NICCO
Iwatched Loren closely as she listened to the officer tell her where they’d found Brian. She held herself strong, her face impassive as she nodded. Wells stood next to me, his arm brushing mine the barest amount, and I smiled, happy he wasn’t avoiding me any longer. After our tryst in the fitness room, I’d taken him to my art studio. It felt right to show him something vulnerable of mine after he’d shared his heart with me.
Loren shifted, and I zeroed in, squeezing her hand when the examiner said he would lift the cloth so she could confirm his identity. She nodded, steeling herself. If Pixel’s drug did what she claimed, it wouldn’t be a pretty sight. When the sheet was pulled back, I grimaced. His face was still bruised from the beating I’d given him, but it was unmistakably Brian. His skin was bloated, and he looked more like a beached whale than the man we’d seen a week ago.
“It’s him,” she said, nodding. Loren turned into me; whether to hide her view or needing some comfort, I didn’t know. I rubbed my arm up and down her back, soothing her nonetheless.
“Do you need anything else from my wife?” Wells asked. The guy eyed him since I was the one comforting her. I smirked, lifting my eyebrow, daring him to say anything. He quickly turned away, looking back to Wells.
“No. If she can just sign the paperwork on the way out, we’ll send his personal effects once they’ve been cleared through evidence.”
Turning Loren, I led her out of the foul-smelling room, keeping her close. Wells stayed even with me, and I smiled. He might deny it, but he liked being near us both. Once we were clear of the police station, we all let out a collective sigh.
“He was clearly found too soon. It’s suspicious,” Wells said, tapping his fingers on his pant legs.
“I agree. Do you think Dayton knew and tipped them off?” Loren asked, biting her lip. She looked between the two of us, looking for an answer I didn’t have for her.
“No clue, but we have a few errands to run before returning to the manor. Come on.” I herded them toward the waiting SUV, hoping to distract them. We slid in the open door, settling ourselves. I, for one, was glad to have that over with.
“So, one ex down. Have we heard anything about Brittni?”
“Nothing yet,” Wells confirmed, checking his phone. I watched as he put it in his pocket, his hand grazing my leg as he did. A tiny groan slipped past my lips, and I moved, my leg rubbing against his. I caught Loren hiding a smile as I tried to shift the growing appendage in my jeans inconspicuously. The simplest touch from him set me off.
“So,” she said, leaning forward a little, “you two get it on yet?” Her eyes were mischievous as she looked at us. Picking up her hand, I brought her wrist to my mouth, kissing the soft skin of her tattoo.
“As a matter of fact, we did. Well, sort of. Wellsy finally succumbed to his love for me.” I grinned wide, winking at Loren.
The scoff next to me could’ve been heard two towns over, making me smile wider. “No, Wellsy?” I asked, turning to him and pinning him with my eyes. He faltered, swallowing.
“I think it was you,” he said, giving me a grin that could melt icebergs. It was so powerful that I stopped, wondering if I was dreaming. Clearing my throat, I was overcome by feelings I hadn’t expected, turning to look at Loren to escape his gaze for a moment.
“There you have it,” I said, shrugging. “So, you ready for another tattoo?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Hmm, I don’t know. Maybe once everything is over.”
“I’ll hold you to it, Beautiful.” I kissed her knuckles, threading my fingers through hers. The rest of the ride was quiet and I ran through my thoughts, wondering what my father was up to. When we pulled up to an office building, we got out and headed inside. I wasn’t used to others coming with me on jobs, but it was nice not having to do this alone, if I was honest.
I walked up to the receptionist, smiling at her. “Hello, Gloria, can you let Mr. Charles know that I’m here.”
“Sure thing, sweetie.” The older woman winked, picking up the phone. I walked over to the sitting area, and Wells and Loren followed.
“So, what are we doing here?” Loren asked, taking a seat. “Cracking some skulls? Doing a shakedown?”
A laugh erupted out of me, not expecting her question. “No, Beautiful.” I shook my head, my eyes watering from how hard I laughed. “Not everything we do is violent, you know.”
She looked at me sheepishly, her face tinting a little red. “Sorry, my knowledge is limited.”
“I know. Wells, I could actually use your help on this. This is one of the accountants we use, and there’s been a few discrepancies lately. Feel up to going through some books with me?” I eyed him, waiting to see what he’d say. His eyes widened, and his mouth opened, gaping a little.
“Um, sure. Though, don’t forget I bankrupted half of Chicago.”
“I disagree,” I said, shaking my head. I stood when I saw Mr. Charles walking toward us, but kept my gaze on him. “You took the fall. You were set up to fail in that situation. Believe in yourself, Wellsy. You just might surprise yourself.”
He nodded, and they both stood, following me. It felt nice to be the one to push him to believe in something outside of the ring.
As I neared, I shook the older gentleman’s hand, not missing when he swallowed, some nerves showing. Okay, there might be some violence involved, after all.
“Nicolai, I wasn’t expecting you today.”