Page 32 of Surrender

Declan's head dips as he catches the movement and a strangled sound comes from his throat, before he clears it hastily and shoves his fists in his front pockets.

"Take your time exploring. I'll cover your shift."

I begin to argue, but he's turned on his heel before I can get the words out.

Take my time exploring...

For some reason, that feels like he meant more than just these back rooms, but maybe the entirety of my sexuality? So, I let my overactive mind wonder what that would look like...and who I would explore it with.

Chapter nineteen

Declan

Serenity's heaving chest, flushed complexion, and obvious arousal are fresh on my mind as I sit at my desk in The Envelope later that evening.

She was a good girl and explored for about an hour before coming back out to man the tables.

I'm salivating at the possibilities of what she saw, and what she felt, and what she enjoyed.

But I have more pressing matters than my horny ass.

Being involved with current social circles and gossip means I always know someone who knows someone.

Being connected isn't just good for business, it's good for solving problems...like Serenity's parents and their friends.

I've already increased security around The Envelope, but the image of her frightened face and that asshole's hand on her is still robbing me of sleep. I need to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she's safe.

I won't deal with her parents now, because I can tell there are complicated feelings there, but the fucker that touched her needs to go.

Legally, or illegally, I don't give a shit.

"Bueno," the gruff voice on the other end of the phone answers.

"Jefe. It's Blake. I need a favor."

He practically fucking purrs on the other end of the line. He knows I wouldn't be coming to him if it was anything legal.

But I also know he won't talk specifics on the phone. "Care to join me at The Envelope to discuss?"

"How big a favor are we asking?"

"Big enough."

"Sounds good, I'll be there in thirty."

I've used Rico a time or two before when we needed extra security for an event and to use his hacker to research some of our loudest opposition at public hearings. We've gotten bad reviews online from the morality police that I've paid them to take down. And their background checks have been vital in quitting the loudest voices. Turns out, it's a lot easier to point fingers when no one knows your Google search history.

Thirty minutes later, I get a text from Jack, our main bouncer, about a man in black named Rico demanding entrance.

Fuck. I probably should have alerted him sooner but got distracted searching for any records of Serenity and her parents.

Jack lets him in to the foyer and I greet the mob boss with a firm handshake.

"I appreciate you coming. I know you probably have more important things to do."

He hums non-committedly.

I usher him to my office before he sits on the chair, and I close the door behind us.

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