Page 37 of Black Wave

He nods his head up and down and then drops it. He looks out the windows, deep in thought. I have my own issue instead of trying to determine what Gus is thinking.

I must return to the club and see what else has happened while away. Then, I need to consider digging into Emma’s past to get a head start on what the woman is hiding from me. I sense there's quite a bit. I know just the person to unlock those secrets, too. Now, how much I want to piss off his fiancée is the real question because there is no way in hell that I will wait until tomorrow.

I enter the club, walk past my security, and enter my office. I shut the door and halt in my tracks when I see Cherry sitting in my chair. “What the actual fuck?”

Cherry startles at my anger toward her and immediately tries to soothe my temper. “Eduardo, baby. I am so sorry. We broke up, and he couldn’t accept that I was in love with you. He came to try to win me back, but there is no one else but you.”

I stare at her in utter shock because what the fuck is happening right now, and how did she get in here? She provocatively struts over to me and grabs my cock.

“Let me make it up to you, baby.” She drops to her knees, undoing my zipper in one fluid movement. I immediately step away from her and zip my pants up.

“Are you out of your fucking mind,” I snarl. I grab my phone and call Gus. “Send security in, Gus.” I hang up. I look back at Cherry with venom that sprays forth from my mouth. I don’t mince my words so that she understands I mean business when I say, “Ineverwant to see you again in my club. Is that understood, Cherry?” She starts crying, but I continue reinforcing my point. “Use your words, Cherry. Say that you understand.”

She nods and sobs out, "Yes, I understand.”

“Good. You are not to return. If I so much as see you in my club again, you will regret it. Do I make myself clear?”

She nods just as two bouncers come barging in. I turn my anger on them.

“I thought I told you that she nor her boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, whatever the fuck he is, is not to be allowed in here ever again. So how is it that I returned from taking Gus to the ER after seeingmygirlfriend there, and now walk into this.” I point at Cherry to emphasize the ‘this’ point. “She is sitting in here alone onmychair in my office, huh?”

She gasps in shock, shaking her head back and forth. I can tell she wants to say something.

“Get her out of here!” I yell. “One more slip-up and I’ll be finding and vetting new bouncers for my club.”

They take a very tearful and shrieking Cherry Pop out of my office, and I slump in my chair. Fucking hell, what a night, and it’s not over either.

I hit the phone number for my brother, Ram, and I know he’ll pick up no matter what time it is. He answers, and I hear his fiancée ask who's calling. He tells her to go back to sleep, and I hear the sound of a door closing as he speaks.

“What the fuck do you want at this hour?” He is so grumpy at 3:00 in the morning.

“Please tell my future sister-in-law I’m sorry for the intrusion at this early hour, but I need to talk to you.”

In hearing my sincerity, he speaks up. “What’s up, brother? Everything okay?” Any anger he had at my phone call this early in the morning is quickly forgotten.

I run my hands through my hair. I swear I’m going to go bald like the old man. I’m beginning to understand how he lost his hair early in life.

“I had to take Gus to the emergency room tonight for a minor altercation at the club.”

“Is he okay?” he asks.

“Yes, but that isn’t why I called.” I hesitate before I get the words out. “I found her.” I wait for that statement to seep in.

“Found wh-o…” he trails off. “No way. Emma? You found Emma?” he asks for confirmation.

“Yeah. I did. Emma is working in the emergency department, Ram. It was such a coincidence seeing her there. Like it was meant to be, but something happened with her, and I need to find out what, and more importantly, I need to keep her safe. For me to do that, I need to understand what happened. Do you think I should talk to her uncle? Should I call him?”

Ram thinks this over. “Well, they weren’t too keen on you wanting to pursue her, but honestly, I think it was her mom doing all that. Don’t you? With her parents out of the picture, I think her uncle might be thankful to have you look after her.”

That reassures me about what I have to do next. “I’ll call Andrés, but first, can you find out what happened with her family in Brownsville? I need more information to see what is going on here. Is she in danger? A lot was weighing on her mind. I could sense it. I hope she will open up to me about it, but ifnot… then I intend to find out through any means necessary to keep her safe and protected.”

“How is she?” he asks, sincerity pouring in every spoken word. We were all friends back then, when things were simpler.

“She’s still short. I don’t think she likes that, but I think it’s cute as fuck.” I laugh, trying to make light of the situation.

“You still care for her, don’t you?” He waits for my answer, but it doesn’t take long for me to reply.

“Of course. I’ve always loved Emma.” Finally saying this out loud to another person feels good. It feels right. Now, I just have to tell her and hope that she feels the same way toward me. I don’t think I can let her go a second time. I know I won’t.

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