A Shot of Love Potion [Love on the Rocks 5] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “No, plus this last event when we were ripped off and then tracked down our shit, it was like the fuckers were waiting on us, or testing us. The military support they had indicated professionals, mercenaries, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that we could have all bitten the bullet there. It was just that Rome and Slade are always over-prepared. Everything is like a fucking military mission into enemy territory, and it saved all of us,” Rylan said to them.

  “God damn, it is scary shit. What’s your plan? What do you need for us to do?” Jace asked.

  “Hang tight. All we can do is wait for another hit, or another problem, and then try to backtrack and figure the shit out,” Falco told them.

  “Maybe we should look into that Russian aspect and a connection to Aurik and Ivan. If you recall, we traced some of the weapons used in the hijacks to Volupus, that Russian asshole. It very well could be people in his family or association. They do shit for the Russian mob, for terrorist organizations, hell, wherever and whoever is willing to pay,” Graham added.

  “That might be a good idea, considering that Hiatte does a lot of business overseas. Maybe he is the one who pissed someone off? If you can help investigate that aspect then we can see if there’s any connections,” Falco stated.

  “Well, we’re here for you. Whatever you need, we got your backs,” Graham said and they thanked them.

  * * * *

  Mercury walked into Rome’s bedroom to check on him. Niall would be monitoring him for the next few days and staying in the guest bedroom. Niall was taking Rome’s vitals and talking to him about pain meds.

  “No. I’ll get all groggy and shit and won’t know what’s going on.”

  “Your brothers are here to watch over you, too. They don’t only help you to rest, Rome, they also relax your tense muscles and allow your body to heal quicker. I don’t need to go into detail about how deep that fucking bullet was. A little to the right and I would have had to call in a complete surgical team and you’d still be out. Now don’t give me any shit.”

  “I said no.”

  “Listen to Niall. He’s the fucking doctor, Rome. Besides, he saved me a shitload of money by not bringing in a larger surgical crew. Too many people to worry about asking too many questions,” Mercury said and walked closer to the bed.

  “How about this. I’ll give you half the dosage now and see how you feel in an hour?” Niall suggested.

  “Just do it through an IV, Niall.”

  “What?” Rome asked and clenched his teeth and then exhaled through the pain he caused himself by moving.

  “That’s an order. You take the meds and listen to the doctor, to our good friend who we trust,” Mercury said and gave Niall’s shoulder a squeeze.

  “Fuck. Fine,” Rome said. Niall walked over to the medical bag, took out what he needed and then prepared to inject some painkillers into the IV.

  “Any news on the assholes who pulled the heist and tried to put me six feet under?” Rome asked.

  “Not too much, and what I did find out has me concerned. The Hunt men all stopped by to offer their assistance and to see you.”

  “I don’t want to see no one,” Rome stated.

  “Yeah, your brothers told them thank you. We’re going to have to pull together on this shit. It could have to do with what recently went down with Niall and his brothers. The only clients who have had shipments messed with were of the highest value and could be sold on the black market. It could be means of a ways to do just that. Steal from the distributors and sellers like the Mondave brothers and others we know, and then sell the merchandise. Bringing it overseas decreases any chances of getting the shit back, especially when some of the shit we all work with is illegal to begin with,” Mercury told Rome and Niall.

  “My brothers and I were thinking the same thing and we pumped up security. So far, so good. Jonah decided to give up our connection to the rare pieces coming out of the Middle East. He doesn’t think it’s worth the risk to get the goods here safely. These little cells of soldiers popping up before the road checks can take any of our guys out. We have no security in the fucking desert. You know, you’re on your own for miles and miles between checkpoints and these fucking bandits could do a hit or professionals like what you just got hit with could make a move. It isn’t worth it,” Niall told them.

  “Who gets to take over those connections you had?” Rome asked, sounding groggy.

  “Last I heard, Roger Hiatte was interested and so was Weiller Onsanna, some dude from Russia or something,” Niall stated.

  “Hiatte wants it. I know he does. Last night he mentioned having us do a personal job and he made his concerns clear over our abilities to secure product. When he catches wind of this latest shit he may not want to use us,” Mercury said to them.

  “Then maybe whomever he gets could be the company or man trying to destroy us?” Rome slurred his words then closed his eyes.

  “Son of a bitch, even drugged up he’s still processing everything. It could be that easy. The guys or company hired to replace you and our company could be the ones,” Niall said.

  “Wouldn’t that be so neat and clean,” Mercury said sarcastically.

  “Not exactly, considering that then we all need to come up with a plan to put them out of business.” Niall winked. Mercury chuckled.

  “I’m going to go give Pina a call,” Niall said to him.

  “Tell her hello for me,” he said and then looked at Rome as Niall headed out of the bedroom. He thought about the fact that he could have lost one of his brothers and his chest tightened and he was instantly sick. Someone wanted to cause them pain and ruin them. Who was it? They had done lots of crazy shit over the years to get to where they were today. It wasn’t always legit, they had to use a lot of muscle and military experience but they got the reputations they had wanted. The James brothers were at the top of the security business for high-end people. They owned two nightclubs, one in South Carolina and one in New York City. They had good men and women working for them. Retired military with families to support. Whoever was after them had a reason.

  Mercury watched his brother sleep. He couldn’t help but be angry and want revenge. He would find out who was doing this shit and who tried to kill Rome.

  “He’s tired and fighting it. I’m glad you ordered him to take the meds,” Niall said, coming back into the room.

  “Yeah, if you think he needs the rest, shoot him up now,” Mercury told him.

  “He’ll give me shit if I do. Let’s see how he feels in an hour.”

  “Niall, we appreciate all you’ve done for him.”

  “Hey, we’re like family and you were there for us like always. We’ll get through all this shit together.”

  “How was Pina?” Mercury asked.

  “She’s meeting her friend Rose for lunch.”

  “I saw her last night. She was working at the private bar at Hiatte’s party.”

  “Working the bar? You mean bartending? I didn’t know she did that.”

  “Neither did I. I was surprised to see her there.”

  Niall squinted. “Strange, Pina mentioned Rose meeting some business people last night and getting some sort of side work. I assumed she meant painting or something.”

  Mercury didn’t want to mention her taking food and seeming like she was starving. It was good that Pina was meeting her for lunch. He wondered why he felt interested and concerned for the young woman. She was young. Maybe that was his worry.

  “Well, I’m sure Pina will get information from her later. You want me to let you know what Rose says?” Niall asked and smirked.

  “Why would I want to know?” Mercury looked at him.

  Niall shrugged his shoulders. “You sounded interested.”

  “Interested in what?” Falco asked, joining them in the bedroom.

  “About Pina’s friend Rose. Your brother saw her last night at Hiatte’s party.”

  “Pina’s friend, the artist?” Falco asked. Niall chuckled.

  “She w
as bartending,” Niall told him.

  “She tends bar?” Falco asked.

  “I guess so. Well, I’ve got shit to do,” Mercury stated.

  “I need to talk with you, Niall, about this thing Saturday at the Ambiance. A private jewelry party. Jonah said he’s sending other people but requested outside security and one guy inside. They’re caught up in a few things so Rylan is going to be your inside security guy,” Falco told Niall.

  “That’s great, did you call Cooper or Graham and let them know? Louisa is organizing the event but she doesn’t need to be there for it. The guys have plans with her Saturday.”

  “Rylan’s got it covered. He’ll be there by five.”

  “Okay, I’ll talk to you guys later,” Mercury said and then he and Falco walked out of the room.

  “We heard from Slade and all the merchandise has been returned to the clients. Hiatte’s things are in the warehouse in New York. They’re very happy. So much so that they are sending money as a bonus,” Falco told Mercury as they waked down the hallway to the office.

  “Hopefully it isn’t a bon voyage gift and a see ya,” Mercury said and Falco exhaled.

  “Who cares, the situation could have been disastrous. It’s bad enough Rome is laid up for a while.”

  “He’ll recover quickly. You know him.”

  “Yeah, I do, Mercury, and he’s going to want revenge and will plow through anyone in his way who tries to stop him.”

  “He won’t be the only one, Falco.”

  Chapter 3

  “How in the world did that happen?” Louisa asked Rose, as she, Pina, Venetia, and Gianna, got together for lunch at Steak-N-Shine.

  Rose shook her head and chuckled. “You won’t believe it. I was bartending for a private party at one of the beach villas where all those mansions are,” Rose explained.

  “When did you start bartending?” Venetia asked her.

  “Well, things have been tight. This guy Jimmy I know calls me when he’s in a jam or when his main waitress/bartender Chelsea isn’t able to make it. It isn’t steady but sometimes when he calls it’s for a wealthy party and the tips are great. So I went.”

  “What do you mean, things are tight? Do you need help with bills or finding work?” Gianna asked.

  “The guys can get your paintings into a gallery. They know so many people,” Pina said to her.

  “No, I’m fine and my work can’t be forced down peoples’ throats. I’m starting to think that I need to put the painting to the side and get involved with something that can make me money,” Rose said to them and looked down at her glass of iced tea.

  “What? No way, your paintings are beautiful and you’re so talented. You love painting,” Venetia said to her.

  “How bad are things, really, Rose, financially?” Gianna asked.

  “I’m fine. Don’t worry. I can handle it.”

  “Is this why you’re going to show up at the hotel and do the jewelry modeling thing?” Pina asked.

  “It pays fifty dollars an hour and I’m guaranteed five hours. All I have to do is wear the jewelry.”

  “It sounds suspicious. Do you wear clothes?” Pina asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

  “Of course she wears clothes. She never would have accepted that. At least not at fifty dollars an hour,” Venetia stated and they chuckled.

  “It’s actually quite common for jewelers like Mulgoff Lenotz to pay for women to model the jewelry. They’re worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Louisa explained.

  “So you organized the event at the hotel then?” Rose asked.

  “I’m in charge of it but don’t need to be there because it’s in one of the penthouse suites. The place is huge. There will be security but limited. The regular hotel security should be enough. It’s a private party by invitation only so there shouldn’t be any issues. As a matter of fact, one of the James brothers may be there,” Louisa told her and winked.

  “Oh yeah? Which one?” Pina asked and leaned forward to take a sip from her drink.

  “Who cares? They’re all hot,” Gianna said and they started giggling.

  “And super mysterious too,” Louisa added.

  “I think they’re into some crazy, dangerous stuff. All six of them are super serious, even Rylan and Remo, who apparently fly back and forth to New York to a club they own,” Pina told them.

  “They own a club?” Rose asked.

  “They own two clubs, and one is in Charlotte. It is a big place and like one of those clubs where you have to get all dressed up and wait in line to be chosen to go in unless you know someone on the inside,” Venetia told them.

  “Oh man, that would be so much fun to go to,” Louisa said.

  “We should see if we can make a trip, like an overnight out of it,” Pina suggested.

  “I think I’m fine with this place and even Carlyle’s,” Gianna said to them.

  “Don’t be such a party pooper. Rose’s birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks. We should take her there,” Pina suggested.

  “I can call Graham and see if he can call Mercury and get us in. Then we won’t have to wait and we can show up like big shots,” Louisa suggested.

  “Are you serious? Oh my God, that would be fun. Cherie should be back from that business trip she took to Connecticut. God, I hate to say this but I hope she doesn’t move away,” Venetia said to them.

  “I think she was hoping that your brothers, Venetia, would be interested in dating her,” Pina said.

  “I know. I think so, too. She needs to get away from Randy,” Venetia added.

  “He still bothers her?” Rose asked.

  “I haven’t spoken to Cherie in weeks. I’ll call her and tell her about this once we confirm a date and time.”

  “I just texted Graham,” Louisa said and they heard her phone go off. She looked down and scrunched her face.

  “What’s wrong?” Gianna asked.

  “I think I’ll need to talk to them about this in person.” Her cheeks turned a nice shade of red.

  “They don’t want you going, do they?” Rose asked.

  “Man, now that I think about it, all our men will want to assign protection and will want to come along too,” Pina said.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’m not into clubs anyway. You have to wear the latest styles and get all dolled up. I’m fine with dinner and dancing to the live band at Carlyle’s for my birthday, if you all are on board with that?” Rose said.

  “Okay, to Carlyle’s,” Pina said and raised her glass. They all did and then clinked their glasses together.

  “And to Rose being a jewelry model, and hopefully clothed, not naked,” Louisa said and they laughed and took sips of their drinks.

  “Otherwise, you’d better ask for a lot more per hour,” Venetia said and they laughed louder.

  Chapter 4

  Rose was shaking. She had not expected this. Not showing up at the hotel, being escorted to the penthouse suite by Daxton Hunt.

  “Are you sure about this? I know Louisa said it’s normal to have women model expensive jewelry, but there are some pretty wealthy people upstairs.”

  “Daxton, I was expecting super wealthy, considering the prices on the jewelry. It’s a job, and at fifty dollars an hour to wear jewelry and walk around a party, I think that’s a no brainer,” she told him. He squinted at her.

  “We care about you, Rose. You’re Louisa’s friend and she’s our woman. If you need some help financially…?”

  “Stop. No, I’m fine. I need a little break from painting, to clear my head and make the creative juices flow. I’m fine, but thank you. Louisa is very lucky to have you and your brothers in her life and loving her. That’s all that matters.”

  The doors to the elevator opened and Daxton escorted her to the door.

  “Okay, good luck.”

  “Thanks,” she said and he gave her a wink and headed back to the elevator. She knocked on the door and gave the man her name.

  “I’ll show
you to the models’ dressing room,” he said, eying her over. He was a big guy, foreign looking like Middle Eastern or something. She wasn’t sure, but he didn’t have an accent.

  He opened the door and escorted her into a large room with a sitting area, a table filled with food and drinks, then mirrors, a wardrobe station with numerous dresses, and even chairs set up with beauticians and makeup artists.

  “What’s your name?” some redheaded woman asked.

  “Rose Ruthers,” she said and the redhead gave a nod to the guy who escorted her. Rose noted two women getting their hair and makeup done, then another two women arrived.

  The redhead looked her over, then placed her fingers under her chin and tilted it up.

  “Very nice. Mr. Lenotz said you were exceptional. We will see. I understand that you’ve never done this before.”

  “No, ma’am.”

  She gave a nod. “My name is Elga. I run everything for Mr. Lenotz when it comes to training his jewelry models. If you do well, listen, and follow my instructions then you will be quite happy at the end of the night with your pay. I don’t think you need a lot of makeup. You have a natural beauty about you, but your eyes are incredible and we could bring that out more, especially focus on the emeralds and other fine jewels in that color pallet. Okay, let’s start with hair and makeup.”

  She turned around and snapped her fingers.

  “Daisy, this is Rose. Keep her as natural as possible but make those gorgeous green eyes of hers pop.”

  The woman Daisy waved Rose over and she glanced at the other women who gave her nods and little smiles.

  “Hi,” she said.

  “Hi,” one of the others said to her. As she sat there and let this woman do her hair and then her makeup, she actually enjoyed it. When she was done and Daisy turned her toward the mirror, Rose’s mouth gaped open.

  “How did you do that?” she asked, leaning closer. Daisy smiled.

  “It’s easy. I’ll show you how so you can do it yourself when you go out at night and want to snag a hot guy,” Daisy said and the others chuckled.