Ruthless Bastard (Dangerous Love 3)

Rhett got Asher’s awe. The waterfront Georgian Revival red brick mansion sat upon a gorgeous property that likely had impeccable gardens in the summer. Rhett’s attention didn’t linger long on the property before moving swiftly to the two armed security guards standing at the opening of the circular driveway. Rhett parked a few feet away and cut the ignition. He exited his vehicle and Asher followed him out.

“Detective West,” the security guard said right to him like they’d already met.

Obviously they’d done their homework.

“That’s right.” He gestured to Asher. “Detective Sullivan.”

“Identification, please,” the man said.

Rhett reached into his back pocket. This show was nothing more than that. A show to make it appear like they didn’t have information they shouldn’t. Rhett didn’t doubt that King knew all about them. Every single detail, right down to their incomes.

The guard examined their badges, then handed them back and said, “I’ll need your weapons. You’ll get them back when you leave.”

Rhett froze.

The guard arched an eyebrow. “Nonnegotiable.”

Rhett sighed, then took his gun from his holster. He took out the clip and handed it to the guard, as did Asher. They were both searched for further weapons then the guard led them through the grand foyer of the mansion, passing two more guards before they followed him into a large office. Behind the desk sat Joaquin King.

King’s white dress shirt was rolled up at the sleeves, portraying a casual air that Rhett felt certain was manufactured. His blond hair was styled and his dark blue eyes regarded Rhett with every step he took into the room. The only thing about King that didn’t scream wealth was his five o’clock shadow, almost as if he needed to rebel against the life that had been handed to him.

“Please,” King said, rising from his chair. “Come take a seat.”

Rhett settled into the client chair on the left, Asher on the right. Rhett kept his chair angled slightly to keep an eye on those guards behind him.

“Now that you’ve driven all the way out here just for a talk, what can I do for you?” King asked, returning to his seat behind his desk.

Rhett wanted to see King’s expression as he asked his questions. He was sure there was a gentler way of approaching this, but that wasn’t Rhett’s way. “Did you send your men to trash Kinsley Knight’s bar last night?”

Asher exhaled deeply, shifting in his seat. He’d never agreed with Rhett’s blunt ways, but Rhett was not wasting time. Not with Kinsley involved.

King lifted an eyebrow. “Kinsley Knight?”

“The sister of Detective Boone Knight,” Asher offered.

“Ah,” King said, leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms. “Is there a particular reason you think I have involvement here?”

“Because you’re a dirty prick,” Rhett said.

At that, King grinned.

Asher interjected, using a firm, but polite voice, “We’re aware there might be some lingering tension from our recent matter.”

“There’s no animosity on my end,” King said to Asher. To Rhett, he added, “I have never met Kinsley Knight, nor do I plan to.”

Rhett stared into King’s eyes, seeing something familiar. Rhett had met the worst type of people during his time in the Army. And he’d killed those men. King had that same haunted look in his eye. “I didn’t come here today to get an explanation,” Rhett said.

King’s brows shot up. “Then why did you come?”

“To tell you that if you’re behind this, you’re a dead man walking.”

Asher’s head whipped around to Rhett and his frown was deep.

But for King, a man who feared nothing, his grin only darkened. “Do tell me, West, what’s your investment here with Ms. Knight?”

Rhett knew he’d shown his cards by coming to King’s residence. He also didn’t care. “She’s pregnant with my child,” he told him bluntly. “Last night, her bar was broken into and trashed. That will not happen again.”

King’s mouth twitched. “Pregnant with your child, hmm? Explains the visit, I suppose.” He took in Rhett’s measure then exhaled slowly, finally stating, “I assure you that neither my men, nor myself, had anything to do with Ms. Knight’s bar being trashed, or have any involvement with anyone in Stoney Creek for that matter. Shall I investigate further to see who may be behind the break-in?”