“I’d like to wait for Chastity. Can you guys give me a few minutes?”
Just then Chastity walked into the club with Cash by her side.
Riker took in the sight of her. Her toned legs accentuated by the black high heels and the long, sexy slit up the side of her little black cocktail dress. She wore a short champagne-colored shimmering shawl over her shoulders, which were bare from the strapless dress. It showed a slight bit more cleavage than usual but was still conservative. Then Riker locked gazes with her. Her eyes were glossy, the tip of her nose red, as if she had been crying, and then instantly his guard was up. But before he could react, Colt was rushing toward her and pulling her into his arms. Riker felt like someone had just punched him in the gut.
One look at Nash and he could tell that his brother was affected, too.
Cash walked over.
They each shook Cash’s hand.
“How is it going? The place looks so different. It’s really classy.”
“Yeah, we’re stepping it up,” Nash replied.
“What’s going on? How is she?” Riker asked.
Cash shook his head.
“This ex-boyfriend of hers is a serious problem,” Cash said then turned toward Colt and Chastity. Chastity was walking toward them now and she didn’t look happy.
“Sorry that I’m late. If you just give me a couple of minutes to check with the staff, then we can begin, before the crowd gets here,” Chastity stated.
“What crowd? We’re not opening,” Nash replied.
She smiled. “Don’t worry. Colt and I have about thirty people coming in to give their opinion on the new design of the place, the atmosphere, service, and food. It will give us some insight on whether we’re headed in the right direction for your success.” She smiled then excused herself.
“It’s okay, Nash. Chastity knows what she is doing.”
“Okay,” Nash said then watched Chastity walk toward the bar. Riker noticed how Lou’s eyes immediately lit up when he saw her. The other bartenders appeared happy to see her as well, and that just added to his misery.
“So, what’s going on then? Are you going to let us in on the situation with Chastity last night?” Nash asked.
Riker waited to see how this would go over.
“Please respect Chastity’s privacy. Myself, Cash, and the detectives will handle it. Excuse me.” Colt headed toward the kitchen, where Chastity had just entered.
“Okay, what the fuck is going on?” Riker asked Cash.
“Why do you want to know?” Cash asked Riker then gave a smirk. The fucker knows we’re attracted to Chastity.
Riker looked at Nash, who was pretending disinterest, but Riker knew better.
“She’s a beautiful woman. She seemed very upset last night, and just now when she got here with you. If you’re escorting her here, then something else went down,” Riker stated.
“She stayed with Colt last night. She’s staying with him tonight, too.” Cash held Riker’s gaze. Cash had such a dark way about him. His eyes were dark brown, his hair wavy, and he dressed like he was corporate but was capable of causing physical pain. Riker had known him for many years. He was a great friend and trustworthy.
“Nash and I care about Chastity,” he slowly revealed to Cash. Cash, of course, couldn’t accept just that as he raised one eyebrow at him.
“Is she in danger?” Nash asked very seriously. Even Riker looked at Nash, surprised by his particular question and the obvious concern. Was Nash thinking about Maggie again? When would he get over her and move on?
“I won’t lie, but I must respect her wishes,” Cash began to say.
Riker gave him a firm look. “We go way back. Our friendship, our connection is a hell of a lot stronger than your relationship with Colt and Chastity.”
“Oh, pulling that shit on me, huh? You didn’t let me finish, Riker. You’re so fucking demanding.”
“Like you didn’t know that about him or me?” Nash added and held Cash’s gaze.