“Okay, noted,” I said, but really the guy should respect me, not the other way around. “Anything else?”
“Yeah. Just that Randy’s been talking her up to Martin.” He gestured to Lace. “Or he did before she spit in his face. Nice one, Lace.”
Lace shrugged, and I made a note to find out what the fuck had happened between her and Randy.
“Word is Skellin’s on the prowl for a new side piece,” Kyle said. “I told you before that he likes blondes. He also likes taking from others. Gets a charge out of it, if you know what I’m saying?”
I didn’t reply. I waved my hand over my head as I continued to the stairs with Lace in tow, pretending I was heeding his warning. I was fucking her, and sure as hell wasn’t wasting time playing nice with a drug dealer. This part of my life was soon to be in the past. The days of me bowing to anyone were over.
“Have you met the guy he’s talking about?” Lace asked as I led her up and around the usual strung-out group of heroin junkies on the stairs.
“Yeah, once or twice. He’s not that big a deal.” That was a lie, but I’d told so many of them recently, I didn’t see the harm in one more. “I’ll look out for you. No need to worry.”
“Okay, if you’re sure. I just thought maybe you might want to go somewhere else.”
“No, not going anywhere else.” On the landing, I stopped and gave her a firm look. I’d waited long enough.
“Warren Jinkins,” a familiar voice said from behind me, and a heavy hand landed on my shoulder.
Lace’s amber eyes went wide.
I turned and took in the tall man behind me who might be considered handsome by bitches who were into his coal-black hair and eyes, and went for a powerful guy with a sadistic bent.
Martin’s bodyguard, even taller than he was, hung back just behind him as usual. He and his enforcer were packing heat. I’d already had the meeting where Martin had established pecking order with the added benefit of making me feel small.
“Aren’t you gonna say thanks?” Martin said. “And introduce me to this beautiful woman with you?”
“Thanks,” I said through gritted teeth. It was on the tip of my tongue to correct him. Lace was beautiful, but she was my woman. However, I understood the setup, understood that he wanted a power-play repeat.
Fucking sucks.
“Lace Lowell, this is Martin Skellin.”
“Charmed, I’m sure.” Martin stretched out his arm, his hand extended.
Lace hesitated, giving me a glance. She didn’t see it because she was looking at me, but I saw the flash of malevolence he shot my way. Martin was an evil dude.
I brought her hand to his, making the choice for her. If he didn’t perceive her as a challenge, a toy that was mine that it would hurt me to have stolen away, he would lose interest. Basic Southside 101, eat-or-get-eaten, welcome-to-the-jungle stuff, but Lace remained ignorant about that and a lot of things.
“Enjoy the party, Lace,” Martin said low, his gaze locked on hers. “There’s a parting gift on the bureau, but when you’re ready for a man to take care of you rather than a boy, call me. I’ll come, and you’ll have no regrets. I promise you.” Releasing her hand, he turned to the guy behind him. “Give the lady my card, Arturo. The one with my personal number.”
“Right, boss. Here.” Seeming to have anticipated Martin’s play, he flicked the card he held between his fingers to Lace.
Picking up on the vibe, her hand trembled, but she took the card, even mumbling a thank-you as she tucked it into a side pocket in her dress.
“Respect.” I lifted my chin, though I really would have preferred to spit in his eye like Lace had Randy.
“Have a good night, Jinkins,” Martin said, and I breathed easier when he moved along.
“Wow,” Lace said, moving closer to me. “Do you believe that guy?”
I didn’t respond. I wanted her wows to be for what I’d do to her shortly.
With that in mind, I recaptured her hand and tugged her the remaining length of the hall. Opening the door and verifying the room was empty, I brought her inside, feeling like I’d run a marathon to finally get her here.
I shut the door and locked it.
Lace
War seemed so chill, even with Martin, a menacing guy at the top of the food chain in his face. Had he noted Martin and