“Did he…”
“Touch Baby B?” Vincent asked. “He definitely did something. I didn’t ask. Laying low and all that. He just smiled and winked as he passed by, the cocky prick. And Dom was bathing B when I got to his room. You don’t bathe clean girls.”
“Fucking prick,” I snarled, dragging my fingers through my hair in frustration. I should've shot that cocksucker when I had the chance.
“But you’re not mad, right? You said it was over between you and B. And we all heard what you said at lunch—”
“It is,” I snapped at him. “He can fucking have her. You all can.”
“Right. Because you have Celeste. Way to go, man. But hurry up and get the deal before you pussy out with her, OK? We need those weapons. Dom said for you to let Vander Veer know we’ll more than double what the Ivanovs are willing to pay. Also, there’s a party at the dip tomorrow night. Your presence is requested.”
“Of course, it is,” I muttered, catching Celeste’s eye as she blew me a kiss. I acted like I’d caught it, which made her giggle. Chick was dumb. I cleared my throat. “What are you up to tonight?”
“I’m on my way to Dom and B’s. B texted me to come hang out with them. Being I’m pretty sure they let the F-word in, I should be able to get some from baby B no problem. Or at least, get really damn close. I hope I’m not in for a night of watching chick flicks with a dry cock.”
“Who the hell is the F-word?” I asked.
“Fallon. That’ll be his new code name in case someone hears me.”
I snorted. It was a good name for the fucking weasel.
“Who's Snoopy then?” I asked, recalling a previous message.
“Stella. She has her nose in everyone’s business.”
I nodded like he could see me. “Well, have fun.”
“Oh, I intend to. B was in a good mood earlier. So was Dom. Netflix and chill, know what I mean? Keep your fingers crossed for me.”
I did and hated it. It pissed me off. How the hell could Bianca blow so hot and cold? Vasiliev did just as bad of shit to her as we had, but she was all about forgiveness for him. Sure, she was still pissed at him, but if she was already on her knees for his cock, then it was fucked up because I’d saved them both. It didn’t count for shit though in the grand scheme of things.
Fuck it. I said I was done. I had to be. Fuck feeling the pain of rejection again.
“Levy, I saw Daddy. Come on,” Celeste said, taking my hand.
“Gotta go,” I grunted into the phone.
“Wet dick, Levy!” Vincent shouted before I disconnected the call.
I adjusted the plastic smile on my face and played the part of someone who gave a shit as I let her lead me through the room again. Seeing all these assholes made me hate everything so much more. Knowing I was in this a little deeper than I wanted to be, made me sick. I could be Netflix and chilling too, but no. I’d been cut loose, or maybe I'd broken loose, and now here I was—hating every fucking thing about my life.
And if Dom was letting Vasiliev in with Bianca…
I shoved the thought out of my head. Thinking about her would only piss me off more, and I had a job to do.
“Daddy,” Celeste simpered.
A tall man in a pressed suit which probably cost more than his wife’s tits turned and faced us, his dark eyes sweeping over me quickly. I knew that look. He was sizing me up.
“This is Levin Seeley. Do you remember me telling you he was coming tonight?”
“Yes. Levin, hello,” Mr. Vander Veer said, a steely glint in his eyes as he shook my hand.
“Hello. A pleasure to meet you.” I gave him a nod and released his hand.
“I’m glad you could make it tonight. The party is a bit dull right now, and for that, you have my apologies. I do recommend trying to catch one of these waiters and getting yourself a drink. It makes it better.”
Celeste laughed. “Levin is having a good time, aren't you?”
“The best,” I said, putting some inflection into my voice so I sounded like I was having more fun than a pig in shit.
“Well, I suppose that’s good. Makes the evening better.”
“It does.” I grabbed a flute of champagne as a waiter moved past me.
Vander Veer smirked as I downed it and dropped the glass on the next waiter’s tray.
“Say, Levin, you’re good friends with the De Santis family, aren't you?” Vander Veer picked up a flute of champagne and sipped it, frowning.
“Depends,” I said, wishing I’d grabbed another drink. “Are there cops here?”
Vander Veer let out a hearty chuckle. “I like you. Celeste, why don’t you go talk to the ladies? I’d like to speak to Levin alone for a bit.”
“OK.” Celeste went up on her toes and pressed a kiss to my cheek before sashaying away to greet another group of girls I hadn't had the misfortune of meeting yet.
“Let’s get something that doesn't taste like piss,” Vander Veer said the moment Celeste was out of earshot. “I hate the properness of these parties.” He gestured for me to follow him.
We moved down the hall outside, away from the party.
“Nice place,” I said, not enjoying the awkwardness of the moment.
“It serves its purpose,” he said, entering a study.
I followed and sat in the leather armchair he gestured to. He strode over to a small bar and poured two drinks.
“Scotch good?”
“Great,” I said, taking the glass from him when he approached.
He sat behind his desk and sipped his drink. I followed suit, enjoying the delicious burn as it traversed my throat.
“So…De Santis,” he said.
“Guilty.”
He chuckled. “I'll get to the point. Are you here with Celeste because you need weapons?”
I raised my brows at him. “I'll save the bullshit and say yes… and no. I do find her captivating. The weapons are just a bonus.”
It wasn't a complete lie. Celeste was hot as hell. She was no Bianca, but I doubted I’d ever meet anyone like bumblebee.
I pushed her out of my head again and focused on the task at hand.