Kit glances at me. The gleam in his eyes does nothing to ease the tension in my stomach. “Is that where she is now. With Cole?”
I nod. I have no need to deny it. “They’re working on a story.”
Kit’s eyebrow rises, “you know what this story is?”
“No. But it’s not about the club.”
“Get Mia to sign that contract. I’ll talk to Cole. Invite him to join the club,” Day said.
I glance at the club’s president. “Are you sure?”
He nods. His smile twisted. “It’s all about keeping people close. Besides, we could do with the leverage.” Day taps his fingers on the bar counter. His gaze lingering on Melody’s tits. “No point using the women as he’s not hitched.” He glances at Kit. “We need to arrange a game. Get him in deep.”
“There’s something deep about Cole alright. No matter what Data has found. The twitch in my head and the pull in my gut tells me, he’s not who he says he is.” The ache in my head eases as I raise my doubts to the men sitting beside me.
Kit nods, “he’s smart, Day. That might not work.”
“That’s why you’re going to pally up with him.” Day’s smile deepens. “After all, isn’t that what you’re supposed to do. Gain the confidence of the men. Discover their deepest, dirtiest secret.” Day turns to me. “Sort out the rally with Oyster. We’ll make a day of it.”
I nod, “wanna invite Sinbad and his crew?”
Day rises from his stool, collects the paperwork from the bar counter and nods. “Might as well. Find out if Twiggy is about. He might fancy a ride or two.”
I nod as I watch Day leave the casino, then turn to Kit. “Do we know anything about this Cole guy.”
“I’ve got Data going over his background again. Told him to dig further. We Should know more by the end of the week.”
As I sip my water, the disgruntle roar of a car engine in need of a service, vibrates on to the riverboat and my fingers clench around my bottle as I will my feet to remain where they are. Kit’s snigger earns him a dirty look.
“This thing with you and Mia. Its pretty serious.”
“I don’t know.” I study Kit. The air is silent, even the birds have fallen quiet. “After Jo-Leigh, I promised myself I wasn’t going to take on another life partner.” I glance towards the window, watching as a blonde head passes by. “Shit. I was relieved when she went away to college. Then she came back and screwed up my life.”
Kit’s gaze is thoughtful. “I’ll stay for the rally. Then I’m hitting the road again. Poodle’s up for release and I promised his sister I’ll find somewhere for him to live.”
“Is that long enough for you to hook Cole?” I don’t remember feeling this skepticism towards a rival before. Not with Jo-Leigh, but that might be because she came to me without history or baggage.
Kit nods as he finishes his own water and with a slap to his back, I leave the casino. There is somewhere I need to be.
I find Mia in the saloon standing by the coffee pot, watching the water as it drips through the funnel to the glass carafe. Her body ramrod straight while her right foot taps away. At one point she rubs the back of her neck but doesn’t turn to look in my direction. As I reach her, I reach for another mug, placing it next to hers.
“Meeting go okay.” Mia nods without looking at me and my stomach dips at the lackluster welcome and no hello kiss. “Are you sure?” I reach out to touch her, and when she shivers beneath my touch and steps away, I frown. “Have I pissed you off.” Mia shakes her head and I watch her pour the brown frothy coffee into the two mugs. “Are we going to talk about it?”
“It’s nothing I can’t handle,” Mia’s lips pinch and I wince.
“If it’s not Cole. It’s Jono.” I accept the coffee she offers me. “Is it? Have you had another run in with him?”
“And if I have.”
“I’ll sort it out.”
Mia smiles and my cock twitches. “I’m no delicate princess, Alex.” Mia reaches over, her lips brushing against my cheek and the air trapped in my throat, deflates my lungs and I find I can breathe with ease once more. “I’ve been handling Hank and Jono for a long time.”
“I just don’t like seeing you without your smile.” I lean in closer. “Or greeted without a kiss. Because whatever he said–It’s pissed you off, Mia.”
Mia walks away and I follow her to one of the empty sofas. At this time of day, like the casino. The saloon is empty, but it’ll not be long before the brothers make their appearance known and I wrap my hand around Mia’s, tangling her fingers with mine. Mia rubs her thumb over the back of my hand and the familiar tingle in my blood makes itself known.
“Is Delaney, here. In Noir Valley?” she asks.
My body stills as I look at her, searching her face. “Is that what Jono told you.”
Mia shrugs as she continues to gaze at my hand. “He might have hinted.”
“I haven’t heard anything. But I’ll send someone into town to see what they can find out.” Mia nods, then looks at me. Her smile is in place and the sparkle in her eyes teases my cock.
