Niko pulled the phone out of his pocket. “I know who the fuck did it and the prick doesn’t know what shitstorm is coming his way.” One way or the other, Niko wasn’t going to let Ethan fall into the same pattern his mother had. He’d kill the bastard before he touched Ethan again.
CHAPTER TEN
Ethan threaded his hands into a pair of black latex gloves and carefully cleaned up the needles from the tray in Knox’s studio. The last month had passed in a daze. Either Niko was spending the night at his apartment or he was staying over there. He’d even bought a new yellow toothbrush that sat on the vanity next to Niko’s blue one. Capping the small plastic bottles of bright green and purple paint, he thought about the times Niko had brought two sandwiches into the shop for lunch. Taking a break upstairs in his apartment was an easy escape.
And the way Niko sucked his cock before going downstairs made the rest of his day sweeping floors and picking up bloody paper towels enjoyable. He’d even learned how each artist liked his room arranged. Knox really didn’t care as long as the place was clean. Ethan had taken the time to organize the paint bottles according to color and found a tray for the six guns Knox owned.
Ben didn’t like his area fussed over. His was the simplest. Take the trash out, sweep the floor, and wipe everything down, and that was the end of the job. Seth, well…what did one say about the muscular, tattooed badass who seemed to always have his full lips turned up in a wicked smile? He liked order. His room took the longest time to prep and clean up. Everything had a place, he’d say.
“Ethan?”
He hadn’t realized he had been standing in the middle of Niko’s room for way longer than it should’ve taken to wipe off the counter.
“Niko had to bump his two o’clock so you don’t have to do the set up. Apparently, the client on one of his commissions added some things on. He’s burning the candle at both ends. At some point, he needs to take a vacation.”
“Yeah,” Ethan said, not wanting to leave the room. He hated when Niko was away. He’d been busy working on two jobs outside the shop. “I’ll finish in the stockroom.”
“You know”—she leaned on the doorframe, making the top part of her red dress sway to the side—“if you ever wanted to tell me anything, I’m a good listener.”
Ethan didn’t like where this was going. “I appreciate that. I’m cool. Everything’s okay.”
“Niko’s okay too?”
This was delicate territory. He and Niko had been careful not to look at each other too long or brush shoulders when the customers and others were around. “I think so. He seems all right.”
She stood straight and grinned.
Seth walked by and paused with a client close behind. “A suit’s out front and it’s not Mitch.”
“Who’s Mitch?”
Scarlet rolled her eyes. “My brother. He takes care of the business side of this place. You’ll know which one he is when he comes in. He’s the macho smartass in the Gucci suits.”
Ethan wasn’t sure if she was kidding. “I’ll keep an eye out and stay out of his way.”
Seth laughed. “He’s not so bad, well, as far as lawyers go.” He winked at Ethan. “Just steer clear, little man. He’d chew you up in a heartbeat.”
So Scarlet hadn’t been kidding. “Got it.”
Ethan followed Scarlet to the front and started straightening the magazines on the large coffee table. “I’m John Quinta from the State Board of Health. We got a call. Is Sidney Washington available?”
Leaving the stack of magazines, Ethan slowly moved closer. Scarlet rested her hands on her hips. “You got a call, you say? Who did you speak with?”
“You are?”
“I’m Mr. Washington’s daughter.”
“I can’t discuss the case with anyone but Mr. Washington.”
“I’ll take you to him.” Scarlet huffed and turned to Ethan who’d moved in close. “Can you watch the counter? Knox has a client due to come in any time.”
“Sure.” The bottom of Ethan’s stomach started to quiver. “No problem.” What in the hell was going on? He wished Niko would hurry up and get back.
Scarlet disappeared down the hall, followed by the suit. Ethan was trying to take deep breaths when Knox’s appointment walked in. What had happened and why was the State Board of Health dropping in? The place was spotless and went above and beyond state guidelines.
Ethan heard the click of Scarlet’s shoes as she appeared from the hallway. “That bastard.” She huffed. “Someone said we were disposing of needles in the alley trash bins! Who would do that? We’re a reputable place. This is ridiculous.”