Entangled Heart (Ashby Crime Family)

Ten minutes later Jameson went into the restroom to do his own business. And no, I wasn’t interested in watching him pee, either.

He came out looking fresher than before and held out his hand and waited for me to put my hand in his.

I did just that and ignored the tingles and heat that zipped through me at his touch, masculine and protective all at once. “I’ve never gambled before.”

“Never?” He stopped just outside the hotel door, dark brows arched in surprise. “How can that be?”

“No money to gamble, for starters. Until recently anyway.” Money had always been tight until Kat and Sadie had given me a job that paid so well I’d saved thousands of dollars since I started working for the Ashby family empire.

“Okay. What else?”

“Do I need another reason?” I shot back, somewhat defensively.

“No, but you said for starters, which indicates you have more than one reason. So, tell me.”

“You’re bossy. And nosy.”

“I know, thanks.”

I shoved his shoulder. “That wasn’t a compliment.”

Jameson shrugged and tugged me toward the elevator with a playful smile. “Strange. Why did it sound so much like one, then?”

“Typical cop, hear only what you want to hear.” At his surprised look, I shrugged. “I heard your people talking at the reception. Very scandalous for the son of a high ranking MC officer to go into the business of enforcing the law. Why?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know you that well. If I told you, I might have to kill you.”

“Well, we could’ve gotten to know each other really well, but somebody said we were too drunk.”

He laughed, and a snort came out. “I guess we’ll have to find another way to get to know each other.” The elevator doors opened, and we stepped out into the casino.

I came to a stop in front of a craps table and pointed. “No better way to cement a friendship than to lose our shit together, hah! I mean shirt. Right? Figuratively speaking, of course.”

“Of course,” he agreed, lips twitching to contain his laughter.

Just what every girl wanted when she was all done up in a fancy dress, sexy bed head, and a tuxedoed-up guy laughing at her.

I better fucking win big today. And if I didn’t, at least I better get fucked.

Chapter Two

Jameson – Two Months Ago

You rarely got time alone at the Police Academy. At least I didn’t, what with classes and physical training sessions during the day. Nights? That’s when most of the recruits hit the hot spots in town to unwind after grueling days studying city statutes, legal procedures and reading. But not me. I stayed in, did the reading. Lots and lots of reading. I didn’t mind, not really. I mean, yeah, the work was relentless, and it never fucking ended, but that was what I came for, what I wanted. If grueling work was what it took to become a detective, then let me at it because as soon as I paid my dues as a cop on a beat, I was gonna be a detective.

Not just any detective, mind you, but a damn good detective, the kind that made people believe in the police again. I laughed at that thought, knowing exactly who would get a kick out of it. And as if she were reading my mind, my phone pinged. I looked it, sitting on the stack of books on the desk beside me, as her name appeared on the screen.

Madison: How’s the cop shop? You get free donuts yet?

Jameson: Not yet. You offering?

Madison: Totally. What kind do you like?

I knew she was joking, but I answered truthfully because I enjoyed texting with Maddie. Compared to the women hanging around the Reckless Bastards clubhouse, most of whom were as old as my mom or only interested in becoming a biker’s old lady, Maddie was a breath of fresh air. She reminded me of the women here, sharp and focused as I was, on finishing at the top of the class to pave the way for our future careers.

Jameson: Anything filled or glazed. No sprinkles and no nuts unless it’s pecan pie donuts.

Madison: Who knew a man could hold such strong opinions on a fucking donut? I’m impressed.

Jameson: I live to impress you, Maddie.

Madison: So, how’s it going? Really?

She was the first person to ask the question and really mean it. Ma just believed I could do it and left it at that. Yeah, Dad was proud I’d chosen my own path, but reluctantly so. Charlie was a different beast altogether. He wanted to be proud of me and happy for me, but this choice I’d made put more stress on my older brother because he’d just been made Prez of the Reckless Bastards MC. Having a brother on the police squad wasn’t exactly a good look for him.

Jameson: Good. It’s a lot to learn and do, but I think I’m handling it.