Loyal Cheaters (Cheaters #2)

by Lacey Silks

  “Not interested.”

  “That’s what they all say. I can be done in a few minutes.”

  “I said I’m not fucking interested.”

  “Screw you.” She turned around toward another victim, and I downed my glass.

  “You’re going to drown at this rate.” Scar sat down beside me and ordered a drink for himself. “You want me to call Axel?”

  “Do I fucking look like I need a sitter?”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “Fine, call Axel.” I pointed to my glass, and the bartender filled it up, stopping halfway when Scar gestured to cut me off.

  “I warned you that one day you’ll choke on the shit you talk,” he said.

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “Ace, stop being a dick. You hurt her sister. She’s mad, but she’ll get over it.”

  “She shouldn’t have to get over it. She’s the reason Julia’s free. She signed her life over for her.”

  I had already said too much. If Zoey found out about this conversation, there was a good chance that I’d lose her forever.

  “Fuck.”

  “Just don’t tell Julia. I’m in deep enough as it is.”

  “I won’t. But you gotta make it right with Zoey, man.”

  “She wants to be alone.”

  “That’s what they all say.”

  “When did my younger brother get a brain transplant from his dick to his head?” My speech was slurred, but I didn’t care. At this moment, I’d take a jab at anyone who sat in his seat. It was what the Wagners did when they were mad: got drunk and cursed.

  “Fuck you. Look, I gotta go. Julia’s in the bathroom, and she won’t be happy if she sees me with you right now. I’ll text Axel. You make this right.”

  “Fine.”

  A nice buzz was flowing through my veins, carried on the sails of a single malt. I’d forgotten how good it felt to just not care. I’d been entwined in so much drama the past six years it was beginning to get to me. The past week had been the most stressful yet, and I needed a new outlet. The liquor seemed to be the right answer for the moment. If I hadn’t fucked up with Zoey, I could have been inside of her, letting go of the frustration by concentrating on her beautiful body.

  I missed her.

  Something stirred inside me: a feeling of dread as my mind drifted to that more responsible side I had nurtured during the past six years. I shouldn’t have let her go. I should be at her side. I should protect her.

  Except she didn’t want you, you fuck. She didn’t feel what you felt.

  It didn’t take long before the empty seat Scar sat in beside me was filled. Was there a game of musical chairs I wasn’t aware of?

  “Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.”

  Would someone please warp me out of here? Zack was the last person I wanted to see right now. He reminded me of Zoey and what I had lost an hour or so ago. Except he hadn’t been in touch with her for years.

  “What the fuck are you doing here?” If he followed me here, I’d have a fit. “Aren’t you too old for clubbing?” I asked.

  “You’d be surprised what I’m still young enough to do,” Zoey’s father answered.

  “I don’t want to hear about your kinky sex life. Why are you here?”

  “I had business with a bouncer, but seeing how you’re here, I thought it was a good time to cash in on your promise for me to see Zoey.”

  “I never made that promise. Harper’s about to go down and take all the scum bags like you with him.”

  “I’m not scared. I’ve got anonymity. Besides, that’s not what I hear about Harper.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  “Are you going to let me see my daughter? It’d be easier if the re-introduction came from you, or do I have to make the arrangement myself?”

  I grabbed the collar of his shirt and shoved him onto the counter. Unfortunately, I lost my balance, and before I could threaten him to stay away from Zoey, I was the one flipped on my back, staring into his intense eyes.

  Fucking whiskey.

  He kept me pinned with his firm grip. For a grandpa, he still had some muscles stored in those arms. And I guessed that he hadn’t seen Julia here either. If Zack knew what was good for him, he’d avoid both sisters tonight.

  “You know very well that I don’t need your fucking permission to see her. I am her father, but it’s been some time and I want to make the transition to be in her life smoother. Why the fuck do you think I helped you guys in the first place?”

  If my vision wasn’t blurred, I’d say that I saw guilt in his eyes. Zack had caught me on a very bad night. The storm in my chest from when Zoey pushed me away hadn’t settled yet, and I didn’t think it would for a while, so if he thought I would answer his questions, he had it wrong. With the last control I had in my muscles, I pushed him off.

  “Stay away from me and Zoey and from all the girls. You don’t deserve her after what you’ve done.”

  And neither did I. After disrespecting her wishes, I wasn’t any better than her father. The hate in his eyes cast a shadow of doubt in my chest. Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed him that far? But then the alcohol in my system won over, and I walked away. My oldest brother, Axel, was waiting for me at the front.

  “You should know better than that.”

  “Fuck off.”

  I so didn’t need to be chastised right now. Yes, I made mistakes, but I was allowed to be human, wasn’t I? I followed Axel to his car.

  From the moment we left the club, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.

  “Go by her house.”

  “I’m driving you home.”

  While I knew I’d have to find a way to make it back to my new condo, I didn’t care. I would have happily slept on Zoey’s porch if it meant I could make it up to her.

  “Just do it. I need to see Zoey.” I grabbed the steering wheel and forced Axel to turn toward the highway.

  “Stop fucking around, Ace. I have a son I need to get back to. Jesus, you’ve got it bad.”

  “So what? One day a girl will come into your life, and you’ll have it just as bad.”

  “I doubt it, bro. I doubt it.”

  Axel was still hung up on his wife’s death. It couldn’t have been easy as a single father, but I knew that he was trying, at least. He didn’t go back toward Central Park where my condo was, though. Instead, he drove to Long Island, and I was already feeling good about the decision. Making up to Zoey was exactly what I needed.

  Half an hour later I knocked on her door. There was no answer, and my knock turned into banging.

  “She’s not there. You’ll break the door down.”

  “Then where the fuck is she?”

  “Your condo?”

  That was a possibility. I should have gone there first.

  “Look, maybe giving her a bit of space is a good idea. It will give her time to cool off and you to sober up. Come to my house. Sleep it off, and I’ll drive you back home in the morning myself.”

  I looked at my watch. It had been two hours since I’d seen her. A couple more and the sun would brighten the sky. Just the thought of it made my head hurt.

  “Fine. Get me a couch and some ibuprofen.”

  Everything from then on was hazy and blurred. My thoughts faded to Zoey: her running across a long sandy beach toward me, her hair playing to the wind’s tune, her smile bright and skin much darker than when I first ran into her. She was so happy and free.

  * * *

  “No!” I woke up screaming.

  My head throbbed, and the bright light streaming into the room felt like laser beams pointing right into my eyes. A little head came into focus and then my eyes met Trevor’s brown ones.

  “Hi, Uncle Ass.”

  I chuckled inside. As hard as Trevor tried to pronounce my name, he never got it right. At least my brother Axel had the privilege of being called Daddy. Trevor had gone through a phase at one point calling Axel by his first name, which was funny until stran
gers heard ‘asshole’ instead of Axel.

  “Hi, Trevor. What time is it?”

  “Bwekfast time. What do you get when two dinosaurs cowide?”

  “I don’t know, kid. What do you get when two dinosaurs collide?”

  “A Tywanosauwus-wheck.”

  “Wreck?”

  “Yes, wheck.”

  “That’s funny.”

  “What do you call a dinosaur who doesn’t give up?”

  “What?”

  “A Twy-twy-twy-cewatops. What do you get—”

  “—what do call a dinosaur with a headache?”

  He shrugged.

  “A head-ache-a-saurous.”

  “That’s not funny, Uncle Ass.”

  “That’s because I’m not a dinosaur expert like you. Where’s your daddy?” I asked.

  “Bathwoom.”

  The sound of a running shower ended, and a moment later Axel stepped out with a towel wrapped around his hips. “How you feeling?”

  “Like I just got run over by a truck.”

  “Coffee’s in the kitchen with some left-over pancakes.”

  “Thanks. Any chance you’re heading to Manhattan?”

  “No, but I don’t mind driving you home.”

  “I owe you one.”

  “Get in line. From what I’m hearing, Scar has his hands full as well.” He looked down to his son, and I knew this wasn’t a conversation we should be having in front of Trevor. “And one day I’ll cash in all the favors you all owe me, and it will be sweet!”

  I quickly washed my face and pulled my fingers through my hair. Axel got a cup of mocha to go for me, and I appreciated the effort. I needed to get to my condo as soon as I could and hopefully would find Zoey snuggled in bed.

  “Take the Bugatti.”

  “You love that car.”

  “It’s just a car, Ace. And keep me updated.”

  “Thanks, man!”

  “You’re really worried about her, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I have a bad feeling.”

  He creased his brow and said, “You call me if you need any help.”

  “Will do.”

  We gave each other a bro hug, and I headed for Zoey’s apartment to check on her again. There was still no answer. Julia was doubtless already at work. I wished I could call her to find out whether Zoey had made it home last night, but she was still probably pissed at me. The only option I saw was that Zoey had gone back to the condo. Although I didn’t deserve it for the way I’d acted, I couldn’t wait to beg for her forgiveness.

  The elevator couldn’t go quick enough. I fumbled with the key-card, and once I was inside I rushed through the hallway inspecting each room.

  “Zoey?” I called out, not too loudly in case she was sleeping. My bedroom – our bedroom – was the last to check. When I found the undisturbed sheets on the bed and her dry toothbrush in the washroom, I couldn’t help but worry.

  Where are you, Zoey?

  I speed-dialed Emma’s number.

  “Emma Cross.”

  “Emma, have you heard from Zoey?”

  “No, she was your responsibility until Harper was permanently behind bars, and as of last night, he’s out.

  “What? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

  “We’re not babysitters, Wagner. We can’t keep track of everyone. You’re the one who’s supposed to check in.”

  “Fuck, I’m sorry. I didn’t think he’d move that fast.”

  “He’s on an ankle monitor and has strict instructions to remain within fifty feet of his house. By the looks of it” – she clicked something on her computer – “he’s been there since the police drove him home last night.”

  “Good. What about his associates?”

  “All remain in custody. Harper wouldn’t put up the money for them just yet. He probably doesn’t want to be connected if shit goes down. We have a lot of support from the governor and the DA, so it shouldn’t take long to have him back behind bars. The network is already crumbling, and from what I’m hearing, the word has spread to the girls. Some already came in to hospitals to have their inactive trackers removed.”

  “Good.” I wondered where Zoey could have gone. “Listen, if you hear from her, please tell her that I’m worried.”

  “If you want my advice, Ace, then if you’re worried, something must be up. I can send someone to help you.”

  “I wouldn’t know where to start, but I’ll keep that in mind if there’s a need.”

  “Find your girl and call me. I’ll do some searching from here.”

  “Will do.”

  I hung up and drummed my fingers on the kitchen counter. Where the hell could she have gone? Cringing, I dialed Clare’s number next.

  “Clare, it’s Ace. Have you heard from Zoey?”

  “Has she dumped your sorry ass?” I pictured the smirk on her face.

  “Please, this is important. She may be in danger.”

  There was silence on the other end and then some deep hyperventilating before Clare went off.

  “Oh, my God! I knew I should have knocked some sense into her when I had the chance. You are just like your father. Not good for Zoey or for anyone else. If anything happens to my girl…”

  She went on and on about how bad I was for her and how she had known this would happen, and I tuned her out. It would take a couple of minutes for Clare to catch her breath, and listening to the kind of fuck-up I was didn’t help. I felt bad enough. The guilt had been eating away at me since the night before. If something had happened to her, I’d never forgive myself. I’d fucked up, big time.

  “Do you have any idea where she is?” I finally asked.

  “This is Sid.”

  “Oh. Hey, Sid. Listen, I’m sorry about—”

  “Don’t apologize now. Clare went to the bathroom to wash her face with cold water. Do you really think Zoey could be in danger?”

  “Yes, I’m worried. I have no idea where she could be.”

  “Have you tried calling her father?”

  “No.”

  “He’s been calling Clare lately, asking to meet up with the girls. She refused. Maybe he got through to her.”

  “Fuck!”

  I should have known! A faint memory of bumping into Zack last night flashed through my mind. But he wouldn’t have hurt his own daughter, would he?

  “I’m not a believer in bad-mouthing my wife’s ex, but if you want my opinion, he’s trouble.”

  I was afraid I knew that better than anyone else. “I’ll check in with him next.”

  “Please keep us posted.”

  “I will. And Sid, thanks!”

  We hung up. I felt like an asshole for misjudging him. I dialed Zack’s number while pacing to the window and back. No answer. I left a message for him to call me, but as previous evening’s events began to clear in my head and I remembered trying to throw a punch at the guy, I doubted I’d hear from him.

  On a hunch, I turned the dial of my safe in the office and removed my gun. I fastened the waist holster and covered the gun with my shirt just as I felt someone’s presence behind me. I turned around to find Axel standing in the doorway.

  “You don’t lock up anymore?” he asked.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I dropped Trevor off at school. Call it a hunch, but I thought you might need a hand.”

  “Like the old days?” I asked, feeling my mouth curve up. There was nothing more secure than knowing your brother had your back.

  “Yeah, like the old days.”

  “Are you armed?”

  He lifted the side of his shirt, showing me his holster. “Do you have to ask?”

  “Sorry, man. It’s just been a long time since I had to use it.”

  “If we’re lucky, we won’t have to.”

  So far, luck hadn’t been exactly on my side.

  “Where to next, Uncle Ass?”

  I chuckled. Axel followed me downstairs to my car. I’d have to return his Bugatti later. My head was be
ginning to hurt again, and I popped two more ibuprofens, swallowing them dry.

  Half an hour later, I banged on Zack’s front door, but there was no answer. If he’d met up with Zoey, then it wasn’t here. We went around to the back to peek inside. No one was there. Axel didn’t waste any time; he smashed his gun through the window pane and opened the door.

  “Zoey?”

  There was no answer.

  I quickly went around the room, searching for any information that would help me locate Zack, finally stopping by the coffee table. A glittering gem shone on the floor. I picked it up, resting it on my forefinger. It was the same silver sequin Zoey had on her dress last night.

  She was here.

  Alarms began ringing in my head, and I dialed Zack’s number again. If he had harmed her in any way, I would never forgive myself. There was only one place left to check, and while I prayed that my hunch was wrong, I couldn’t help but feel it wasn’t.

  “I’m going to kill him!” I pushed the fruit bowl off the table. It crashed to the floor, breaking into a few large pieces.

  Axel grabbed me by my shoulders, shaking me a little. “If you want to save this girl, you gotta control your temper.”

  “How do you do it?” I asked.

  “You change once you have kids, but it ain’t easy. Do you know where we’re going next?”

  “Yeah, but you won’t like it.”

  “I didn’t think I would.”

  We picked up a few supplies at the drug store, and what felt like an eternity later, hiked through the forest until we reached the metal fence surrounding Harper’s property. Barking sounded moments before we reached it, and so I whistled an invite to the pooches and threw two hot dogs toward the Rottweilers. They chugged them down in few bites. As we waited for the sedative to kick in, we kept feeding them just to keep them quiet. Moments later, they lay down on the grass, snoozing.

  Having lived in my father’s highly secure house most of my life, we were all aware of the ins and outs of the standard security measures.

  We jumped the fence and headed for the back of Harper’s house, trying to stay out of camera view. There were so many of them, we thought for sure someone would see us. But no one showed up. Maybe luck was on my side after all. Axel watched the grounds while I peeked through the back window. Harper was pacing the room and then removed some ropes from a closet. The ankle monitor Emma had told me about was secure, which meant that he hadn’t left his house. He laid the ropes neatly on the table, right beside several long pieces of cloth, whips, ball gags, and a hell of a lot of other sex toys. None of that shit shocked me or scared me until I saw a serrated dagger in the pile. He gulped down a glass of orange liquor and grasped his crotch, shifting his dick.