The Professor patted Niko on the back. “I think that’s great. You should make the kiddos multicultural. The neighborhood is getting more diverse by the moment. Did they give you an equipment stipend? You know, I can help out with supplies if you have to cover the cost. Buying a million cans of spray paint can hurt the wallet. And, Niko, you should wear something professional. Do you own a tie?”
Niko turned his head so the heat creeping over his cheeks was hidden. He could afford the equipment and no, he didn’t own a tie. When Caleb, the center’s director, offered to purchase the supplies, Niko had told him to keep the money. He’d spent too many hours shooting hoops at the place while his mom and dad were throwing punches at each other. Taking the extra money felt wrong. “I got it covered, but…Thanks.”
“You know, it’s a shame that place doesn’t offer an after school art program.” The Professor’s white and grey eyebrows rose when he casually peered over at Niko. “Maybe you could suggest starting something when you go over there. The club would be happy to fund the program.”
Niko wasn’t too excited to jump right into volunteering. He was making killer money and for the first time in his life looking forward to the days ahead. Worrying about what a bunch of kids were doing after school didn’t fit into his life. Instead of giving his mentor some asshole excuse for not doing it, he opted to say nothing and nod.
“Niko?” Scarlet leaned in the doorway. “There’s a client here to see you.”
Her always cheerful smile seemed wider than usual. Already on a tight schedule, he didn’t have time to see someone without an appointment. “They’re going to have to schedule a time.”
She stepped into the room, her hands planted on her rounded waist. “I think you’re going to want to see him.”
Damn, he couldn’t catch a break. “Send him back. What does he want?” He looked at The Professor. “Yeah, I think the art program would be cool.” God, when had he become a sucker?
Niko walked into the hall where Seth waited. “Hey, man.” He rubbed his palm over the smooth skin on top of his head. “So, I’ve got this little problem.”
Niko never knew Seth to have a problem. If anything, he fixed problems.
“What’s up?” Niko tucked the blueprint under his arm.
“So, I’ve got this chick on my table. Apparently her hubby’s been to the club and I... Well, I fucked him and she found out. Now, she’s in my studio with her tits hanging out saying she wants some of what her old man had.”
Niko tucked his fist against his mouth to stifle the laugh. “And?”
Seth rubbed the tight T-shirt covering his thick pecs. “I don’t. Jesus, I don’t do women. Stop laughing.” He looked first to the right then to the left and leaned in closer. “Her man is a bigwig downtown, owns a business and shit. I don’t want him to bring trouble here. Come on, take one for the team. There’s no way Ben will do it. Hell, he barely talks to his clients when he’s inking them.”
Niko had no fucking desire to fuck someone’s wife, but Seth was his brother, had become his family like everyone at the club. Niko looked over his shoulder at the closed door to Seth’s studio.
“Goddamn it. Just get it up and get it done, man.” Niko had done it a million times. Seth could struggle through the shit.
Seth shook his head. “Can’t man. Big guy downstairs won’t budge for pussy and besides I only fuck subs. Her husband...oh Niko, he did everything I told him. He was one nasty fuck.” Seth winked, tipping his firm lips into grin. “So, help me out? She’s in there. When I turned the chair around, her naked ass was spread-eagle on the table. It’ll take you ten minutes, tops, to get her off. Come on, man.”
Ben walked out of the cigar lounge at the end of the hall. He lifted the brim of his cap and bit down on a candy bar. “What?”
Niko hung his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. Seth leaned against the wall with his arms folded over his chest. “Nothing, just talking To Nik about a new design. He’s stoked to help me get right into it.”
Ben took another bite. “Let me know if you need any help. I’ve got a client in fifteen, but I can help after if you want to brainstorm.”
Seth patted Niko on the shoulder. “Great.” Ben passed and Seth tugged Niko toward the door. “Box of condoms in the second drawer of the file cabinet. Lube’s in there, too, if you need any. Have fun, big guy.”
Seth walked away as if the next fifteen minutes of Niko’s life was going to be a no brainer. Fuck. That. The club had become the only real home he’d ever known. He’d do whatever it took to protect it and his family.