I glanced at Troy as he stood just inside the doorway. When he couldn’t handle a problem, I knew the issue was something I’d need to deal with. If I had to guess, I’d say Alexandra was involved in another situation. The girl did bring trouble with her. I was immediately on my feet, buttoning my jacket as I headed toward him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Diego Santiago managed to crawl his way inside the club and he brought some of his buddies in tonight?”

  His question was one that required answering. What the fuck? My thoughts drifted to Senator Collins and his insistence Santiago be allowed past my doors. Then I thought about the fact Alexandra had been followed. Diego was sparring for a fight. But why? Was he that nervous Alexandra had seen or overheard something? Or was he merely pissed she’d tossed one of his soldiers from Charlotte’s place? “Friends? Who are they?”

  “No clue, but they requested Alexandra, the new girl, to wait on them. Apparently, she was threatened and handed cash, which she didn’t take, for some incident with her car?”

  Anger immediately swelled in my veins, my blood boiling. “Where are they?”

  “Not sure but I thought you’d want to handle this. She’s pretty angry.” Troy laughed. “Actually, I think she gave them the riot act. She’s one tough girl.”

  My little pet was determined to get herself killed. While I was infuriated that she’d ignored my command, trying to handle a situation herself, what I really wanted to do was break Diego’s neck. Perhaps I hadn’t been forceful enough with the man the last time. If Collins was behind his guest appearance, he’d soon learn he’d fucked with the wrong man. The fact the fucker threatened anyone, especially Alexandra, meant he would face my wrath.

  “You were right to track me down, Troy. I will handle it from here.”

  “Good deal. Just out of curiosity. Why was he allowed to enter the premises in the first place? Isn’t that something Jagger should have stopped?”

  “Jagger isn’t in the club right now, but it’s a very good question and one I’ll also find the answer to.” One guest only. It had been a rule since the beginning. If Santiago had one of his men with him, another member was also involved.

  Nodding, he backed away. “Don’t be angry with her, Mr. Stark. She’s good people if you know what I mean.”

  “I know exactly what you mean, Troy. I appreciate you protecting her. Where is she?”

  “She’s in the breakroom in Blackout.”

  “Keep her there. Don’t let anyone approach her.”

  “You got it, boss.”

  I walked with him toward the stairs. While he raced down them, I took my time heading to private entrance, where Diego had likely entered. I always had at least one employee on the door in case members had questions or for situations just like this one.

  Danner had been left on duty, the son of a man I’d known for almost as long as the club had been in existence. He was a good guy, accommodating the correct word. As soon as I walked closer, he stood immediately.

  “Good evening, sir.”

  “Danner.” I tried to curtail the continuing fury. “Diego Santiago and one of his men were brought in as guests. Who are the two members?”

  He quickly checked the computer system. “Senator Collins and the police chief, who made certain I knew who he was. What an asshole.”

  Fuck me. It would seem my buddy, Manuel Gonzalez, the illustrious chief of police had taken the report straight to Santiago. What the fuck was my friend trying to do, issue a warning to stay away from the cartel? I couldn’t rule anything out. For him to be seen inside the club by anyone was risky as fuck. Why would he do that?

  I found it interesting he’d shouted to anyone who would listen that he planned on eradicating crime in the city. Including the vicious cartels. What in the hell was going on? While I could go on the assumption either he or his family had been threatened by the brutal cartel leader, I also couldn’t ignore the fact the man I’d respected could have taken a bribe. Did he really think Alexandra was a threat of some kind?

  “Where are they?” I snarled.

  “Senator Collins asked for the Red Room in particular.”

  I almost laughed. A warning had been issued. “That’s all I needed to know.”

  Whether this was all about Alexandra or a threat to my organization didn’t matter. Perhaps this was my week to ban members. That didn’t bother me in the least.

  There was no hesitation before entering the room. I barged in, immediately turning my full attention toward the senator. “Gentlemen.” I’d used the term loosely, shifting my heated gaze toward the chief of police.

  He kept his eyes on mine, refusing to look away. Sadly, that told me he wasn’t under any immediate duress.

  “Why, what a treat seeing the club owner in person,” Diego said as he swirled the liquid in his glass. “What can we do for you?”

  The fact the man was obviously baiting me, while irritating, also made a statement that either the group wanted my support, or they were afraid of what I could do. While I was curious as to the issue they were facing, at this point I refused to allow it to matter in the least.

  “As at least two of you know inside this room, I’m a man of few words. I also don’t like wasting time as my schedule is very busy, my time highly sought after. Therefore, I’m going to make this easy on you, Mr. Santiago. It is not only inappropriate but repulsive that you come into my club as a guest, which is a significant privilege I might add, and attempt to provide payoff to one of my employees. That kind of behavior will not be tolerated.”

  Just as I’d finished the words, something Lachlan had said to me years before filtered into my mind.

  “You’re like a bull in a china shop, dude. In this world, you need to learn panache and sophistication instead of using all that muscle.”

  After I’d laughed in his face, I’d asked him the reason why. For a man who’d been brought up with a silver spoon in his mouth, believing the world to be his personal playground, his answer had made sense. It remained so today.

  “Because doing so will alienate your enemies, leaving them in a beautiful fog and they won’t see the strike coming.”

  Words to live by.

  It was a shame he didn’t take his own advice. I made certain I made eye contact with every man in the room, leaving the chief of police until the last. As least he’d had the good graces to finally look away as if embarrassed. I was a keen observer, and it was easy to tell he was under at least minimal duress. Senator Collins, on the other hand, appeared as smug as he usually was.

  He’d likely arranged the meeting if for no other reason than to send me a message that he had more power than his predecessor, my threats meaning nothing.

  He didn’t seem to understand I wasn’t the kind of man who could be shoved into a corner.

  Diego’s jaw clenched, his dark eyes attempting to hold me hostage. I almost laughed. He obviously had no idea how many situations of this nature I’d been faced with.

  “I don’t believe I was doing anything illegal by offering her restitution for her pain and suffering. Was I, Manuel?” He turned his head toward the police chief, purposely using the man’s first name.

  “He was making a genuine offer, Jameson,” Manuel stated. While there was no emotion on his face, I noticed a single bead of perspiration trickling down from his forehead.

  “That’s good to know, but in my club, my rules apply. Now, please feel free to finish your drinks and your business. You’re welcome to order from the bar in the Blackout Club or within the privacy of Carnal Sins. But make note that after this evening, your guest privileges have been revoked permanently, Mr. Santiago. That goes for your associate as well.”

  I’d finally riled him, enough so he started to rise from the table. The senator threw his hand in front of the Puerto Rican.

  “There’s no need to be contentious, Jameson. Manuel and I asked for a meeting with Mr. Santiago to try and mend fences with our various organizations,” Senator Collins said casually, as if this was a traditional meeting between corporate moguls. “Your establishment has always been a welcoming respite as to keep concern from outside individuals to a minimum. You do want to keep violence out of our beloved city and from inside your club. Don’t you?”

  I took a deep breath, holding it for several seconds. The backhanded threat didn’t bode well but given I would be out of town for a few days, I had no intention of throwing gasoline on the fire.

  Yet.

  “I’m certain our chief of police has a very pointed game plan for handling gang warfare. However, no one has control over any aspect of this club,” I answered.

  The smug look on Collins’ face remained, which meant it was possible he’d taken up the previous senator’s cause of attempting to shut me down.

  “What a pity you can’t seem to control the violence inside or outside your own club,” the senator added. “I heard about the incident tonight. What a pity your young protégé attacked Judge Garber’s son. He has a broken nose to prove it.”

  I almost scowled but could tell he was also attempting to goad me. I laughed instead.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Manuel’s discomfort had changed, as if he was issuing a warning of his own not to indulge in further conversation.

  “We all do what we can to keep the peace. Now, as I have other business to contend with, I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening.” I made another round of eye contact before leaving the room. I hadn’t signed onto this adventure to play political games yet that’s what I’d been faced with over the last five years in particular.

  Maybe it was time to diversify.

  Hopefully, both Diego and the good senator realized I couldn’t be bought, nor did threats bother me in the least. I hadn’t anticipated being followed but when I heard footsteps seconds after rounding the corner, I abruptly stopped.

  “Jameson,” Manuel said as he flanked my side. “We need to talk.”

  I tilted my head, waiting for him to launch into the conversation. “I don’t think we have anything at talk about.”

  He laughed halfheartedly, scratching his head. “Jesus, Jameson. You don’t want to push this.”

  “Push what exactly?”

  “Whatever point you’re trying to make. You’re making enemies everywhere you go, including Judge Garber. Why the hell did you have his kid arrested?”

  “For attacking one of my employees.”

  His eyes opened wide. “That fucking kid has been an issue for two years.”

  “That’s your problem. It’s not going to be mine. I think you should reconsider the company you’re keeping.”

  “You don’t understand.”

  I laughed, shaking my head. While I still considered him a friend, I had no intentions of allowing him to goad me into following along like some lapdog. I closed the distance, my height allowing me to peer down at him. This time, he was intimidated. “I find it curious that you don’t seem to care about the fact Santiago is attempting to get in bed with a state senator. Or is this just business as usual, Manuel? One corrupt politician after another.”

  “You’re a smart man, Jameson. The bad blood between the Bratva and the cartel is getting worse. People are taking sides. You can’t turn a blind eye to what’s happening.”

  A blind eye. I found it interesting he’d purposely changed the subject.

  “How exactly did they get to you, Manuel? We’ve always been straight with each other. You were a man who refused to kowtow to any criminals in this city. What happened? How much did it take to sell your soul?”

  He was instantly incensed. “Get off your moral high ground, Jameson. We’ve all done things we wouldn’t rush home and tell our families about. I’m merely trying to keep the peace in a city where war is imminent. Collins might have his issues, but he cares about the city.”

  I wanted to laugh but I knew his concern was justified. “Right. I can see that. I own a club, Manuel. I’m not interested in politics or playing games. However, I won’t have rival gangs starting a war in my club.”

  “Don’t insult me. I know how much information you have on every member within Carnal Sins. I’m no fool. I’ve watched you use it to your benefit. You’re a very dangerous man, Stark. Did you ever stop to think you might have a target on your head?”

  “Are you threatening me, Manuel?” I’d been called many things over the years. Was I dangerous? I had all the qualifications of being a ruthless bastard, but I’d chosen the high road the majority of time.

  He chuckled. “I’m a man of the law whether you believe me any longer or not.”

  “Then what are you driving at?”

  “I’m not driving at anything. But people know you’re sitting on a powerful empire.”

  It was impossible not to laugh at this point. “Let me guess. If I were to divulge information for certain purposes, I would be well rewarded. Choose one side over the other? Would I be a rich man?”

  “I’m not suggesting you sell out, Jameson. That’s not the kind of man you are. Just be careful. There are new players who wouldn’t mind taking you down in the process of rising to the top. It would seem you managed to piss off several influential people, your partner Lachlan as well when he eliminated the former senator.”

  “Lachlan had nothing to do with Marshall Winston’s demise and you know it.”

  “That’s not the way people remember it.”

  I laughed again, allowing my thoughts to drift to the issues in Paris. “I’ll keep that in mind. Incidentally, a young woman is possibly being held against her will in Santiago’s domain. Charlotte Darlington? Name ring a bell?”

  He glanced over his shoulder. “She’s a drug runner, at least that’s what I’ve heard on the streets. Who’s she to you?”

  I thought about Alexandra and sighed. “A friend of a friend.”

  “She’s being used, which means when her resourcefulness runs out, she’ll be eliminated.”

  “That’s what I thought.”

  Manuel shook his head. “Stop meddling in things that don’t concern you. But remember what I told you about the information you have stored in some magical vault. It could be worth more than you think.”

  “I’m not for sale and I thought up until this point neither were you. Whatever they promised or threatened, you need to think about how you’re going to look your kids in the eyes when you go home at night.” With that, I turned around to leave.

  Alliances were typical, including with those in power who had no issue delving in the murky gray waters of morality. While I couldn’t consider myself entirely moral, there was no amount of money or the promise of power that would allow me to get into bed with a bastard like Santiago.

  The trouble was he knew it.

  That meant he’d do everything in his power to find a weakness.

  There hadn’t been one to find.

  Until now.

  I headed to the main floor, barely acknowledging anyone along the way. I found Alexandra pacing the floor, a lioness in a cage. When she noticed me, I sensed more than just irritation. She was afraid of Santiago but not for herself. I’d been right about her cousin.

  “Come with me,” I told her, waving off Troy when he attempted to flag me down. I waited as she moved in front of me, keeping my hand pressed on the small of her back as I guided her to my private elevator.

  Once inside, she remained rigid, her mouth twisted as fury continued to consume her.

  “You’re angry with me for a second time tonight,” she said, her usual defiant voice devoid of any emotion.

  “I’m not angry with you at all. Disappointed that you didn’t leave the room immediately, but you were blindsided.”

  “Why would they offer me money?”

  “I’m not certain, Alexandra. Perhaps to keep you quiet regarding your cousin.” As soon as she looked away, I realized she knew more than she was willing to tell me. “Perhaps as a warning that they can take you anytime they want after your incident with one of his men earlier.”

  “Fucking bastard.”

  The simple acknowledgement was the first step in helping her. I led her into my office, closing the door. “Talk to me. How deep is your cousin in Santiago’s world?”

  She sighed, her body starting to tremble as the adrenaline rush began to fade. “I think she’s in love with him.”

  I moved to my desk, sitting on the edge. When I reached for her hand, she didn’t try to pull away. I tugged her closer until she was between my legs. “Listen to me. I know you care about her but at this point you can’t force her to leave the situation.”

  Her jaw was clenched and she tried to pull away but I wouldn’t allow her to. “She’s smarter than this but I didn’t know how bad life had gotten for her. She didn’t tell me. When she left Montana, she was following the second or third guy she thought she was in love with. That was after a huge fight with her drug-addicted mother. The guy was supposed to be her knight in shining armor. She’d call me occasionally telling me about all the exciting locations she’d been. Then I didn’t hear from her for almost a year. When she called me out of the blue, she seemed so happy not to have a boyfriend. It was all a lie.”

  “A small part of you feels responsible.”

  “To a point. I had my own issues to deal with, ignoring several of her calls. Maybe if I’d been there. She had a terrible life, my aunt and uncle basically abandoning her. You don’t need to know the sordid details. She was a broken kid.”

  I squeezed her hand, rubbing my thumb across her knuckles. “You can only do but so much for someone you care about. Ultimately, how they live their life is entirely up to them.”

  “I know that somewhere in the back of my mind.”

  “Yet you felt you needed to remain her protector.”

  She laughed. “I know that sounds ridiculous. My mother used to call it the lost puppy syndrome.”

  “It’s an admirable trait. But in this case, the puppy has wolves for friends.”

  “I’m painfully aware of that now, although I’m not going to simply let her fall into the hands of a monster.”

  “You’re not going to risk your life. I’m going to help ensure Charlotte is safe, but that’s not something I can do right away.”