Page 5 of Queen of Madness

After a deep breath, I’m able to clutch one of the cold metal handles and pull open the black door.

Down the rabbit hole I go.

“Hmmmm, I like this, Shi. It’s like a sweet apple but with poison. That bite at the end tells you you’ll die before you finish, but it’s so good you just can’t help yourself!”

My raven-haired companion blinks slowly, grinning wide as she circles her finger around her martini glass. “What an idiotic way to die.”

I roll my eyes as she draws her words out slowly, popping a hand on my hip. “You’re no fun, no fun at all. What better way to go than sipping on something delicious and feeling a little mad in the head?”

She doesn’t hesitate. “From an orgasm so strong my heart stops.”

I can’t argue with that. In fact, I’d give anything to find an iota of what she’s found in the twins she falls under every night. How they’re able to love so fiercely and unapologetically is something I can only dream of.

Which reminds me…

Another look around the bar, and I come up just as empty as I did the first time. Not a single man, or woman, is calling to my soul tonight, which means I’ll leave with second best—and definitely won’t get a heart-stopping orgasm.

It’s becoming a drag to come here every week.

I’m always hopeful and am always disappointed—a vicious cycle of cat, no mouse.

Out of all the places on this strip, though, the Rabbit Hole is my favorite. The people here are older, local, and every one of them knows this entire place belongs to the Embros family, which usually means they know who I am. There’s none of the awkward introductions or having to tell them I run narcotics for the largest supplier on the West Coast.

It also means there’s no confusion on whether or not I’ll kill them if I find out they have any involvement with the scum across the way. No Murphys allowed on this side of the city, and damn sure nowhere near this bar.

I flop down on my stool and drum my fingers on the edge of the counter. Even though it doesn’t seem like I’ll get the pleasure of taking anyone home, being with Shi outside of the estate is nice. She’s always laid back and calm—the total opposite of me—but when we’re here, she’s funnier, and not so fucking cryptic.

Shi bats a thick lock of hair over her shoulder, revealing the pink-and-purple strands hidden beneath all the black. “The look of defeat on your face is heartbreaking, Maddy. Would you like to call it a night? The boys and I can keep you warm tonight if you wish.”

I sigh before taking back the rest of my appletini. “Thanks, but you know I’m in search of my own all-consuming love. There are a couple men I need to kill tomorrow, and I assume I’ll need rest. You know how Boss doesn’t like for me to be too jittery when I’m working.”

“You mean, high out of your mind?” Shi’s words come out so dang slowly, I feel a dribble of drool pool on the edge of my lips.

Waving her away, I motion for the cute waitress. “Tomato, tomáto.”

The girl walks over briskly, and when she stops and beams down at me, I find myself lost in her chocolate depths. They are smooth, and layered in various shades, like the center of a tree, and I wonder how I didn’t notice it before.

“Can I get you ladies anything else?” Her voice is sugar sweet, dripping with something I’d love to lick up.

What was I going to ask her?

“I—y-you.” I swallow in a gulp of air and re-form my statement. “You are breathtaking, my dear. What is your name? Wait, let me guess!” I shake my head, leaning back so I can soak her in.

Her long coffee-colored hair lies in waves down her curvy frame, a cute black sparkly headband pulling it away from her face. Her skin is so flawless and pale, I can do nothing but picture her twirling beneath my silk sheets.

“It begins with the letter M,” I declare, perking up at the way a smile slides across her pink lips. “Melony? Margaret? Molly?”

“Harlow, Harly to my friends.”

“Harlow,” I repeat, loving the way it tastes on my tongue and wondering what it would take for her to considermea friend.

My eyes track the slow blush creeping up her neck.

Such a responsive little thing.

“When? No. I mean, how long have you worked for the Hole?” My own flesh begins warming at my cheeks. Normally, when I flounder, it’s because of my wandering thoughts, and not being able to grasp one, but right now, it feels as though I have none at all.

“Just last week, actually.” Harlow runs a hand along her arm, unsuccessfully taming the goose bumps decorating them. Her voice is so delicate, I can’t help but wonder if her skin is as delicate.

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