Page 43 of Love & Consequences

Then again, they say that psychopaths sleep restfully. All of the ones I’ve met have the ability to assimilate and act neurotypical, just going on with their lives until they trip up… or get caught.

Decker's been able to fly under the radar without being hit with anything that could stick, but his luck is about to end—if I have anything to say about it, anyway. I’m even more motivated than ever knowing that I may or may not have been brought to Vegas on a bonus case at Decker’s request. My other reason is to get Marlee the fuck away from the air he breathes.

“Evening, gentleman. Anything happening tonight?” he asks, his voice sure and confident.

“Not really,” I reply, trying to keep my tone neutral. “It's been pretty steady so far.”

Decker nods, his gaze lingering on the monitor where Marlee stands at the bar. “Hmm. And look there, it seems I’ve arrived just in time. My honored guest is already here.”

“She just arrived, boss. Couldn't miss her on the cameras,” Chris replies, somewhat unwisely if Decker's cutting glare is anything to go by.

“Getting distracted by the camera feeds, Chris? Because that's something that can be easily rectified,” Justin says, shooting him a questioning look.

“Um... ah....” As the man stammers, Justin and I lock eyes and I have to bite back a laugh when he winks at me.

To save his workmate's ass, Ben speaks up. “No distractions sir. It's been smooth sailing.”

That gets an approving nod from Decker. “Good to hear.”

Justin clears his throat, drawing our attention to him. “Yeah. Keep up the good work. I'm not sure we've run this smoothly since we opened. It’s something you should all be proud of.”

Decker chuckles and looks back to his right-hand man. “You do realize you’ve just said it’s better now that you’re not working the floor, right?”

“Shit,” he says, scrubbing his mouth with his hands as an awkward laugh escapes him.

Decker locks eyes with me and doesn’t look away. “Or, are you saying that it’s still working like a well-oiled machine because you found a worthy replacement in Lawrence?”

“Yeah. Yeah…that's it,” Justin stammers.

“Must be,” Decker muses but the intensity of his stare doesn’t match his words and a chill goes down my spine, like someone’s just walked over my grave.

As much as I hate to do it, I'm the first to look away, breaking the deadlock when I turn toward Justin. “You good, J?”

He jerks. “Yeah, man. All good. Will be even better when the night’s over and there’s nothing to do but sit back and chill.” His smile doesn't quite reach his eyes, but I can’t quite get a read on him tonight.

“Right,” Decker says, clapping his hands. “Sorry guys, I have a beautiful woman waiting for me and she's a hell of a lot better to look at than all of you.”

I play my role, chuckling and shaking my head as Ben grins and Chris snickers. “Don't let us keep you, Decker. We'll hold the fort in the meantime,” I add. “That is what you pay us for, right?”

“Indeed.” Decker looks straight at me, his eyes roaming over my face as if searching for something. Then, as if I’m imagining things, he plasters his fake charming smile on his face and walks toward the door again. “Keep up the good work, Aiden. It's not unnoticed. Which is why you're getting next weekend off.”

I tilt my head and shoot him a confused frown. “I am?”

“Well, off from the club.” He chuckles. “I'm holding a private, very exclusive event off-site next Saturday and I'd like you to run lead on security. Everything is taken care of—all you need to do is turn up and hit the ground running. I need a man I trust to watch when I can't and have my back. Is that you, Aiden?” His eyes are pinned on mine, but I don't break. I'm not going to give him any sign that I'm on to him, or that he’s got me where he wants me, especially if this is a setup of some kind. If Deker wants me at this ‘event’ then I’ll be there, whatever the risks, whatever happens. My job is to play the part, do the work, and wait until we get the break we need to bring the asshole down.

“Sounds good. Do you need me to take a look at the venue, maybe assess the security needs ahead of time?”

Justin chuckles, elbowing Decker's arm. “Listen to this one, sounding like a professional. He’s putting me to shame.” He shoots Decker a glance. “Don't worry, A. I’ll make sure everything is how it should be.”

“OK, then,” I say, leaning back in my chair giving them both a grin. “Sounds good.”

“Good. Then you're set.” He looks at Justin. “See you downstairs when you're ready, J.” Decker claps my shoulder before disappearing out the door.

Justin’s expression turns serious once Decker’s out of earshot. “A, eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary for a while, yeah?”

“OK…” I say slowly.

“We've got some important deals going down. Plans falling into place that have been in the works for a while, know what I mean?” I nod. “So eyes open, all the time. Got me?”

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