“That’s the one!” Jack nods furiously.
“They haven’t turned a profit in years.” Dan blinks a couple of times.
“That’s about to change. I’m telling you. I want all my money in that!” Jack taps the financial report Dan is holding.
I can tell from the look on Dan’s face that this is a bad idea, but it’s Jack’s money. If he wants to waste it, we can’t exactly tell him no.
“He’s the boss.” I keep the smile on my face and motion to Jack. “Make it happen, Dan.”
“Sir?” Dan sighs. “Yes, sir.”
I’m making a strategic move. I need Jack’s money to be invested in companies that can actually make money, but if we piss him off, he can always take it to another firm. Hopefully, he’ll lose a little bit with this foolish investment, and we can persuade him to trust us when he realizes it isn’t the gold mine his friend told him it is. Then he might leave investment decisions to the experts. Either way, I’m not going to let anything ruin my mood right now.
I’ve fixed Kiana’s problem.
It’s something to be celebrated.
I just hope she feels the same way…
Chapter Fifteen
Kiana
I’m distraught, angry, and frustrated.
No, I’m just furious.
Furious at Bram for locking me in his bedroom, and furious at myself for getting into his car to begin with. I trusted him, and that was a mistake. I’ve known all along that I can’t trust or depend on other people. Why did I think he would be any different?
My parents always told me I was a disappointment, but I tried to hold my head as high as I could. Now I feel like I’ve finally proved them right. I had everything under control on my own. I swallowed my fears, walked into Pasqual’s Tavern, and pleaded for my brother’s life. Mr. Diaz terrified me, but he showed compassion. He agreed to let Hudson live if I made regular payments—then he told me how to make the money I would eventually put in his hand.
Taking the stage was hard, but I didn’t have a choice. I saw Mr. Diaz in the club a couple of times checking up on me, making sure I was following his instructions. I did exactly what he said. Until now. Tonight, I won’t show up for work. Max will have no idea where I am. If Mr. Diaz decides to stop by, I won’t be there. I don’t even want to think about what that could mean for my brother.
All because I gave in to a fantasy…
I watch the clock on the wall, and the minutes tick away my fate—my brother’s fate. A feeling of hopelessness settles into my soul until I finally hear Bram arrive home. There’s still time. I could make it to the strip club before I’m supposed to take the stage. That requires Bram to be reasonable. He certainly wasn’t this morning. Maybe he’s had time to come to his senses; maybe that’s why he’s here.
Rather than rushing him as soon as I hear footsteps outside the door, I take a seat on the bed. I already tried to fight. It didn’t go very well for me. I’ve had time to reflect on his threat, and while I’m not happy about it, I do feel bad that I left a cut on his face. I’ll apologize on my way out the door. I watch it open and slowly lift my head when he steps into the room. The anger is still there, but I’m somewhat conflicted. I still care about Bram, despite everything that happened between us earlier this morning.
“You don’t have to worry about your brother’s debt to Diaz.” He walks in and closes the door. “It’s been handled.”
“What do you mean?” I feel a nervous twinge in my stomach. “You went to see him?”
“Yes, and he’s a man who wants to get paid. He doesn’t care where the money comes from.” Bram nods and sits down on the bed next to me.
“He’s not going to hurt Hudson?” The nervous feeling continues.
“Your brother is safe.” He nods again. “So are you. There’s no reason for you to go back to that club, or ever dance on a stage again—it’s over.”
I’m silent for a moment, just trying to process what he said. I didn’t expect Mr. Diaz to let me off the hook so easy, nor did I expect him to strike a new deal with Bram after the one I made. He explicitly told me that the terms could never be renegotiated, which I thought was a good thing at the time, because it meant my brother was safe. Maybe he was just trying to scare me.
“Thank you, Bram,” I finally say. “You really didn’t have to do that. I know how much my brother owed Mr. Diaz, and I will pay you back. I promise.”
“You don’t have to pay me back.” He shakes his head. “But maybe we can put this behind us now?”
I will pay him back, even if I have to scrimp and save for the rest of my life. Now isn’t the time to push the issue. It’s best to put this whole thing to rest and try to move on. He obviously wants to, and I’m ready to do the same.
“Yeah.” I nod. “Sorry about this morning … and that cut on your face.”
“It’s okay.” He puts an arm around me. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have threatened you. I let my emotions get the best of me.”
“I forgive you.” I lean my head against his shoulder and sigh.
Emotions were high on both fronts earlier today. Bram was just trying to do what was best. I fought him at every turn, even to the point of getting physical. I probably deserved more than a threat, but I don’t think Bram is the kind of guy who would ever hurt me. He just took care of my brother’s debt so I wouldn’t have to keep dancing for strangers. That’s more kindness than anyone
