Dirty Money (Bad Money #2) (10 page)

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."

She shook her head and walked around him. "Either way, this is going down, so be ready for anything. Let's get the three of us back into this bedroom so we're protected. Bring Zak with us if you think we need to."

"He needs to stay out there and make sure no one burns the damn room down."

"Fine. Come with me." She held out her hand and waited until he took it before walking out into the large living room. The place was packed with exotic people. Excitement sat heavy in the air and Kate couldn't help but enjoy the feeling for a minute. With no choice but to slip into the depravity she'd been presented with, she might as well try to revel in the good times afforded her.

"Let's get a drink." Marcus tugged her hand and moved her toward the make-shift bar, a middle-aged man in a suit pouring drinks and laughing with the people in front of them.

Victor walked up to her and slid his hand across her lower back, leaning down to press a kiss to the side of her face. "Don't you look stunning? Most beautiful girl in the whole damn world and she's mine tonight."

Kate laughed and moved up, ordering a drink as Marcus released her. Victor held on tightly, his grasp almost painful. Taking her drink, she moved away from the line and unwound his arm from her. His dark eyes were filled with excitement.

"Is everything on schedule?" Kate asked, lifting the drink to her lips. Her facade was properly in place. No one would know that she was a sick bundle of nerves. No one but Marcus. She scanned the room for him, locating him with Zak as they disappeared into the kitchen.

"It is. Marcus and Zak will tray up everything and we'll get this show on the road. I honestly feel like a kid at Christmas. There hasn't been a breakout drug since I've been in the business." He took a step closer to her and cupped her shoulder, sliding his hand until it rested on the base of her neck. "I want you to be front and center for this."

"If it has the power to bring us the wealth you say it does, we should be filthy rich by this time next year."

A smile brushed across his lips as he leaned in. It was seductive and dark. Her stomach tightened simply due to the power that rolled off of him. "Dirty money is the most damning, Kate."

She reached up and took his face into her hand, pulling him down the rest of the way. The kiss was long and passionate, Victor sliding his tongue along hers slowly as his hold on her tightened. He tasted of liquor and sex, both flavors causing her to growl against his assault.

"It's time." Zak's voice pulled them away from their moment, Kate trying hard to catch her breath. She wouldn't fall for him, but sex with a powerhouse like him was going to be fun.

"Good. Let's go, baby." He offered his arm and turned to look across the room.

Kate met Marcus's eyes and winked at him, hoping like hell that he knew that she was going all in. She wanted to bring home the prize. Victor's empire, his head, his heart and all that he had worked for on a platter. She would take every bit of it and deliver it up to the only man who remained beside her, the only one that truly loved her. Marcus.

They stopped in front of Marcus as he lifted a tray and winked at Kate, his head tilting slightly to tell her to choose the pill to the left. She glanced down and realized that he was trying to get her to take the sugar pill. It wasn't happening. She quickly swiped up the two fully potent pills and took hers before sliding the other into Victor’s mouth.

The drug lord sucked on her finger as a wicked smile lifted his lips.

Kate glanced at Marcus and released Victor as he went to address the crowd. Anger burned in her best friend’s gaze as he took the pill and set the tray down, pulling her in tightly and pressing his forehead to hers.

"What the fuck are you thinking? I told you to take the goddamn sugar pill. You're going to be a lunatic in a few minutes." He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath.

Kate slid her hands over his hips and pulled herself close to his large frame, tucking her face under his chin and resting for a minute. "I don't trust anyone in this room but you. Least of all myself."

Kate stayed tucked against Marcus and waited for her reaction to the pill. She wouldn't release him until they were safe in the bedroom now. The warmth of the pill hit fast and hard as the room began to spin slightly. She clung to Marcus and pressed her lips to his neck, his skin salty and delicious.

Victor's voice rose up behind her. "Your gift for being in attendance is being passed out. Please understand that once you've accepted the treat, you will be with us for the next eight hours at minimum. We will be filming the activity of the drug and looking for side effects. I have guards and physicians in our midst should we need them. One pill per person. Enjoy."

The room exploded in cheers as the music began blaring from the speakers again. Kate lifted her head and glanced back as Victor bent over to tell Zak something. The smaller man nodded and walked into the heart of the crowd.

Victor extended his hand to Kate, mouthing to come with him. She took it and made sure to keep Marcus's hand in her grasp as they moved through the sea of bodies. Fingers grazed by her and damn if it didn't feel so good to be touched. As if love and warmth could be infused through complete strangers pawing at her.

Marcus moved in front of them as Victor paused, his pupils completely dilated. Kate wanted to ask him if he was all right, but all she could do was turn and head back to the crowd. She needed to be touched once more, to feel them tearing at her clothes. Strong arms wrapped around her waist and lifted her off the ground. She didn't fight it, but relaxed against her attacker as colors danced before her eyes.

The door to the bedroom shut and she stumbled back, hitting someone who seemed to be waiting on her.

"Are you feeling it? Beautiful, right?" Victor whispered against the side of her neck before he began working on her dress. His movements were clumsy and uncoordinated.

"Go sit on the bed. I'll get her undressed. You work on yourself," Marcus barked and moved in front of Kate, leaning down and rubbing her face with both hands softly. "You okay, baby?"

"I'm good. I just need you all over me. Don't leave me." She reached for him as he pulled her in tightly. He finished unzipping her dress somehow while holding her from the front. He pushed it off of her shoulders. She reached for his shirt and tugged at it, trying like hell to remember how to get it off of him.

She groaned as heat raced through her. "What's wrong with me?"

"Come here Kate," Victor called from the bed, the sexy bastard sitting on the edge of the bed already stripped naked. His chest was solid, abs cut and a light dusting of hair swept down the center of his stomach to frame his thick cock. It wasn't as big as Jon's, but he and Marcus were rather similar in composition. Kate moved toward him, her panties and bra black like the dress he had bought for her.

He reached for her, pulling her closer as he slid his hands up her arms, leaning in to press his warm mouth to her nipple and nibble softly. She reached down and ran her fingers along his shaft, a moan leaving her as need broke deep inside of her chest. This was desire and love, wholeness and warmth.

Marcus wrapped his arms around the top of her chest, pressing his lips to her ear and pulling her flush against him. "I'm here if you need me. Just remember that."

"I always need you," she responded, looking down as Victor looked up. A smile lifted his sexy mouth.

"I need you too, Kate. Take off your panties for me and let's not play around tonight."

"I'll get them." Marcus kissed her cheek and slid his fingers down her side as Victor worked on her bra, pulling it from her and licking at her breasts over and over again.

The press of Marcus's fingers as he pulled her panties down her legs almost caused her to come undone. She arched her back and whimpered as Marcus pressed his tongue to the top of her ass, licking twice and moving down to bite her hard.

She continued to stroke Victor, her mind splintering on wanting to taste him and wanting Marcus buried deep inside of her all at the same time.

"How do you want us Kate?" Victor moved back before sliding his hands over her stomach and latching onto her hips. "You want both of us inside of you, Marcus in the back and me in the front?"

Before she could answer, Marcus spun her around, his eyes wide, brow pulled together. He leaned in and kissed her hard, depositing something in her mouth. She started to jerk back as he spoke quickly. "Kiss him with this in your mouth and give it to him. Now. Don't ask questions. Just do it."

Kate turned and climbed onto Victor’s lap, leaning down and kissing him. Her tongue pressed the small capsule into his mouth. He didn't seem to notice as he pressed her shoulders down, his cock wedging inside of her. Kate let out a long scream as her body exploded. She pushed him back on the bed and rocked against the fire that burned along her chest and stomach.

Marcus's hands rubbed over her shoulders, his chin resting on her head as she continued her assault. Victor palmed her breasts, as he groaned over and over until his eyes began to close and he stopped moving. Kate jerked back, pulling off of him and stumbling against Marcus.

"Oh my God. Did you kill him?"

"No. I put his ass to sleep," he leaned down and whispered. "Pretend to fuck him for a little while longer. I'm going to start a bubble bath. Join me in there in a minute."

"I don't know... I don't know how or what or."

Marcus moved back and lifted her face. "Stop fucking around. I know the drug is driving you mad. Get back up there and sit on his stomach. There is a camera in here. Play the game. Do it now."

Kate nodded, unsure of what the fuck was happening. The room kept bursting into color over and over. She crawled back up on the bed and sat down on Victor, his cock having softened slightly. He was beautiful, peaceful and calm. She pressed her hands to his chest and rocked back and forth, groaning a few times at the delightful feel of his stomach rubbing against her swollen flesh. Marcus returned a moment later and crawled up on the bed behind her. She glanced back. He straddled Victor's thighs as well.

He wrapped his hand around her throat and lifted her chin to the air, whispering softly above her, "Scream for me."

She let out a long scream as he ground his cock against her ass, never entering her, but rubbing hard along her body. She almost wanted to beg him to take her, the desire to be fucked vulgarly ravaging her from the inside out.

They put on their show for a few more minutes before Marcus let out a long yell and got off the bed, walking to the bathroom. Kate leaned over and ran her fingers over Victor's face, her vision shifting just enough to where she couldn't tell if the man below her was Victor or Jon. Sadness washed over her and she cried out.