Page 22 of Jack of Hearts
John Boy appeared, setting down another mug of Fuerte, then he picked up Ramon’s empty one and slipped away.
“Sounds like the boys in the back are getting rowdy,” Court said. “I better go keep an eye on things before they start throwing barstools. Good to meet you both. Whatever my brothers say goes for me.”
Alex wished he’d thought of that excuse to leave first, but Ramon was his fish, so he was stuck with him. Trina had practically climbed onto Nate’s lap and had her fingers braided through his ponytail.
“Tell me something,” Nate said. “Which one of you is the boss?”
Ramon tapped his chest. “My father’s turning the operation over to me. Trina’s my lieutenant.”
Alex darted a glance at Nate to see if he caught the glare Trina sent Ramon, and got a slight nod. That was information she hadn’t wanted shared. He wondered if there was an internal battle going on for top spot. If he had to guess, Trina was the more ruthless and smarter of the two, but they were both dangerous, and he wasn’t going to underestimate either one.
“That hasn’t happened yet.” Trina tucked in her chin, exposing her neck, and slightly parted her lips as she peered up at Nate with hooded eyes. “At the moment Ramon and I are equals.”
Alex was impressed. He had a fascination with body language, and that look was a classic siren call that few women were able to master. Trina sure had.
“Beautiful, there is no one equal to you,” Nate said, earning a sultry smile from the woman.
“I have something for you.” Alex pulled a sticky note from his pocket. “It’s the numbers for the three offshore accounts we set up to funnel the money into.” He held it up. “Who gets it?”
Trina snatched the note from his hand and stuffed it into her bra. “If we’ve finished our business, how about a little playtime?”
Thankfully, the question was directed at Nate, and Alex stood. “No playtime for me. A few members of a rival gang just walked in, and I need to go help Court keep the peace.”
He walked away, unconcerned about leaving Trina to Nate. His big brother could handle vipers just fine. All he wanted was for the night to be over so tomorrow would come, and he would be that much closer to seeing Madison.
Madison had fully intended to refuse Alex’s dinner invitation, which was why she was so annoyed at herself as she sat across the table from him at Havana 1957, a popular South Beach restaurant. She was supposed to be getting over him, but she obviously wasn’t doing so well with that. All he’d had to do was turn those dark eyes of his on her, smile in that bone-melting way, and brush his thumb over her bottom lip as he said, “Please, Madison, have dinner with me.”
The no that had been on the tip of her tongue had come out sounding an awful lot like an okay, and now here she was. Besides, he’d said he would tell her where he’d gone with Ramon and Trina. That had been bugging her ever since she’d watched him walk away with them.
“What would you like to drink?” Alex asked when the waiter appeared.
“A mango daiquiri.” To keep a clear head, she should stick to water, but she couldn’t resist ordering her favorite drink. “And a glass of water, please.” She’d sip her daiquiri, make it last a while, then switch over to the water.
“A Michelada Cubanada for me,” Alex said.
“You like those?” The cold beer with lime juice and Clamato was served over ice with a rim of salt and a lime slice on the mug.
“Love ’em. Ever tried one?”
“No. Sounds horrible.” She glanced around the restaurant. Were any of Ramon’s minions here tonight?
“Madison?”
“Mmm?”
“Look at me.”
She’d been trying hard not to. Looking at him pleased her heart, and that had to stop.
“That’s better,” he said when her eyes connected with his. “You’re beautiful, you know.”
So was he. She could drown in those fathomless dark eyes. “The last time I asked what you wanted from me, you said you didn’t know. I’m asking again, Alex, because whether I ever want to see you again depends on your answer.”
The waiter arrived with their drinks, and she sat back in her chair, letting out a frustrated breath. If Alex thought he was getting a reprieve, he would be wrong.
“Are you ready to order?” the waiter asked.
“I’d like theropa vieja.” The shredded beef in criollo sauce was one of her favorite Cuban dishes.
