KING: Las Vegas Bad Boys(68)

On the desk in the room I pen her a short note.



Dear Claire,

I have some unexpected business to attend to. I will be back late tomorrow. Don’t worry, nothing bad–everything is going to be just fine.

I love you.

Landon



I set it on the bedside table, next to her phone so she won’t miss it, and then leave the room quietly.

I told Ace, last night, to meet me in the kitchen at five this morning—that I needed to talk to him, and that it was important.

He’s there, drinking a cup of coffee when I walk in.

“I can’t believe you remembered,” I say, pouring a mug for myself.

“Hey, my friends matter to me. You know that, bro,” Ace says. “Besides, I needed some Advil. This headache is killer.”

“I glad I didn’t drink too much last night.” Holding the mug in my hands, I take a deep breath. “I need your help, Ace.”

“Anything, man—that’s why I’m fucking awake right now instead of sleeping next to my hot wife.”

I smile. “The thing is ... it’s kind of awkward.”

“Dude. I’ve seen you getting lap dances at strip clubs, seen you throw up after a hard night’s drinking–in a limo–and I’ve unfortunately seen footage from your sex video with what’s-her-name. Those are all things I can’t unsee. I promise, you can say anything to me.”

“Her name was Winnie, and she was a series of unfortunate events. And I have no fucking clue why you watched that video.”

“I didn’t know it was you. I thought it was regular porn. Not my friend. Believe me, I’m more traumatized than you are.”

I shake my head, knowing there are a thousand terrible things from my past. Embarrassing things. Things that I want to stay covered forever—because, shit, I’ve been a fucking wanker.

But I want to be better. Do better.

For Claire.

“I need help getting a few things.”

“Anything.”

“I need a job. Like, today. And if I get the job, I can get the house.”

“Shit,” Ace says, laughing. “You really did need to talk about something important.”

When I don’t laugh, he adds, “Okay. How can I help?”

“I have a few ideas.”

I get out my laptop, and pull up the document I was working on last night after Claire fell asleep. I spent the hours between midnight and now researching and planning, and I think I have an idea. Something that might work, for all of us.

“You know the property that everyone is putting money towards?” I ask.

“Of course I do, asshole,” Ace says, leaning against the countertops. “What were you thinking of doing with it?”

I lay out my plan, and Ace nods encouragingly. He adds his thoughts, and I’m glad I asked for his input. He’s a fucking brilliant businessman.

“You think this will work?” I ask him.

“It’s dope as hell. The girls are gonna love it.”

I nod, still nervous. I’ve got a huge day ahead of me.

“And you’re okay with giving me the loan?”

“Fuck, man. I don’t have family besides Emmy. My father used his money to threaten and hurt people.” He shakes his head. “I know I sound like an ass for getting so sappy, but shit, I just feel lucky that I have friends who I can help.”

“I feel like a pussy, needing help.”

“Fuck that,” Ace says. “A real man knows when to ask for help. I asked for everyone’s support when I wanted the property in the first place. Now you can fucking learn how to be a man.”

“By asking for help?”

“Exactly. Now, you need to work this all out right now, today?” he asks.

“Some of it, yes. It can’t wait. Claire deserves a man who has a fucking house and a fucking job.”

Ace doesn’t disagree.

“Good luck, bro.”

And then I leave the estate and get in the car waiting for me, before anyone else wakes up and sees me go.





Chapter Twenty-Six





Claire



When I wake up, my arms stretch out over my head and I yawn, reaching for Landon. But he isn’t here. I’m in the bed alone.

I frown, instantly wanting his warm body, his arms to wrap around me, his early morning stubble to scratch my face. To press against other, more sensitive spots, too.

It’s insane how I went five years without sex and how now I’m horny as hell. Landon woke something up in me ... well, a lot of things. With him, I feel awake in ways I haven’t been in forever.

I need to tell him the truth. I need to tell him everything. And today, I will.

I’m thinking maybe I’ll ask him to go on a quiet drive in the country. Maybe even a picnic, because I am pretty sure that’s what English people do.