Page 17 of Thorn Evermore
As he walks off, I pick up a statue, so tempted to throw it at the back of his smug head, but Sandra rubs my back.
“Come on, Ky. We can knock this out quickly now that it’s all organized and unwrapped.”
“I’m sorry, Sandra. I must have left the computer unlocked. I just can’t figure out why Neal would do something like that.”
“Like I said earlier. He’s jealous.”
“He dumped me.”
“I didn’t say he was smart. Just jealous. In some warped kind of way, you should feel good. He realizes he fucked up letting you go. You’ve got the high ground.”
“Doesn’t feel like it.”
“Don’t let it bother you, Ky. He showed his hand, so all you have to do is be extra diligent because he can’t be trusted. I got your back, and so does everyone else here.”
“Thanks.” I blow out a breath. “I guess we should get started. Again.”
I grab my catalog sheet and Sandra reads off each item so I can check them off and add them to the computer for the second time today.
It’s clear Neal is out to ruin my reputation, but I’m not gonna let him. The doormat he met and abused for two years is gone now. I think. I’m gonna do my best to hold on to the confidence boost I got last night when a pretty man named Thorn rocked my universe.
Chapter 5
THORN
Lurking on the edge of a roof, I keep a trained eye on the throng of people below. It’s not ideal to hunt in these conditions, but the target is well aware he’s in trouble and sticks to heavily populated areas. Too bad for him that a vampire always has a work-around.
I spot him surrounded by bodyguards. Our cases have been increasingly high profile lately. This man is well known throughout the city. Supposedly he’s just a spoiled rich kid, but those in the know are aware that’s not entirely accurate. First off, he’s too old to be called a kid at this point. His father, who died last year of a heart attack, was almost eighty.
Carlton Richards was set to take over his father’s real estate business, but couldn’t be bothered to do so. The city watched in shocked awe as he sold off pieces of it to the highest bidders, sent his broken-hearted mother to Switzerland, and continued the drug-fueled party he calls a lifestyle.
Too bad for Carlton that he fucked with the wrong crowd. If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on Congressman Julian Tatt. Rumor has it the politician has a penchant for male prostitutes, the younger the better, and old Carlton has been supplying the goods. Did he get stupid and decide toblackmail the congressman? Only Julian and Carlton know that. My job is to make sure Carlton isn’t around to show off any hidden skeletons.
I volunteered for this one because if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s people who take advantage of others who are down on their luck. Underage prostitution is high on the list of shit I don’t tolerate, which means I’ll take a special delight in making Carlton bleed.
Carlton and his entourage are accosted by paparazzi, drawing a frown to my face. I’ll have to be extra focused on the details tonight with cameras lingering. All I need is a reason to get Carlton outside in the back, completely alone.
He’s got two weaknesses—drugs and sex—and I can supply at least one of those things. Or make him think I can, anyway. I climb down the building and make my way across the street to the club, flashing my best smile at the bouncer at the door.
“Hey, Dre. How’s it going?”
“Thorn Orpheus. What are you doing in this part of town?”
“Slumming, obviously.”
Dre chuckles. Unfortunately for me, the hulking, too-beautiful-for-his-own-good man says he’s firmly straight, despite my best attempts to prove otherwise. He did let me choke on his beast of a dick after a night of drinking too much, but that was all I could get. Le sigh.
“I need to get in there,” I say. “Got a friend to visit.”
Dre nods, his muscular arms still folded over his chest. His dark skin practically glistens, catching the lights from inside every time the door opens. “Are you here to start trouble?”
“Me? No way, man. Just delivering a message. I’ll be in and out in five minutes.” I press against him, aware of the hitch in his breath. A hundred percent straight, my ass. “Promise.”
He gazes down at me with slightly hooded eyes. “Yeah, man. You can go in. Just be cool.”
“I will. Thanks, Dre.”
He unhooks the rope to let me pass everyone else in line. A chorus of complaints follows, but Dre is back in charge with his commanding presence.