Salem Charm: Book 3 of Colson Brothers Series (8 page)

His voice snapped me back to the here and now. “Excuse me honey, that’s Myles.” He answered his phone, “Hey buddy, you’re here already? . . . Good. I left instructions at the front desk, come on up.” He hung up. “Looks like he caught an early standby.”

I felt a rush of relief that Myles is here. I looked out the window, “What is that castle like hotel called?”

He came over and stood behind me with his left hand on my shoulder and pointed with his finger against the glass, “That’s Excalibur. They have a jousting show you might like.”

“I doubt it. I’m more of a dinner show kind of person.”

“It is a dinner show. I’ll take you if we get a chance. Are you okay?”

“No. I can’t seem to focus on one thing at a time. I try, but there’s just too much to process at once. My father not being my real father. My real father is a mob enforcer. The man I thought was my father is dead, brutally murdered at that. Then there’s being on the run like this, your confusing signals. It’s just too much. I need a drink.” I laughed.

“Wine okay?”

I turned around. “Wine would be great. It’s a little early for Southern Comfort.”

“Not here. In Vegas there is no such thing as the wrong time to drink.” He went to the kitchen area so I followed.

“I bet it’s beautiful here at night with all the lights.”

“Yes, but not quite as beautiful as you sweetheart.” He pulled the cork free, found two glasses, poured, and handed me one. “Breathe baby.”

I exhaled, “How did you know I was holding my breath? I didn’t even know.”

“I can tell.” He took half the wine down in one swig. “Hm, not bad. Bret always did have good taste.”

“Bret, he’s another brother?”

“Half, yes. He’s also a very strange bird. Don’t worry, we won’t be running into him.”

“Good, I’ve had enough of crazy men lately.” I took another sip. “This is very good, buttery, but not too rich. Apricot. Oak barrel. Tastes almost French, but I’m betting it’s German.”

Lou picked up the bottle and read. “Good Lord, how did you do that?”

“Practice. I took a lot of extra classes in college.” I shrugged not wanting to go there right now.

“When you said ‘crazy men’, does that include me?”

I laughed, “Yes, it most certainly does. In fact, you are the forerunner.”

“I am??” He asked like he was surprised.

“Yes. You flirt and call me pet names only boyfriends and husbands should use when talking to a lady. We are
not
a couple, so it leaves me perplexed as to why you would do this.” I decided to explore the large rooms and started walking around. More than anything, I don’t want him to catch me with those bright blue eyes and say something to knock me off balance again.

“I figure I got your first kiss, I should have the right to call you whatever I want, at least until you find another man.” He pushed his hand through his dark brown hair that’s just long enough to tie back, if he wanted to.

I closed my eyes. What is he talking about?? Another man? He’s not my man!! I opened my eyes and took another sip of wine, this one a little bit larger than a lady should take, but I’m
so
flustered!

He’s sitting on the large red couch sprawled out with is feet on the table. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

I shrugged and went to top off my wine. “Sure.”

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

I laughed, “Probably sitting behind that big desk shuffling papers.”

“No, I mean aside from that? Do you want marriage, kids, the white picket fence, all that crap?”

I looked up as Myles came through the door. Saved by the ex-Marine, thank you Myles. I went and hugged him for a long time. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

He patted my back, “I’m on the clock Miss Whitmore. You can hug me when this is over.”

I stepped back. Myles has certain quirks. If he’s working, he’s very serious and militant. If we’re safe somewhere he’ll hug me back and make jokes. This is working Myles, my protector, my big brother, and my best friend.

“Okay.” I don’t apologize because he gets upset if I do. I don’t know why. Myles is a bit of a mystery, even to me.

He shook Lou’s hand, “Good to see you again friend. Have you been able to contact Paulie?”

“Not yet, but I left word for him to call me. I don’t think he’s connected me to Miss Whitmore yet. Probably thinks I need a favor, so I’m not surprised he’s not replying right away. If you get a hold of him again, drop my name.”

“I talked to him on the way up. He thinks I’m the one that took Miss Whitmore out of North Carolina. We have a meeting at sixteen-hundred down in the casino.”

“Tonight?? I have to meet him tonight??” I panicked and stepped back.

Lou took my hand, “No honey, just me and Myles for now. We need to know his intentions, read his face for lies, and arrange for the safest meeting we can.” He explained.

I nodded, “I wish you didn’t have to do this for me.”

“It’s our job.” Myles chimed in then handed Lou a thick manilla envelope. “It’s all there.”

Lou handed it to me. “I don’t want the money. The club will give me the agreed upon cut when I get back. Slider already has the full payment.”

“This is for staying on the job, like we discussed.” Myles looks confused.

“I said I’d stay on the job, not that I wanted more money. This is personal now. I want to see Miss Whitmore through this, if you still want my help.”

“Yes, your help will be valuable, but you should take the money, this could take a while.”

“No more money.” Lou insisted. “Miss Whitmore is a friend now, I don’t take money from friends in need.” He clarified and looked at me. “Still think I’m crazy?”

I laughed, “Absolutely.”

He shrugged, “Then crazy it is.” He held his hand out for Myles to shake. “Shall we get this party started?”

Myles nodded. “Let’s do it. I’ve got four guys downstairs and four out in the hall. There’s a car waiting by the front and by the back if we need to get her out of here. I also have keys to the service elevators and all other locked doors. I called her father’s pilot Bob, he’s on standby with a chopper at a neighboring hotel.”

I just felt my jaw drop. How in the world did my mild-mannered ex-marine manage to do all that in what? Hours? I wanted to say something complimentary to the man, but my brain is once again struck dead. What is wrong with me??

Lou’s eyebrows went up, “Damn man. You did all that?”

“In the event of Mr. Whitmore’s demise I get full control of his resources as long as I’m employed by Miss Whitmore.” He looked at me, “I assume I still work for you?”

“Of course!” There’s my voice! Good, at least that part of me is still functioning properly.

He looked back at Myles, “Then it’s settled. We’ll go down at sixteen-hundred, talk to Paulie, and go from there. If Miss Whitmore refuses to meet with Paulie, or he loses his shit, we’re out of here immediately.” He looked at me, “Put anything you can’t live without in your pockets, not a purse. I want you free of baggage if this blows up.”

“Okay.” I’m feeling a little dizzy so I sat on the big red couch.

“Are you okay honey? You look a little pale.” Lou sat next to me taking my hands in his.

I looked into his eyes and felt an instant wash of relief. He’s still here. Whew. Everything will be fine. Lou is here, and Myles is here. My protectors. My big strong strapping men. The one holding my hand with the concerned blue eyes is the one I want to lean into right now.

I nodded, “Maybe I should try to eat. Can we go downstairs? I think the chaos will be a good distraction while we wait for six o’clock.”

“No.” Myles started sweeping the room for bugs. He taught me this years ago one night when we got bored. Myles knows a lot about security, he’s taught me a good few things over the years. “You stay in this suite until I give the word. I’ll have something brought up if you want.”

“Do you think the room is bugged?” I asked. Oh well, so much for a distraction.

“Not by Paulie. The guy who owns this suite on the other hand, would.” Myles informed me.

“Someone would bug Bret’s room?” I asked.

“Not likely, but he’d bug it to spy on us.” Myles replied.

“How do you know my brother?” Lou asked obviously surprised.

“When I got out of the Corps I came here to do some gambling, and other things.” He’s avoiding telling Lou he was here to have sex with escorts. I already knew this, but maybe he doesn’t want Lou to know.

“We met over a poker table down at The Tropicana when it was still a big deal here. Hell, when it was still here. Anyway, I took a shit load of his money, so he put up a company. A security company. It was small, but effective. I won that round too.” He plucked a little black thing from a flower pot and examined it. “Dumb-ass, the least you could do is use something that’s not in our inventory.” He said into the device then dropped it in the ice bucket.

Lou laughed, “Figures Bret would bug his own room, and make sure we knew it was him. I don’t know why he cares what we’re doing anyway.” Lou complained.

Myles kept hunting, “It’s just to amuse himself. Bret has a problem, it’s called too much money and a whole lot of boredom. If he feels slighted in any way he’ll fuck with you just to amuse himself.” He looked up at me, “Sorry Miss Whitmore.”

I waved it off, “Cuss all you want. At this point I just want this over with.” I looked at Lou, “Even if everything is safe, do I still have to meet this Paulie? I don’t know if I really want to.”

“We’ll see. I think you should find out why he’s going through all this trouble, and why he killed Mr. Whitmore. Otherwise you’ll be left wondering and looking over your shoulder the rest of your life.” He explained.

I sighed, “Alright. I’ll meet him, if I have to.” I know I sound like a whiney little girl, but I can’t seem to help it.

Lou ordered a late lunch for the three of us, the extra security guards upstairs, and for the guards downstairs. I thought that was very sweet, until he charged it to the room. Hopefully he’ll pay Bret back when this is over.

The guys talked about various scenarios and how they should be handled. I tuned them out to try and organize my own thoughts.

What do I do when this is over? Go home and sit behind that desk again? I’ll probably have one hell of a mess to clean up if my father was into making dirty business deals.

My thoughts shifted to what Lou had asked me before Myl
es got here. Do I want the picket fence? That’s a good question. I guess part of me always thought some nice looking young man would cross my path and we’d fall madly in love, have kids… . kids. Do I want kids? Not really, at least not now.

Then there’s Lou. His hair is too long, but a nice chocolate swirl of colors. I think even if he got a haircut, he should leave the front longer than it should be. I’ve grown attached to the way he’s always shoving it out of his face.

Then there’s his long legs and lean waist. I’ve seen him without a shirt, and minus the tattoos he’s quite a piece of work. Something to be drawn with charcoals that capture the shadows his abdominal muscles create.

I’m not sure if I like the tattoos or not. He has such a lovely body, but then again some of the symbols and artwork look important to him. They are all well done, and quite good artistically speaking.

“Barbie!” Lou almost yelled making me jump.

“Shit! Sorry. What?” I looked at him. Did I just cuss? Lou’s foul mouth is rubbing off on me. I got a quick flash in my head of Lou’s mouth on my neck and shivered. Well that was weird… and kind of nice. It left behind a slight adrenaline rush.

“Where were you? I’ve been trying to get your attention for two minutes.” He scolded me.

I felt my mouth twist up, “Nowhere, just thinking.” About you. Dammit!! I can’t be having thoughts about Lou! He’s a drifter, always going from town to town, job to job.

“It’s almost six. Myles is going to leave you a couple guns, let’s hope you don’t need them.” He pointed to the table.

I picked up the Glock first and checked the chamber, cartridge, and safety. Then I picked up the .38 to check the bullets. Hollow points, that’ll work. “These should help.”

Myles stood up. “I’m going to brief the guards outside the door. Lou, I’ll see you downstairs.”

“You got it.” Lou replied then shifted taking both my hands in his. “Look at me baby.”

“I can’t.” I looked out the window.

“Why is that?” He asked softly.

“Because I’ll want you to kiss me again before you go.” I admitted letting the adrenaline fuel my bravery.

“Is there something wrong with that?” He sounded a little hurt.

I looked at him and saw the humor in his eyes. “Don’t tease me Mr. Colson. I have enough on my plate right now.”

He sobered, “Very true. How about a quick kiss goodbye then?”

I nodded because I want his lips back on mine so bad it burns in my throat.

He leaned in and touched his lips to mine. I barely got to taste his tongue on mine before he stood letting go of my hands. “Alright kitten, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Lou?”

He pulled on his cut, “Yes?”

“Thank you, for staying, and helping Myles.” Tears stung my eyes.

“I’m not doing this for Myles. Keep the guns close, the volume down on the television so you can hear what’s going on in the hallway, and lock the door.” He instructed firmly. Gone is the soft Lou, with soft lips, and almost soft beard that tickles my chin. This is the protector. The man on the clock.

I nodded. “Okay. Be careful. Please.”

“Always.” He turned and left without looking back.

I touched my fingers to my lips. I can still feel his presence here. What am I doing letting this man kiss me?? I must be two biscuits short of a dozen if I’m kissing gypsy bikers with long hair and dazzling blue eyes.

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