Tristan approached then, apparently curious to see what was holding up the continual flow of pushing alcohol out and bringing the cash in. “Problems?”
“We got it,” Reason said out of the corner of his mouth. “Keep us covered down there.”
Tristan whistled and motioned for Elliott, likely aware of the brewing trouble.
“I don’t want anything, boys. You can relax. But I am here to deliver a mes—”
“Kellan! Reason!” Katherine’s whiny voice rang out. “I’m lonely, fellas!”
“Just a minute, Katherine,” Kellan said, holding up his index finger before leaning closer to the messenger. “You’ve got thirty seconds.”
She flattened her palms on the bar and practically swung her body over the wood. “You tell that little girl you guys protect that it’s not safe for her friends. If she doesn’t do what Hank Sarsarone tells her to do, then they’ll end up like this.” She yanked up her shirt and showcased a mix of jagged scars. “I’m here because I had the bad luck to befriend someone like Norina Baldini. If he would do this to me? He’ll chop up her little blonde buddy and leave her scattered across his favorite harbor.”
Kellan gasped. Reason groaned. “Dear God.”
“That’s what I’m sayin’,” Katherine snapped, slamming her hand against the bar. “I have a perfect body and you’re coming on to someone who looks like that!”
The gal lowered her shirt. “It happens. And I’m only here to do you a favor. Norina could end up like this. She’ll be a constant reminder of your failures. And that other gal? What’s her name? Jade?” She scoffed. “He’ll see her dead so unless you enjoy burying your girlfriends, Mr. Andrews, I suggest you put some distance between you and Miss Summers.”
“Fellas! I will not be put on ice down here!” Katherine slammed her glass against the bar. “Service, please!”
“Just. A. Minute. Katherine!” Kellan yelled, turning his gaze to the young woman again. “Who sent you?”
“No one. And I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’m only here to help.”
“Since when does help sound like a masked threat?” Reason asked.
“Just tell Norina what I said. She needs to distance herself from everyone she loves. That goes double for you boys.”
Before they could question her further, she disappeared into the crowd. “Go!” Kellan yelled, motioning for Tristan and Elliott, too.
Reason leapt over the bar and pushed his way through the club “Excuse me. Pardon me. Excuse me.” He yanked his headset away from his neck and situated it so he could speak into the mic and hear the responses from the bouncers and security team. “Main door, this is Reason. There’s a redhead coming your way. She’s wearing a low-cut navy top, short white skirt. High heels. Stop her.”
“Reason. What’s the problem?” Ansley’s voice filled his ears.
“Maybe nothing. We need to question her.”
“Reason? She’s gone, man.” If Quinlan Stevens said she was out of there, she was out of there. No one came or went without his knowledge.
“Fuck!” Reason threw his arms up in the air. He turned around and searched the bar, realizing it was a pointless effort. The messenger had slipped away from them. “Damn it.”
“Anything we need to discuss right this minute?” Why the hell hadn’t Tristan taken Ansley home yet? Her dad didn’t want her there. Hell, her men shouldn’t have wanted her there. None of their women should’ve been there with the constant threat of violence hanging over their heads.
“We’ll talk later,” Reason said, yanking off his headset and marching back to the main circular bar, the hub for drink-slinging action.
This night was turning into one continuous circle of total chaos. In the back of his mind, Reason couldn’t help but worry about Jade. Kellan had asked him if he’d purchased Jade’s dress. After he said he hadn’t, Kellan sent Graham to the Cartwells with a key to Jade’s place. Something was going on there. He just hadn’t had time to find ou
t what.
Reason was only steps away from reclaiming his usual post at the bar when the DJ bellowed, “Don’t forget the observation loft is open to our VIPs. For your viewing pleasure, session play is now available in all dungeon settings. If you like a little color in your cheeks, don’t miss the spanking chamber, a new feature right here at Clink! The South’s Nummmmmber Onnnne Adult Entertainment and Pleasure Club!”
Reason had a real love for paddling his subs. The mere mention of the spanking chamber left him looking for the only little ass he wanted to spank as of late. If he couldn’t play, he could at least fantasize. Leaping over the bar, he caught a glimpse of Jade. Standing about twenty feet away, she seemingly enjoyed casual conversation with a young couple sporting black wristbands.
“Two longneck Buds,” a cowboy said, throwing a ten on the bar.
“Sure thing, man.” Reason opened the cooler, set up the beer bottles, and popped off the caps. “Anything else?”
“That’s it, buddy. Keep the change.”