Dark Souls (Crime Kings Book 1)

by May Gordon

  “Are you sure?” I ask him.

  “Of course.” He looks at me like I’m crazy for thinking otherwise. “You have valuable input. I want and need you there.”

  I smile sweetly. “If I go, will you let Liam and the guys take me to the shooting range?”

  He narrows his eyes, his look intense, then he smirks. “Fine. But only if I can go too.”

  “Sure, if you don’t mind getting your ass kicked, boss.” Liam laughs and takes a sip of his coffee.

  “He’s right. Don’t come if you’re a sore loser.” I kiss him on the cheek and get up, taking his now empty plate to the sink. I hear him chuckle at my attitude. The front door opens, and Owen, Andrew, and Levi come into the kitchen. “Hey guys. You want some breakfast?” I ask.

  “Morning Cleo, Boss.” Andrew greets us. “And we would love some.” They take a seat at the table and Liam joins them.

  “Are these the famous eggs you’re always talking about?” Levi asks.

  “Yeah, and you’ll love them. Trust me,” Liam tells them.

  I fix three plates and sit next to Lawson. They plow through their food in no time, then we jump right into the meeting. We talk about business, a lot I heard from Lawson last night, then I give my options and suggestions to each matter. About two hours later, we’re ending the meeting.

  “We need to find a way to lay claim to that area downtown without having to compete with the pimps and prostitutes but keep in good standing with them and not start a turf war,” Lawson says

  “You don’t want to get into that?” I ask.

  “No. It’s not something I want to be a part of, nor do I want to compete with those already have business,” he tells me.

  “We are in good standing with that area, so the only way I see this happening is by force,” Owen says.

  “Why don’t you sell protection?”

  “What do you mean?” Andrew asks.

  “That area is heavy with crime, drunks, and dealers. Low-level gangs sell the clubs and pimps protection. That’s your claim, prostitutes will flock to safe places to work, making them more money in the end.” I explain.

  “Brilliant,” Owen mumbles.

  “Set it up,” Lawson orders.

  “Sure thing, boss,” Liam says.

  “Has Smith made contact?” I ask Lawson and see him tense. When I look around the table I notice the others did too. “Well, what did he say?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about,” Lawson tries to tell me.

  I narrow my eyes at him, angry that he’s treating me like a child now. I’ve spent the last two hours at this meeting viewed as an equal, and now he’s hiding something from me. “Fine. Are we done here?” I snap at him.

  Lawson looks shocked at my change of behavior. Well, he shouldn’t. “Yeah,” he says slowly.

  “Good.” I leave the room and head toward the backyard, needing some fresh air to cool the anger burning inside me.

  Chapter 9

  Lawson

  “She’s pissed,” Liam says.

  “No shit,” I snap at him. I rub my hands over my face, annoyed at how this played out.

  “Why not just tell her?” Owen asks.

  “I don’t want her to worry about the threats Smith made,” I tell him.

  “She’s not some soft chick, boss. She was made for this life and keeping her in the dark will only anger her, especially when she knows what you’re doing,” Andrew says.

  “Ugh, I know, I know.” I growl, getting up from my seat. Suddenly the door opens, and my mother walks in, Nick following her. I roll my eyes, just what I need. “Hello, mother.”

  “Oh, don’t be grumpy, I’m here to see my Cleo.” She comes over and kisses me on the cheek. “Hello, boys.” She waves to my men.

  “She’s my Cleo, not yours,” I correct her.

  “Oh hush,” she snaps back.

  “She’s in a bad mood,” Levi tells my mother, causing me to glare at him.

  “Oh no. Why?” She asks him.

  “Boss pissed her off,” Owen supplies. I pinch the bridge of my nose. My men now seem to be far more loyal to Cleo than me.

  “What did you do?” My mother asks, turning her full anger to me.

  “Nothing,” I mutter. There is a string of snorts from the table and I roll my eyes. “I’m going to talk to her.” I start to walk toward the back patio when my phone rings and I stop to answer it.

  “What?”

  “Boss, Blade is ready to talk,” one of my men informs me. This is good news, maybe I’ll get some intel on his father.

  “I’ll be right there.” I hang up and turn to my men. “Blade is ready to talk. Let’s go.”

  I turn to my Mom. “Can stay with Cleo until I get back.”

  “Like I wasn’t going to anyway,” she sasses me.

  “Tell her I’ll be back by dinner.” I grab my coat and we leave. I want to get this over as quick as possible.

  I step outside the warehouse and breathe in the fresh air, Liam not far behind me.

  “So, what are we going to do?” He asks me.

  Smith wants blood. He’s pissed we’ve been fucking up his business and have now killed some of his men. Taking his son pushed him over the edge. I should be happy about this, but the threats he made against Cleo won’t allow me to be. Blade sang like a canary about his father, seems like a little pain and he crumbles. There is no love between father and son, but blood is blood and Smith is out for ours.

  “Keep Cleo safe, I have no idea what he’s planning or when,” I tell him. “Have Andrew search for him. I know he’s a ghost, but I want him found.”

  “You got it,” Liam says and leaves. I walk to Nick who’s waiting by the car.

  “Home, Boss?” He asks me.

  I pause for a second, thinking how I left Cleo without saying good-bye and pissing her off before that. I need to make it up to her. “I need flowers.” I say out loud.

  Nick chuckles at me. “Already pissing off Mrs. Boss?”

  “Mrs. Boss?” I laugh.

  “It’s what the guys have been calling her. Apparently, she proved herself a wise ruler at the meeting today. Everyone’s impressed.” I just smile at his words. Damn right she did. She’s more than capable to be the boss.

  “So, flowers are a good call to apologize to Mrs. Boss?” I ask Nick.

  “I would think so,” he answers.

  We stop pick up some before he drives me home. When I enter the house, I hear my mom and Cleo laughing. The sound makes me smile and fills my heart. I know she’s been lonely since my father died, and the company of her armed guards can’t fill the void in her. What she needs is a daughter-in-law, and some grandchildren. I like that plan, and have every intention of making it happen.

  I find them in the living room on the couch, a wine bottle and glasses on the table, magazines all over the place. “Ladies,” I call out. They both turn to me, but neither smile.

  “Welcome home,” my mom says before standing. “Thanks for the afternoon, dear.” Cleo gets up and kisses her on the cheek.

  “Anytime, Beth.”

  My mother walks to me, giving me a kiss on the cheek before leaving Cleo and I alone.

  “Those for me?” Cleo points to the flowers in my hands. I almost forgot I had them.

  “Yes,” I say and hand them to her. They’re pink tiger lilies, and for some reason, reminded me of her.

  “Thank you.” She takes them and heads to the kitchen. I see her grab a vase from the top shelf, letting me know she’s obviously been exploring while I was gone. I didn’t even know I had one. I just watch her, her beauty captivates me, but so does her mind. I can still feel the tension between us and can’t take it much longer.

  “I’m sorry,” I tell her sincerely. She takes her attention off the flowers and looks at me.

  “Do you know what you’re apologizing for?”

  “For keeping you in the dark, I shouldn’t have done that. It’s your life and you have the right to know what’s going on.”
I walk toward her.

  She crosses her arms and leans against the counter. “Thank you, and for the record, you didn’t need flowers, just the truth.” She tells me in all seriousness.

  I nod, stepping in front of her and bracing my arms on either side. “Good to know.” I look into her eyes and still see a question in there. “What is it?”

  “What’s going on? With us?” She asks. I can tell she’s nervous. I’m a little shocked to hear her even have to ask, but I guess we never spoke about it.

  “You and I are partners, both in business and in life, one day you will love me with all your heart, and when you do we’ll get married and have lots of kids. Bottom line, you’re mine,” I tell her straight up so there is no room for misunderstanding.

  She seems shocked at first, but then recovers quickly. “And you’re mine?”

  “Always,” I growl and go in for a kiss, but she pulls back, making me growl even louder.

  “I don’t forgive you yet.” She smiles then says, “You still need to tell me about Smith.”

  “Now?” I ask because my cock is hard enough to cut steal and I don’t think I can focus on anything else.

  “Yes. You should’ve told me in the first place then we could be having sex, but instead you have blue balls,” she sasses, then ducks under my arm and heads to the couch, patting the spot next to her,

  Giving in, I join her, sitting so close our thighs touch and I can wrap my arm around her, bringing her closer as she lays her head on my shoulder. Deciding to get it over with, I say, “Smith contacted us, pissed about the many intrusions, stealing his drugs, killing his men, and kidnapping his son. He got wind that Blade took my woman and he promised to finish what his son started.” She looks neither surprised nor scared by this news.

  “So, what’s the plan?” She asks me.

  “We lay low, look for Smith and be careful. Besides that, business as usual.”

  She’s quiet for a bit before talking. “We should set a trap.” I know she’s right, and it’s probably the quickest way to get this over and done with.

  But I can’t think about that now, I have one thing on my mind. “Let’s talk about that tomorrow. Do you forgive me?” I ask with a kiss.

  “Not yet.” She smiles and turns in my arms then straddles me. “I think you need to make it up to me.” She leans in and kisses me. I return it, gripping her ass in my hands to pull her closer.

  “I’ll try my best to make it up to you,” I vow before devouring her mouth. She moans, and the sound drives me crazy with passion. I grab the bottom of her shirt and yank it over her head to reveal her beautiful breasts trapped in a white lace bra. I reach around and undo it, causing them to pop free and I latch onto her nipple right away. She arches her back, thrusting her chest closer to me.

  “Take your shirt off,” she demands. I let go long enough to quickly unbutton my shirt and peel it off then attach myself to the other side. Her hands dig into my scalp as I move us and lay her flat, blanketing myself over her. I kiss down her soft stomach to the top of her jeans. I undo the top button and zipper, then Cleo eagerly shimmies out of them. I quickly take her underwear off next.

  “Lawson pants off, please,” she begs. I shove them down as fast as I can.

  “Cleo, I don’t think I can wait,” I warn her, my voice strained with passion.

  “Don’t wait, I need you now.” That’s all the invitation I need, then thrust into her. Pure heaven once again wraps around my cock. From that point on I don’t remember details, just raw, passionate love. Our moans combine and the adrenaline running through my veins feels amazing. We reach our climaxes together and I release everything I am deep inside her.

  I lay on top of her, bracing myself on my elbows, as we both try to catch our breaths. “Did I hurt you?” I ask, leaning down to kiss her.

  She shakes her head. “No. That was incredible.” She smiles brightly.

  “Let’s get cleaned up.” I pull her from the couch then pick her up bridal style and she lets out a giggle. When we reach our room, I head straight to the bathroom, then place her on the counter and start the shower. I turn back to Cleo as she sits on the counter completely naked. I step between her legs then lean in and grab her face in my hands so I can kiss her passionately. She wraps her legs around my waist to bring me closer.

  She pulls back and gives me a sweet smile. “Let’s get in the shower.” Her accent has thickened again. She hops off the counter and walks into the shower. I eagerly follow her. Seeing Cleo wet springs my cock back to life, so I push her against the tile and press my chest against hers.

  “Shouldn’t we get cleaned up?” Her breath is heavy and shallow.

  I kiss down her neck, humming as I go. “You’re not nearly dirty enough.”

  “Well then, you better fix that.” I feel her hands move up my back.

  “Trust me, that’s exactly my plan.” And I do, for a good three hours.

  Chapter 10

  Cleo- 2 Months Later

  It’s been a crazy two months. Everything seemed to fall into place between Lawson and me. He wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted me as a partner. I’ve jumped right in, learning everything I could about Lawson’s businesses, both legal and illegal. I’ve kept busy taking over a lot of the books as well. We’ve been laying low but haven’t let up on the Canaries. We used the drugs we stole as payment to help our other inventory across Oregon. Foster has yet to catch on, or he has and is letting it go for now. Why? We don’t know.

  I’ve been working in the office at home for the past three hours while Lawson checks out the warehouses after the latest shipment and a scheduled meet.

  Liam knocks, leaning on the doorframe. “Hey, Mrs. Boss,” he calls out.

  I just roll my eyes. They’ve all been calling me that for the last couple months. “What’s up, Liam?” I smile at him. He brings over more paperwork and plops it on the desk then takes a seat across from me.

  “These are the local small businesses you asked for.”

  “Great! Thanks.” I grab them to start looking through them.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, why these?” Liam asks, obviously curious.

  “Owning more will help lay claim to parts in town where we don’t have much, plus, a few of these places will make good fronts,” I tell him.

  “Good idea.” Liam sits back further, getting comfortable. “The kings have been asking a lot about you.”

  “You seriously call them that?” I raise an eyebrow at him in question.

  “Why not? They control the underworld in their own states. Lawson’s here in Washington, Novak in California, and Quinn in Nevada. You made quite the impression with them over these last months.”

  “Really? Because every time I talk to one of them they are always testing me. It’s like they’ve never seen a woman in the business before,” I mumble. He just shrugs his shoulders in response.

  “Maybe one not nearly as capable as you are, but I think it also has to do with how Lawson is with you.”

  “What? Nice?” I chuckle. Lawson is a grump that’s for sure, to everyone but me.

  “In love.” The statement causes me to laugh. I know I love Lawson, I think I fell the moment he told me I was safe with him. But does he love me? We spend almost every waking minute together, and each night our lovemaking is full of passion, wonder, and everything I could ever want. We laugh, and smile a lot, which is what people in love do, right?

  “Cleo?” Liam asks.

  I shake my head, trying to get rid of some of my worries. “Sorry, just thinking about what else I still have to do.” I motion to the stack of folders on my desk.

  “You work too hard.” He shakes his head at me.

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Lawson’s voice gains our attention. I give him a bright smile and meet him, standing on my tiptoes to give him a kiss.

  “Welcome back. How was the meet?” I ask as he guides me back to the desk. He sits down and places me on his lap, not giving two shits that we have
an audience. He never does.

  “Very well. They agreed to the protection plan we established.” He grins.

  “That’s great news.” Liam claps his hands. “Who were you thinking should be in charge of that?”

  “Owen, and Levi could help. It will be a step up for him.” Lawson tells us.

  “I agree.”

  “Good. Now, I want you to go upstairs and put on something nice. I’m taking you out to dinner Mrs. Boss.”

  I smile at him and ask, “Steak or seafood?”

  “Lady’s choice.” He chuckles.

  “Both.” I kiss him on the cheek and wave bye to Liam.

  I make my way upstairs, practically drooling over the thought of food. Lately I’ve been hungry all the time, and extremely tired. I know why. I’ve just been trying not to think about it.

  I’m pregnant.

  Lawson and I have never used protection. Not once. He said he wanted to be partners in life, and in business, but does that mean love too? The love I have for him is so strong, it’s all consuming, and I’m afraid what his answer will be if I ask how he really feels. I’ve never experienced love, not even from a parent or sibling. Growing up on the streets made me hard, made me dark, and Lawson is the same way being born into this life. Is he even capable of love? Does he recognize that’s what he has for me?

  I jump in the shower and just stand under the warm water, it feels so good after being hunched over a desk for the last few hours, and all the emotions I’ve been feeling lately. I suddenly feel two strong arms wrap around my waist, startling me.

  I feel Lawson chuckle. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he apologizes before kissing my neck.

  “I was in my head,” I admit, leaning into him. He turns me around, and looks at me, concern radiating in his eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” I tell him, lying through my teeth.

  “Your accent is always stronger when you’re emotional.” Damn. He’s too observant. I need to get him off this topic.