Denise came over and refilled our drinks. “What can I get you?”
Miss Lightning wasn’t distracted by the waitress’s tits on display. “I’ll have what they’re having, honey.”
Denise poured the scotch then walked away.
Miss Lightning never pulled her gaze off my face. “A few of my girls tell me you’re their favorite client.”
“I always pay in full—plus tip.” I wasn’t one of those assholes who fucked a woman then roughed them up when they demanded to be paid. Taking advantage of a woman just because she was small and powerless was pathetic. Only pussies did shit like that.
“That’s not the only reason,” she said. “Most of them say they would provide their services for free…because you make them feel like the client rather than the other way around.”
I didn’t react to her statement, even though my brother listened to every word. I didn’t talk about my sex life to anyone. It was obvious I screwed whores and picked up women at bars, but I didn’t share details. “Heath tells me you’re interested in getting protection, that you want me to be your scarecrow. I’m sorry to waste your time, but I’m not interested. I’m already overbooked as it is. I can’t give you the time and attention you need.”
She continued to stare at me with that same sexy look. “I manage hundreds of women throughout this city, and you know better than anyone these women aren’t walking the streets late at night. My women are beautiful, sexy, perfect tens.”
“Yes…I know from personal experience.”
“And you also know what their fee is.”
They were the most expensive whores in the world.
“I’m willing to give you thirty percent of everything we make—plus perks.”
It wasn’t an issue of money. I just didn’t have time.
When I didn’t ask about the perks, she elaborated. “The girls would be happy to service you for free—whenever you want.”
That wasn’t appealing to me either. Right now, I had a woman I couldn’t get enough of. “I can put some of my guys on it.”
“No.” She took a drink of her scotch then licked her lips. “I want you. You’re the only man in this town who has the kind of power that I need.”
“I’m flattered,” I said. “But I’m not a pimp.”
“You wouldn’t be a pimp,” she said. “You would be security.”
“Again, I don’t have the time. My loyalty is to the Skull Kings, and I can’t take any time away from them. I’m sure your offer is very generous, but you’re asking me for time I can’t give.” If I agreed to this, I would never be home in the evenings. I would be out every single night—and Cassini wouldn’t like that. She wouldn’t be around much longer so I shouldn’t make my decisions based on that, but I didn’t want to waste the time we had left.
Miss Lightning sighed in disappointment. “I don’t think you understand how much cash is on the table—”
“I don’t think you understand how rich I am.”
She opened her clutch and wrote down a number. “This is my number. And this is your monthly income if you decide to take my offer.” She pushed it toward me then rose to her feet.
I glanced at the card, and while I was impressed by the number, I didn’t show it.
She moved to my side then placed her hand on my shoulder. “Call me if you change your mind.” She leaned down and pressed a kiss to my neck.
I grabbed her wrist and pushed her off. “Kiss me like that again, and I’ll break your hand.” I released her then glared up at her.
Instead of being angry, she smiled. “The king has a queen…”
I came home at five in the morning.
The night had passed in a blur because I had so much to do. I paid a visit to my drug dealers to the west and collected their monthly tax. A territory dispute was forming between two rivals, and I had to end the argument before heads started rolling. By the time I walked in the door, I was tired.
Cassini wasn’t on the couch like I expected her to be. She must have stayed in bed.
I whipped up something to eat in the kitchen before I headed to my room. The door was open, so I stepped inside and found her sleeping alone in the large bed. Still naked, she had the sheets pulled to her soft shoulder. Her hair was all over the place, and her arm reached for my side of the bed like she hoped I was there.
I kicked off my shoes then stripped off my clothes.
She must have heard the clothes hit the ground because she opened her eyes and sat up. “You’re home…” She ran her fingers through her messy hair and pulled it out of her face as she blinked her eyes, slowly coming to reality. It was still dark outside because sunrise was hours away. “What time is it?”