Page 54 of Cold as Stone
“Some. She’s filed the preliminary injunctions to block the zoning changes, but it’s a slow process. Could take months to get a hearing.”
“We don’t have months,” Axel says grimly. “The count was finalized last night. They managed to secure two of the three seats they were chasing.”
There are curses from around the table.
“We’ll deal with it,” I say, speaking up for the first time. “Whatever it takes.”
Stone’s eyes find mine across the table. “You’ve been hanging around Devil’s. Any news?”
There’s something in his tone. It’s not quite teasing, but close. A few of the brothers exchange glances, and I realize I’ve walked right into whatever this is.
“Nothing I haven’t already shared,” I say carefully.
“And yet it warrants closer scrutiny?” Duck asks, but the old bastard is grinning at me.
The fucker.
“Devil’s is important to the community,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest, determined not to be drawn into their fucking nonsense.
“Sure it is,” Cash says with a grin. “And I’m sure your sudden interest has nothing to do with the hot new owner.”
Shit.
“You fuckers done with your teasing? Or can we get back to business?”
Hawk snorts. “Not a chance. You gave me and Axel shit for weeks, it’s time to eat your own medicine.”
“I did not—” I start, then catch myself. I did. I absolutely did.Damn it.
“You know the new waitress at Devil’s—Mercy? Well, she and I got to talking last night and it seems our man here had a little meet up with Kya at her house last night.” Cash wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “Wanna share with the group, hot stuff?”
The room erupts in laughter and catcalls. Bones claps me on the back hard enough to rattle my teeth, while Duck mutters something about “about damn time” under his breath.
“This is ridiculous,” I protest, but no one’s listening.
Cash holds up his hand, quieting the table once more. “And,” he says, placing a hand on his chest dramatically, “it appears that our man here chose not to seal the deal. Mercy sent me a text just now. It seems Kya and Lee are taking it slow.”
This predictably unleashes a new round of ribbing. I shake my head, letting them get this nonsense out of their system.Unfortunately for me, it seems Cash came prepared for this conversation.
He stands, holding up his phone. “Starting a pool,” he announces. “Taking bets on how long it takes before Lee and Kya?—”
“Don’t you fucking dare,” I warn.
“—get horizontal,” he finishes with a grin.
“I want in,” Bones says immediately, reaching for his wallet. “Twenty says they don’t make it through the week.”
“You’re all insane,” I say, but Duck is already nodding thoughtfully.
“I’ll take two weeks,” he says. “Boy’s stubborn, but he’s not stupid.”
“Five days,” Axel chimes in. “That woman’s got him tied in knots. He won’t last longer than that.”
“I’m sitting right here,” I point out.
“Three days,” Hawk says quietly, and everyone turns to stare at him. He shrugs. “What? Have you seen her? She’s his type to a fucking T.”
The betting escalates quickly, with brothers calling out timeframes and amounts while Cash frantically scribbles notes in his phone. Even some of the prospects get in on the action, pooling their limited funds for longer odds.
