Page 112 of Havoc

I appreciated that he cared. He was a lot more vocal than Trigger. I thought about our friendship over the years. I was a mix of the two of them, and maybe it was why the three of us hit it off so well. We not only meshed in the business world but also in our love of the ring.

“Just so it’s said,” I needed him to know, “I appreciate you coming, given what you’re dealing with at home.” I knew he’d finally captured Rosa and Tieri, enemies of his family he’d been hunting for years. “I’m glad you got those two. I’m sure they’re on ice until you get back.” He had to be itching to get at them for all they’d put him through. There was a side to that, though, that appealed to me, so probably to him as well. Let them sweat over what was to come.

“This is where I need to be. It’s what friends are for, Grim. You’d do the same. Besides,” he chuckled, “I believe my Sienna is enjoying her time with them.” He gave a sinister grin. “I need to let her have her fun. She suffered considerably at their hands.”

“Well, in that case, I’m happy for her.” I felt the corners of my mouth tug at the dark thought of his wife having some fun with those who had tried to destroy her life.

“I heard you have someone on ice yourself,” Elio mused, “one of the men who was involved with hurting Leal and Zhar?”

I nodded. “He’ll be our dessert after our evening drinks.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Any ideas in mind?”

“No clear plan, but you know how I love the snap of bones. It’s been too long, and I’m savoring the moment. I want it to be something we’ll all enjoy. Their pain is just what I need at the moment. Lots of pain.”

“Trigger and I, of all people, understand that need.” He nodded and looked up as

Niccola called out and held up a phone. “Mi scusi.” He slipped back into Italian as he stepped away.

“Well,” Minnie draped her arm along the back of the couch Elio had just vacated, “you want the good news or the bad news?”

I cursed inside and waited for her to tell me.

“Your bother just arrived with Calli hanging on his arm.”

Great. Her sister’s here.I spotted them. Knox had his back to us as he chatted to someone. I hadn’t spoken to him since I’d punched him at the meeting.

“And the good?”

“I lied about that. It’s worse. You’re about to have a visitor. She’ll be here in about five seconds.”

“Who?” I wasn’t ready to deal with anyone else. It had been a bad enough day.

“Your skin tag of an ex.”Shit. Jenelle.“You want me to kick the vagina flap out or run interference for ya? Oops, too late.”

I stilled as Jenelle’s hands slid over my shoulders before she leaned down to kiss my cheek.

“Oh, baby, I just heard about Leo. It’s just terrible.” I closed my eyes and controlled my temper. “What can I do?” She moved around the couch and sat on my lap then wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Getting off his lap would be a start,” Minnie muttered, and Jenelle threw her a dirty look.

“Jenelle,” I pushed her hips away from me, “off.”

She pouted and swiveled to sit next to me, obviously not registering my tone.Shit, woman, read the room.

“Grim,” she ran a hand over my leg, and I rubbed my head as I tried to think, “why don’t we go to your place and get a drink? I know I can make you feel better if you let me try.”

I pushed to my feet and whirled around.

“Jenelle, I need you to back off.” I stalked away from her. I caught Minnie’s grin and knew she and Tess would be only too happy to help. I stopped at my usual corner of the bar, and the bartender immediately came over. I pointed to the Lagavulin, and he nodded. I needed something different, and the strong, peaty taste of that single malt seemed perfect for my mood. “Three fingers.” He didn’t miss beat and filled the glass with a good three ounces then tapped in a little extra. Thank god someone was able to read a room.

“Anything else? Mr. Gates?”

“No.” He’d know to put it on my tab, as usual, but I tossed an extra twenty down. He thanked me and was smart enough not to linger. I sipped my drink and let my head have a moment. I forced out the noise and tried to push back the anger that had consumed me since Leo’s death. I allowed myself a few moments to look around. Fucking Jenelle had the most impeccable timing. She’d always seemed so blind to how I felt. She couldn’t take a hint when it smacked in her the face. I watched as Minnie and Tess seemed to have her pinned at the table. I turned away and scanned the crowd.

What the fuck was he doing here? Simon watched Kenna from a spot near the door. My mind went back to my conversation with Dad. I didn’t trust him. He sure as hell wasn’t welcome up here in my space. Anyone connected to Cameron Tame was my enemy. Well, I guessed I made a few exceptions. I glanced over at Kenna. My eyes then went to her sister, and I closed my eyes briefly as I fought the pain yet again. My anger burned hotter than ever. The whole damn Tame family was nothing but trouble. Look where it got Leo. I took another swig of the strong scotch and tried to calm myself before I did anything I’d regret.

Knox’s voice found me. “Hey.” I ground my teeth; I wasn’t ready to deal with him. I wanted to be alone. “Grim?”

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