was you.” She gave me a sexy look. “Like what you see?”

Anger went through me when I remembered how she bolted from the hotel room and left Kenna to deal with the aftermath of Sasha. Something about her rubbed me the wrong way, and now I saw what that thing was.

I raised a brow, totally unimpressed with whatever the hell she was trying to do. My natural urge to let my eyes roam a female body was replaced with disgust.

I raised my eyebrow at her. “When people meet me, they don’t forget me.”

“That’s true.” She pulled her wet hair to one side, and her finger dipped to her breast again as she shot me a coy look. “I’m all alone here in the pool. Are you interested in a dip?”

“No.” I didn’t miss a beat.

“I know my tits aren’t like hers, but my mouth can work magic on your?—”

“You’re right. They’re definitely not.” I tossed the insult at her, pissed she would do this to Kenna. “Get dressed before someone sees you.”

“I want you to see me.” She stepped forward. “Touch me.” She came closer until she was practically touching me. “You can do whatever you want to me.”

“I don’t do desperate chicks.” I sipped my drink, but she boldly ran her hand up my chest. I opened my hand and dropped my drink. The glass bounced off my shoe and fell into the pool as I snagged and squeezed her wrist with a deep hiss. I hovered over her and used my size to intimidate her. She cowed, and again I thought how turned off I was. “You’d be wise to remember that I’ve made people disappear for a lot less than what you’re doing now.”

“Do you have any idea how hard it is to always be in her shadow?” She glared at me but didn’t make a move. “Never being good enough. They look at me, but they’re really looking at her.”

“A man wants a woman with confidence.” I dumbed it down for her; she wasn’t getting it. “Not a woman who compares herself to those around her. People see Kenna because she’s real. She doesn’t try to be anything but what she is.” I pushed her hands away. “You’re pathetic. That’s the worst for a man.”

“I might be pathetic, but I’m not stupid. I know how to ruin a good thing when I see it.” She tried to kiss me, but I was ready and grabbed her arms and twisted them, slamming her back to my front. That was a move I loved to do with Kenna, but it was anything but that with this chick. She glanced back at me, then her gaze shifted, and she moaned like she was turned on. “That’s right, baby, just how I like it.” She pressed hard against me.

“Wow,” I muttered and dropped my hold on her. She took a couple of steps to catch her balance.

“Just let me see how you feel,” she whined, and I scrunched up my face in disgust.

“Hanna?” Kenna’s sharp tone made her jump backward, but something told me Hanna had seen Kenna before I did. “What the hell are you doing?” I took in her long silver dress with its sexy slit up both sides as she approached us.

She was gorgeous and all fucking mine.

“It’s not what you think. Grim?—”

I cut her off. “Grim did nothing.”

She kept going. “He made a pass at me, and I came here to?—”

Crack! The sound from Kenna’s slap echoed about the pool. I waved off the bartender to give us some privacy. Hanna covered her cheek as her eyes watered.

“After all I’ve done for you, you hit on my fiancé?”

Hanna did a doubletake, and I was pleased that she was shocked by the news.

“Your fiancé?” She laughed like a crazy person. “Oh, that’s fucking great!” She brushed her wet hair back out of her face. “Of course you nabbed the billionaire.” Hanna’s voice dripped sarcasm, and Kenna’s face twisted. I wished I knew what she was thinking. “God, that video makes so much more sense now.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kenna glanced at me, and I closed my eyes. I wished I’d drowned the bitch in the pool while I’d had the chance.

“I saw you,” she hissed. “You’re friends with the guy on the video.”

“Who?”

“The fucking dude with the Harry Potter glasses who always stares at you from a distance.”

“Simon?” Kenna looked more confused than ever. Then her gaze moved back to mine, and I gave her a nod. “I see.”

“You played me, Kenna, and I walked right into it, because I thought we were friends.”

“Friends?” Now it was Kenna’s turn to laugh. “Is this the way you treat a friend? We haven’t truly been friends since you started screwing around with Sasha. You hated that we had a past, but that was before I even knew you.”

“I trusted that you were finished with him, but you kept stringing him along. I saw the way he watched you, too.”

“Speaking of trust,” Kenna pressed her lips together, “tell me how you knew Kurt.” Her eyes bulged, and I knew Kenna saw the truth on her face. Hanna did feed information to Kurt about her.

“It was nothing. It was a long time ago.” Hanna waved her off, but Kenna wasn’t having it. “He was a friend of Sasha’s. He came over one night and started asking questions about you. As you know, that’s nothing new for me,” she glared, “to spend my nights talking all about the amazing Kenna.” She rolled her eyes. “He was obsessed with you, so I just nudged him your way, hoping Sasha would see it and focus back on me.”

“You almost got Kenna killed because of that.” I stepped forward to grab the bitch, but Kenna put a hand on my arm to stop me.

“That’s not my fault!”

Kenna calmed herself down and placed a hand on her stomach and whispered something I couldn’t make out. When her eyes opened, I saw she was channeling something darker. “Look, Hanna, I’ve had a very rough couple of months. I’ve done things I didn’t even know I was capable of.” Kenna took a step toward her, and I prepared myself to step in should Hanna try anything. “But one thing I’m sure of is if you ever come between me or my family again,” she drew attention to her stomach, and Hanna’s eyes widened, “I’ll push you off this rooftop and happily watch as your soul gets slammed out of your body on impact. So, wrap up your leftover snatch and get the fuck out of here.”

“Well,” Hanna touched her face as if it were tender, “I hope you have a boy. At least it’ll have a fighting chance not to be a whore.”

“Jesse,” I snapped, “see that Hanna is escorted off the property. This will be her last visit to any Gates hotel.” Hanna’s mouth dropped open as Jesse moved to stand next to her.

“Right this way,” he commanded.

“Oh, and Hanna?” Kenna joined my side. “He feels fantastic.” She flicked her tongue, and I nearly lost my nerve it was so sexy.

Hanna gave us the finger as Jesse handed her a towel then carefully shoved her naked ass in the elevator with two security guards.

“Fantastic?” I arched my brow playfully, but she rolled her eyes. “Come here.” I reached to grab her, but she stepped back. Instantly, my blood heated. “Kenna.”

“Not here.” She headed toward the elevator, and I knew she was right to move to the privacy of the penthouse. I reached out to pull her close as I stepped inside, but she skirted around me before I could touch her. As soon as the doors closed behind us, she turned to face me.

“Why didn’t you tell me Simon was on Hanna’s video with Sasha Landry?”

“No one knew but me and Dad.”

She didn’t comment as the doors opened, and she immediately moved to the bar and poured herself a glass of sparkling water. “I should have been told.”

I took a moment to admire the way her ass looked in the dress as she moved farther into the room. The dress clung to all the right places.

“Hey, babies.” She patted the boys as they ran to her. Gone were the days when they came to me. Zahr licked her hand, wanting more.

“So, they can touch you?” I teased. I wasn’t going to put up with that for much longer.

“They didn’t lie to me.”

“You want to know why I kept it from you?” I shrugged off my coat and draped it on the back of the chair. “Because I couldn’t figure him out.”

“Couldn’t, as in past tense?” I nodded. “Because he helped Brick and helped catch my stalker?”

“Yeah. I needed you to act normal while I watched him.”

“So, you think maybe he was looking out for me and was maybe playing Sasha?”

I shrugged. “It looks that way.”

“Why don’t you ask him?”

I smiled darkly. “I plan to, but I want a little more time.”

She nodded and seemed to accept that answer.

“Now, did you eat dinner?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“I didn’t ask if you were, I asked if you ate.” I snagged the tablet from the counter and ordered some food from the kitchen.

“Grim?”

I turned and found her with a puzzled expression.

“When you learned Simon was good friends with Kurt, why didn’t you kill Simon too?”

“The same reason I didn’t act when I found out he was on the video. I want to watch him. The guy puzzles me, and I don’t like puzzles. I need to see what he’s really about. What side he’s on.” She nodded like she was deep in thought. “You seem to know Simon pretty well. You went to his office twice in one week.”

She squinted at me. “Are you jealous?”

“I’m protective,” I corrected.

“Yes, I am carrying your child.”

I ditched my tie and unbuttoned the collar of my shirt. “I didn’t need you pregnant to become protective of you.” I eyed her. “I’m protective because you’re mine. Our baby is just a jumpstart to our life together.” I leaned down to where she sat on the couch and caught her lips with mine. “Now, answer my question,” I ordered.

“I don’t see any red flags. He shared some things with me. I think he’s genuinely pleased Dad is dead.”

“Yeah, him and everyone else.” I lifted her legs, sat, and rested them over my lap. I rubbed her thighs, enjoying how smooth her skin was. I kneaded her muscles and watched her eyes flutter closed. I slid my fingers down to her ankles and slipped her shoes off.

“That feels good,” she moaned, and I studied her sexy features. Her long lashes, her pink lips, and her slender neck called to my body. When she brushed her hair back, I caught sight of her ring. I hadn’t noticed it until then.

“This makes me happy.” I stroked her finger.

“I figured it was time. Dad’s gone, and Mom’s…” She looked away for a moment. “Your family knows, so…”

I spun the ring around her finger and thought about how a tiny piece of gold and a diamond could symbolize so much. I went back to rubbing.

“What did you discover while watching him?” She kept her eyes closed and shifted to get more comfortable.

“He watches you the way I do.”

“And what way is that?”

I slid my hand up under her dress and rubbed between her legs. A smile broke across her lips. “You’re the only one I can focus on in a room,” I whispered. “Your body calls to me, ignites every part of my being, and my only reprieve,” I slipped a finger inside her, and she granted me a helpless whimper, “is to be inside you.” I shifted so I was gently lying over her with one foot on the ground to stabilize me. Two more fingers were added, and her eyes opened and locked onto mine. “And if I ever,” I skimmed her jaw with my lips and watched her climb toward her bliss, “found out he acted on those thoughts,” I kissed up to her ear, “I’d rip him in two,” I whispered harshly.

“Keep going,” she breathed as her cheeks pinkened.

“But Sonny’d be first.” I fed her desire for my dark side. “I’d chain him to a chair, gag him, and let him watch me take you over and over again, then, when he’s wound up to the point of pain, I’d slice his sorry excuse of a dick clean off.”

She cried out and climaxed. She shook as she rode it and dug her nails into my shoulder. I dove down and sucked on her neck to increase her ride.

The bell from the elevator told me we were about to have company. I pulled my fingers out, slid a blanket over her limp body, and greeted the bellman as he pushed his cart out.

“Evening, sir,” he looked at me then over my shoulder, “ma’am.” He nodded in Kenna’s direction.

I quickly checked everything over and tipped the man, then shot him a look to get out. He disappeared, and I found Kenna holding my tie. “What?”

“It’s your turn. Strip, Mr. Gates.”

I cocked an eyebrow and did what I was told.

“Excuse me, Mr. Gates?” Chef Dale caught me in the restaurant the next morning. “I wanted you to know Sonny came by last night.”

That caught my attention. I scanned the place and saw we were mostly alone. “And what was Mr. Conti doing trespassing on Gates property?”

“Well, he met with Mr. Borrows,” Jenelle’s father , “at the bar. They spoke for a bit, then Sonny shook his hand, and left when security appeared.”

“I see.” I caught Kenna coming toward us. “Let’s keep this between us for now. No need to get anyone upset,” I said as Kenna joined my side.

Kenna glared at him. “Dale.”

“Kenna.” He smiled. “Still mad at me?”

“Yes.” She rolled her eyes, but I could tell she wasn’t that angry. “I’m not about to forgive you for not giving me a heads up on that feral cat Kelly. That bitch came at me when we were in the desert.”

“I heard you put up a good fight, though.”

“I did,” her smile slipped, “but that’s not the point. She’s nuts, and you know it.”

“She is a freak in bed.” He looked at me like I knew what he was talking about. I kept my expression deadpan; I liked my balls where they were. “I’m sorry. I had no clue when she told me she was going that she’d come after you because of…” He trailed off and cleared his throat.

She stuck a finger in his face. “Be a friend first. I deserve that, at least.”

He frowned and nodded.

“All right,” I pulled Kenna to my side, “thank you, Dale, for stopping by. I’ll be in touch.”

“Yeah,” he turned his attention to me, “if anything comes up, I’ll let you know.”

“Please do.” He left, and I looked down at Kenna. Her face held a death glare.

She put her hands on her hips. “What did Dale want?”

“Kitchen stuff.”

“Why are you lying?” She stared at me harder, but I just got turned on.

I glanced around to see if anyone else was around. I didn’t trust that someone like Sonny hadn’t followed Dale. Shit, he could have set the whole thing up to get Dale to come here. I made eye contact with Jesse, and he gave me the all-clear on his end.

“Hey.” She tugged on my belt, and as she stepped closer, I instantly felt a flash of heat and my body pulled toward hers like a magnet. “Don’t forget that I’m carrying a Gates inside me, which means I will figure out what’s going on, with or without you.”

The corner of my mouth lifted, and I drank in her perfume. “Is that a threat, sweetheart?” I ran my hand around her waist.

Her brow cocked. “It’s a promise.”

“Fuck me, if sex had a face.” Minnie grinned at the two of us. “I think I got pregnant just from looking at you two.”

“Minnie,” Kenna acknowledged but kept her gaze on me, daring me to look away first.

“If I didn’t know you were already knocked up and in love with him, Kenna, I’d say you’re about to swallow him whole.”

“I already did.” She grinned, and my erection begged me to give in.

“So now probably isn’t a good time to tell you Sonny’s been spotted talking to Yen Hong at Desires restaurant?”

“What?” Kenna broke our connection first but then looked back at me when she connected the dots to Dale. Since he worked there, it was most likely why he’d come by. I nodded, and she shook her head. “You weren’t going to tell me, were you?”

“No, I wasn’t.” I leaned down to her ear. “The same rules apply here, Kenna. You aren’t to leave Secrets unless escorted by the men I have watching you. Don’t,” I gritted, “make me handcuff you to our bed again.” Her mouth opened, and I kissed her hard to make my point.

“Yup, the big bad Reaper’s fuckin’ gotcha.” Minnie laughed as I fought to pull away.

I waved to Jesse to come over, and when he joined us, I turned to Minnie. “When did you spot Sonny at Desires?”

“Just now.”

“Twice in twenty-four hours,” Jesse muttered quietly. “I’d say he’s trying to get your attention.”

“Wait,” Kenna held up a hand, “why was he talking to Yen Hong?”

Minnie held up her phone. “Brick texted and said he was asking about you. I guess Trigger followed Sonny but lost him in the crowd on the Strip.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Lodge,” one of staff held up a garment bag, “I was told to hand this over to you directly and not leave it in the back.”

“Oh, thank you.” Kenna draped the bag over her arm. “Please send my gratitude to the seamstress.”

“Of course.” He slipped away.

“Is that…?” Minnie gushed over the bag.

“It is.”

Her hands shot to her face and her smile widened. “That’s tonight! I almost forgot.”

Hold on. “What’s tonight?” I couldn’t catch up.

“Yen Fashions. His launch at Indulge.” Minnie looked at me like I lived under a rock. “Kenna’s in the show.”

I laughed. “The fuck you are.”

“I’m thinking those new pumps I got from Rene Caovilla.” Kenna ignored me.

Minnie swooned. “The ones with the flowers that wrap up your ankle?”

“Yes!”

I thought my head was going to explode. How did we go from Sonny to a fucking fashion show? “Enough.” I was going to lose it. “Jesse.” I didn’t have to say anything else. He knew I wanted him to go find out everything about Sonny being at Indulge.

“On it.” Jesse disappeared.

“Kenna, there’s no fucking way you’re doing any kind of a public show?—”

“Grim,” she cut me off and raised her chin, “I made a commitment to Yen a long while back that I’d help him debut a few pieces from his collection.”

“I don’t give a?—”

“But think about it.” She covered my lips with her finger. “We can use this as a lure to draw Sonny out. It’s perfect. I’ll be on stage, so he can’t touch me up there, then you guys can grab him.”

My initial reaction was to cut her off and forbid it, but the idea of her being in the spotlight and untouchable interested me. I kissed her fingers, then something hit me. “What’s the dress look like?” I reached for the bag, but she pulled it out of reach.

“I guess you’ll just have to find out.” She leaned up and kissed my cheek. “Check your calendar. I made sure the event was in there weeks ago.”

I felt Minnie watching me as Kenna left. Her ass had just disappeared around the corner when Minnie snorted. “What?”

“It’s so fun watching you big, scary men fall hard for a woman.” She moved to stand next to me. “I call it Pussy Power.” I side-eyed her, and she laughed. “Come on. Trigger wants to see you.”