since I hadn’t had more than two or three hours between working and watching my back.
Married. Me. Despite it being an arrangement, I never expected it to happen. Pulling me away from my thoughts, I could sense a set of gray-blue eyes set on me.
“I’m aware that you are going to be busy running the Black Saints, but if, or when you would like a honeymoon vacation, just say the word.”
His words brought on an instant smile, one I chewed into my bottom lip, attempting to hide.
“That’s thoughtful of you, but my uncle…” My fist tightened at the thought of that man, and I bit into my lip in anger this time. “My uncle left one hell of a mess behind. I have a lot of work to do before I can even think about relaxing. Honestly, all I want tonight is at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep.”
“I understand and I will make sure you get those hours. I’m also aware that you are capable, but if you need help with anything, let me know. We are here.” He made a sweeping hand gesture.
“I appreciate that.” I wasn’t going to turn down a helping hand because I may need it. However, I planned on exhausting all of my efforts before I went crawling to my husband for help. I didn’t like needing anyone as I believed it would make me appear weak at a time that I needed to be seen as a pillar of strength for the Black Saints.
The Vallins and the syndicate had valuable resources that I could use to improve the Saints, and I fully intended to use them, but I wasn’t big on having anyone else assist with running the organization I was tasked with.
Our conversation died after his offer. The view lured my gaze out the window to spiraling mansions, well-manicured landscaping, and tall, fluffy trees whose leaves danced to a breeze that appeared to only exist in this exclusive area of the city.
The fluffy clouds in the distance were dancing atop the mountains and cast the setting sun as a strobe light. Nature was putting on a unique performance for my weary eyes.
If there were a way to be stuck in a moment, I’d sit in this one for a day because tomorrow I would have to dig into the shit pile of work I needed to do to restore the Evans name.
“Thank you for taking on this deal my uncle made with you, although I’m sure it’s not what you had originally bargained for.”
Arjen flashed a broad smile, tilted his head and looked in my direction. “I have a feeling that you will make it work, far better than Raymond Evans ever would have.”
I eyed him, my curiosity about his intentions, stirring. This was the second time that he had displayed an unwavering confidence in me. He didn’t know me outside of what he probably discovered through background checks, so I didn’t understand his positive assurances. I sensed that he was being genuine, despite my usual reluctance to trust easily.
There was a plethora of complicated issues sitting on my shoulders; rats, supply shortages, being watched by the cartel that supplied us, men that had trouble accepting orders from a woman boss. However, I had been training for the position most of my life and couldn’t let the guys see me sweat.
My phone vibrated, pulling my attention. “Hello?” I answered, seeing it was my cousin, Rayland calling.
“Mecca?” a female voice sounded instead. It must have been Lisa, Rayland’s main girlfriend. Why so many women were drawn to a drug-addicted, unemployed man was beyond me. I labeled my cousin unemployed because aside from the dope he cooked for the Saints and the few customers he scared up, there wasn’t much else he was good for.
“Yes,” I finally answered.
“Mecca, it’s Rayland. He overdosed, and the doctors aren’t sure he’s going to make it through the night,” Lisa’s voice cracked, barely pushing the words out.
“Wait. What? Repeat.”
Arjen slid closer at the sound of my stressed words, concern creasing his face. She repeated her statements, letting me know what hospital my cousin was in.
“Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I clicked off and stared upward for a quick silent prayer. Fake marriage or not, the world I was a part of wasn’t going to allow me a day to get married in peace.
“I’ll go with you,” Arjen offered.
“You don’t even know where I’m going or what’s wrong,” I replied, assessing him.
“Someone’s hurt, and you