Dirty Money (Bad Money #2)

by Ali Parker

  "That sounds good. I'm honestly exhausted. I'd love a nap before we start the festivities."

  "That can be arranged too."

  She took his hand and walked toward Marcus as he turned to them. His blue eyes moved from Kate to Victor as he nodded.

  "What's next on the agenda?" Marcus asked, reaching for their bags.

  "Let's stop by the room and drop your stuff off and then we'll grab a bite to eat." Victor moved toward the elevator, Kate and Marcus following him.

  "I'm going to lay down. You guys go eat without me." Kate got in the elevator, releasing Victor's hand. He wanted to play house, which she was good with, but not having slept well the night before left her on edge and feeling a little rawer then she would ever admit.

  "You not feeling good?" Marcus reached over and took her hand.

  It was almost comical how the two of them were having a cock fight without saying a word. A chill ran through her at the thought of being pressed between them naked and sweaty. She had never imagined herself as a woman that would be comfortable having two partners in the bedroom and she still wasn't sure. If it was anyone it would be Jon and Marcus, never Victor.

  "Just tired. I want to make sure I'm awake and ready for tonight."

  "That's a good idea. My brother Zak is here, but busy working in the small office we have in the suite. That's not going to disturb you, I hope?" Victor pressed the button and slipped his key into the panel. They were headed for the top floor, the penthouse no doubt.

  "I don't mind. I just need a dark room and cold bed to slide into."

  "You want company?" Marcus wagged his eyebrows, causing Kate to chuckle. He was too cute and a solid staple in her future. She squeezed his hand and let it go before moving off of the elevator behind Victor.

  "I'm not thinking there would be much sleeping. After Victor's sneak attacks with this new version of ecstasy the last few days, I'm not myself at all." She stopped behind Victor as he worked on getting the door open.

  Marcus moved in behind her, sliding his arms around her center and pulling her back against him. The thick press of his erection caused her tummy to tighten. She didn't need much to get her going when Marcus was around, but he had always been her only source of pleasure. It seemed that the past was repeating itself in their future.

  "I do apologize for that. I'll not do it again." Victor moved into the large living room and turned down a short hallway, knocking on the door at the end of it. "Zak. Marcus and Kate are here. Come out and meet them."

  Kate walked in and slid her shoes off before bending over to pick them up. Marcus's hand slid over her ass as he passed and walked toward the large bay windows that opened up to a city-wide view.

  "This is beautiful," he mumbled.

  Walking toward him, Kate let her eyes move across the wide span of his shoulders, down to his narrow waist, and finally the swell of his ass. He was built for sin and with Jon out of the way, he was about to get more than he could handle. Her heart would heal whether it wanted to or not.

  "I bet it's even more stunning at night." She stopped beside him and pressed her hand to the glass, her heels dangling in the other one.

  "It is. I love this hotel for this view alone." Victor spoke and Kate turned to watch a scary mother fucker walk from the bedroom. He couldn't have been much taller than her, his body covered in tattoos, his hair down to his shoulders and a grimace on his face. He was good-looking, but in a street sort of way. Victor couldn't be related to Zak. There was no likeness at all.

  Where Victor was tall, sexy and smooth, Zak was a pure representation of a drug lord.

  "I'm Kate." She stopped in front of him and extended her hand. Zak took it and lifted it to his lips, the softest, most sensual voice she had ever heard in all of her life answering her.

  "Pleasure’s all mine, beautiful." He tilted his head and seemed to study her face, but his eyes never moved lower.

  Interesting.

  "Zak, this is Marcus. He works for me and Kate." Victor reached out and brushed his fingers along Kate's arm as his brother released her. She couldn't help but follow the dark depiction of souls drowning into his shirt. Her fingers itched to trace the images, but she wouldn't dare.

  "Nice to meet you, man. You're going to have our backs for the next day or so?" Marcus moved up and shook the guy’s hand.

  "I am. Anything you need of me. Just ask." Zak's gaze shifted from Marcus back to Kate. "Especially you. If you feel like something is off... tell me and I'll fix it."

  Victor patted his brother's back roughly. "Zak is our go-to man in Russia. He's revered by most and feared by all."

  Zak chuckled, the action softening his hard disposition, but only slightly. "You flatter me."

  "Hardly." Victor turned to Kate. "Let's get you in the bed."

  "I can find it myself. Just point the way." She smirked and glanced over at Marcus. "See you in a bit. Don't have any fun without me."

  "Never. It's not possible." He smirked and turned to walk back to the window view. He was a dreamer and yet life had stolen his dreams. Kate wasn't surprised at all with his need to see the big picture wherever they were. It was the closest he would ever come to dreaming again.

  "Come with me." Victor reached for her bag and nodded toward the large opening at the other end of the room. Kate followed after him, glancing back once to see Zak watching her closely. He didn't advert his attention as she locked her gaze on him, but smiled softly. There was something so insanely menacing about him and yet he wouldn't hurt her.

  She was almost sure of it.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Marcus

  Marcus looked out across the city, not entirely sure how he felt about staying the night with Victor and his brother. They seemed to be rather straight forward. Something about the Russian drug lord made Marcus want to relax, but that would be the worst thing he could do. They had trained themselves to lull people into a comfortable stupor. It was a gift, a talent he wanted to learn.

  He glanced over his shoulder as Zak approached, stopping to look out at the city as well. "Beautiful view."

  "I agree. New Orleans has some nice areas, but the city here in LA is king."

  "It's a plethora of needy people with demons prancing closely behind them. Find fame and wealth and you'll always find drugs and whores to boot." Victor moved in beside Zak and turned toward them. "Let's go eat if you're up for it. I want to talk a bit about the details regarding Zandra."

  "Zandra being the drug we're sampling tonight?" Marcus turned and walked back into the living room as his stomach grumbled.

  "Exactly. It's from Kenya and our esteemed guests tonight have come agreeing to test it out alongside us. Zak will patrol the room with a few other guards I will have posted, just to make sure everything goes off perfectly."

  "We're not the first ones to try this shit, right?" Marcus clasped his hands behind him to keep himself from running his hand over his bald head. He was nervous for the first time in a long time and hoped like hell that it didn't show.

  "No, we're not. A group of test subjects have been used by the drug lord who's joining us tonight. They've shown me various video feeds and I'm quite sure this is going to take us from wealthy to fucking rich. Nothing like dirty money to build your empire on." Victor walked to the door and picked up a key card, slipping it in his pocket. "You coming, Zak?"

  "I have a bit more work to wrap up before the fun begins. I'll stay here with princess." He smirked and turned, walking back into the room he emerged from when they first arrived.

  "Kate's cool here with him? I would hate to murder your brother. Not exactly good for business." Marcus walked toward the door, almost uncomfortable with the level of trust he seemed to be willing to grant these two guys without knowing much about them.

  Victor chuckled and held the door open. "He would let nothing happen to her. He is actually increasingly respectful of women. His reference to her being a princess was endearing, not sarcastic."

  "Hmmm... still not sure
I like leaving her with him." Marcus walked into the hall, hesitating as he battled with himself.

  "He's not going near her. He knows that she belongs to me. I would kill him before you could even come close."

  The door shut and Marcus stifled his need to remind Victor that Kate didn't belong to anyone. They walked to the elevator and got in, Marcus leaning against the back wall as weariness rolled over him. A nap didn't sound too bad after all.

  "What part do you need me to play tonight?" Marcus asked.

  "Just stay close to Kate. We will have a large crowd from the city and most of them have a sense of entitlement that might drive you insane, as it does me. She's a beautiful woman. Someone's going to vie for her attention. Make sure they don't get it."

  "And what about the drug. Don't you think it might be wise to have one of us not take it?"

  "You mean take a placebo instead?" Victor lifted his hand to his face, brushing his fingers along his mouth. "Not a bad idea. Could be fun."

  "Are you planning on unleashing the drug on the room and having it turn into a large orgy? Seems if it's an aphrodisiac of the worst sense, then sex is going to be the resulting action once it hits their systems."

  "I knew I liked you for a reason more than your street smarts." Victor held the door to the elevator as it opened. "Let's grab lunch at the pub right near the front of the restaurant."

  "Sounds good." Marcus ran his hand over his head, concern stinging him. "Kate's not going to be involved in an orgy. I can tell you that now."

  "And you? Do you want to be involved in it?"

  "No. I made a promise to her a long time ago that we would take care of each other. These bitches here have diseases and my door swings one way." Marcus shrugged and walked toward the table the hostess offered them.

  Victor sat and pulled his napkin into his lap. "I plan on watching the beginning of the festivities and then we can slip into the large bedroom Kate is resting in."

  "Is the event in the penthouse?"

  "Yes. We needed privacy. The drug is supposed to work quickly and efficiently. I have a camera hooked up for us to film the large group activities. I'm not one for watching others fuck, but I am more than interested in reviewing the contents for the red flags and side effects."

  "Are we really expecting Kate to share her body with both of us tonight? She's a criminal, a drug dealer, a killer and a strong woman, but sex is... well it's..." Marcus couldn't find the right word. He was grateful for the server stopping by and taking their order. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he ignored it for the minute.

  "It's exclusive and private." Victor glanced at Marcus, finishing his thoughts for him.

  "Exactly. Her body is a temple that she shares only when she's in love or she's beyond needy for a release, and it's not with the average Joe. She and I have lots of rules to keep our relationship clean and carnal."

  "I envy you." Victor picked up a white glass that sat before him, taking a long drink. "I want her to need me the way she needs you. To rely on me."

  "To love you?" Marcus asked, a sick feeling rolling in his stomach.

  "No. Never to love. Love is toxic. I plan on having you and her by my side for a very long time. I do need to know one thing though."

  "Ask." Marcus shrugged and glanced up at the server, taking the beer he ordered moments before.

  "I've requested her to move to the mansion as I mentioned to you. I'm fine with you remaining in your own place, but she and I are going to be intimate, like a married couple of sorts. Or at least that's how I envision our transition."

  "And?" Marcus set the beer back down, his heart beginning to race. He didn't like the idea of Kate with anyone, least of all the snake in front of him. It was a game they would have to play until they figured out how to win it without casualties, but fuck if he didn't hate it.

  "And I want to make sure that you're aware that I'll not tolerate you being jealous or moody over it."

  "Jealousy is for bitches. I hope you realize that she might be your partner and work beside you, but she's still going to be in my bed every time she wants to."

  "Of course. I understand that. That's what tonight is all about. Us sharing in something we both want. Her."

  Marcus started to respond, but his phone began vibrating against his leg. Someone was calling.

  He set his napkin down and stood. "I'm going to run to the john. I'll be back."

  Moving toward the restroom, he pulled his phone out and lifted it to his ear.

  "Speak."

  "It's Jon. Where the fuck are you guys?"

  "We're in Los Angeles with Victor. How the fuck did you get my digits?"

  "I still have them from the night you called me thirty times, trying to get me to get my ass over to Kate's."

  "Oh yeah, the night you decided to be too good of a good guy."

  "Fuck you."

  "What do you want, pig?"

  "I just needed to know that she was safe."

  "She's not your problem anymore, Jon. You walked. You have your freedom. Enjoy it."

  There was a strained silence and Marcus had to bite his tongue from asking what else was going on. He pushed the door to the bathroom open and moved to stand in front of the mirror.

  "You heard about Billy Turner, right?" Jon asked.

  "Yes, of course I did."

  "He hasn't been caught. He's been missing for almost five days now. How much you want to bet the fucker is headed back here?"

  "He has nothing left in New Orleans. He would be a dumb ass to come back and try to resurrect what once was."

  "I need to know more about him, Marcus."

  "Steal his file. You're good at that shit."

  "It's missing. I've already tried." Jon let out a long sigh.

  "Of course it is. Seth was his lackey and offed him. He would be a complete dumb ass not to have it. What's this call really about, Jon? We're not friends and you're wasting my fucking afternoon with this shit."

  "I think he's already back. I'm worried about Kate. Was she involved with him at all?"

  "Once again, Kate's not your concern anymore." Marcus paused, his lip curling up at the loud growl of frustration the cop let off. "Why do you think old Bill is back in town?"

  "There were two boys dead in the alley behind the club this morning. I guess you guys didn't see them before you left, but I've been over there all day. Kate's, of course, a fucking suspect. We were told to find her, but I realize she's coming back tomorrow, right?"

  "Fuck." Marcus pressed his fingers to his eyes and shook his head. "Yes. We'll be back tomorrow. Were the deaths overdoses or murders?"

  "I'm not at liberty to say," Jon barked into the phone.

  "Answer my goddamn question. You care about her. Tell me what the fuck you know so I can figure out if Billy is waiting on us to come home, Jon. He's not refined like Victor. He's a fucking monster from the deep."

  "Murders. One of the boys was missing his right hand. Cut clean the fuck off."

  Sickness rolled over Marcus. "The other missing a finger?"

  "How did you know that?"

  "It's the way we were trained under him. Take something for yourself when you kill. It's a momentous occasion and deserves a memento to remind you of the power you have."

  "That's fucking sick."

  "I'm aware of that. It's been a peaceful few years without the bastard."

  "Did Kate kill under his reign?"

  "I have to go, cop. Keep your eyes open. Either he's back or some of his most loyal men have started to gather back up and prepare the way."

  "The way for what?"

  "For him to regain his power, his life, his position."

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Kate

  Kate leaned closer to the mirror in front of her and put another coating of lipstick on. Her dark hair was pulled up away from her shoulders. Victor had a short cocktail dress hanging in the closet with a note pinned to it for her. It was a simple welcome to his syndicate and the promise of great things to
come, which couldn't be farther from the truth.

  The door opened behind her and Marcus slipped in, his suit looking especially good on him.

  "Your nap do you good?" He moved toward the mirror and stopped behind her, reaching out and zipping her dress up.

  "Yes. Did you have a good lunch with Victor?"

  "It would have been better with you there."

  "Oh yeah?" She pursed her lips and dropped the tube of lipstick in her make-up bag before turning. Reaching up, she fixed his tie and smiled at him. "You're so handsome."

  "I'm sexy."

  "That too, you big oaf, but you're handsome too." She brushed her thumb over his bottom lip as her eyes moved across the strong planes of his face. He was the future and she knew it wouldn't take her long to be good with that. Love between the two of them wasn't fiery or breathtaking, but it was solid and strong. It felt true.

  "I need you to know something."

  "What?" She gave him her attention as he tucked a random strand of her hair behind her ear. "There is going to be a placebo tonight in one of the three pills offered to me, you and Victor. I'll force them to let you choose first. Take the false one. You should be able to see a different marking or coloration or something on the pill. Let me and Victor try this out. You simply take the sugar pill and lock yourself in here."

  "No. You take it and pull me and Victor in here with you."

  "You want both of us to fuck you together? I didn't think you would be comfortable with that." He brushed his fingers by her face. His eyes held no condemnation, only concern.

  "I don't want any of this to be honest, but I certainly know that I need you with your head on straight should the shit hit the fan. Victor is ours for the next little while until I can figure out how to unravel him and his empire. That being the case, you protect him tonight too."

  "No. I'm not taking no for an answer Kate. I've done some pretty fucked up things with my body before we met. I'm good with crazy shit happening again for one night. What I'm not okay with is you losing your mind and fucking everyone in the room only to wake up and hate yourself. I know how that shit feels."