Savior: A Tattered Club Story (Tattered Social Club Series Book 1) (21 page)

And the way Niko sucked his cock before going downstairs made the rest of his day sweeping floors and picking up bloody paper towels enjoyable. He’d even learned how each artist liked his room arranged. Knox really didn’t care as long as the place was clean. Ethan had taken the time to organize the paint bottles according to color and found a tray for the six guns Knox owned.

Ben didn’t like his area fussed over. His was the simplest. Take the trash out, sweep the floor, and wipe everything down, and that was the end of the job. Seth, well…what did one say about the muscular, tattooed badass who seemed to always have his full lips turned up in a wicked smile? He liked order. His room took the longest time to prep and clean up. Everything had a place, he’d say.

“Ethan?”

He hadn’t realized he had been standing in the middle of Niko’s room for way longer than it should’ve taken to wipe off the counter.

“Niko had to bump his two o’clock so you don’t have to do the set up. Apparently, the client on one of his commissions added some things on. He’s burning the candle at both ends. At some point, he needs to take a vacation.”

“Yeah,” Ethan said, not wanting to leave the room. He hated when Niko was away. He’d been busy working on two jobs outside the shop. “I’ll finish in the stockroom.”

“You know”—she leaned on the doorframe, making the top part of her red dress sway to the side—“if you ever wanted to tell me anything, I’m a good listener.”

Ethan didn’t like where this was going. “I appreciate that. I’m cool. Everything’s okay.”

“Niko’s okay too?”

This was delicate territory. He and Niko had been careful not to look at each other too long or brush shoulders when the customers and others were around. “I think so. He seems all right.”

She stood straight and grinned.

Seth walked by and paused with a client close behind. “A suit’s out front and it’s not Mitch.”

“Who’s Mitch?”

Scarlet rolled her eyes. “My brother. He takes care of the business side of this place. You’ll know which one he is when he comes in. He’s the macho smartass in the Gucci suits.”

Ethan wasn’t sure if she was kidding. “I’ll keep an eye out and stay out of his way.”

Seth laughed. “He’s not so bad, well, as far as lawyers go.” He winked at Ethan. “Just steer clear, little man. He’d chew you up in a heartbeat.”

So Scarlet hadn’t been kidding. “Got it.”

Ethan followed Scarlet to the front and started straightening the magazines on the large coffee table. “I’m John Quinta from the State Board of Health. We got a call. Is Sidney Washington available?”

Leaving the stack of magazines, Ethan slowly moved closer. Scarlet rested her hands on her hips. “You got a call, you say? Who did you speak with?”

“You are?”

“I’m Mr. Washington’s daughter.”

“I can’t discuss the case with anyone but Mr. Washington.”

“I’ll take you to him.” Scarlet huffed and turned to Ethan who’d moved in close. “Can you watch the counter? Knox has a client due to come in any time.”

“Sure.” The bottom of Ethan’s stomach started to quiver. “No problem.” What in the hell was going on? He wished Niko would hurry up and get back.

Scarlet disappeared down the hall, followed by the suit. Ethan was trying to take deep breaths when Knox’s appointment walked in. What had happened and why was the State Board of Health dropping in? The place was spotless and went above and beyond state guidelines.

Ethan heard the click of Scarlet’s shoes as she appeared from the hallway. “That bastard.” She huffed. “Someone said we were disposing of needles in the alley trash bins! Who would do that? We’re a reputable place. This is ridiculous.”

The Professor followed the man into the lobby and shook his hand. “Come by anytime. We’ll look forward to seeing the report.”

Scarlet pressed her hands on her hips. “Who would do this?”

The Professor shook his head. “I have no idea, but this is serious, sweet pea. We know everything is on the up and up, but if it gets out into the community that the State Board of Health wants to investigate us it’ll look bad. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of this. Hell, I just got off the phone with the zoning commission. Apparently, the city wants to zone this area residential and close down the shop on some kind of technicality. I need to speak with Mitch and find out what’s going on.”

Ethan kept looking back and forth as they talked about The Professor’s son. Ethan’s phone vibrated in his pocket.

“I’m going to straighten up the lounge. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.” He waited until he shut the bathroom door and grabbed his phone. With anticipation, he’d been waiting impatiently to hear from Niko.

I assume you’re at that filthy shop since you weren’t at school today. I know your schedule, my love. I assume your boss got a call today?

Ethan’s palms moistened. He set the phone on the sink and started pacing. Sitting on the toilet, he wiped his hands on his thighs wishing more than ever he had a blade. He’d promised Niko he’d never cut again, but he needed to be in control of something.

He reached for the phone.
Leave us alone. This place has nothing to do with you.

I’m afraid it does. I’ll make dinner reservations. I expect you tonight or your precious shop will be out of business. Le’Cherie at nine. Remember, my love, I own this city.

Ethan sprang to his feet, turned, and vomited in the toilet. All of this was his fault. If he’d made better choices a year ago, none of this would be happening and Niko’s shop wouldn’t be in jeopardy. Niko would be safe and coming out on his own terms. Ethan hated that he was pushing. In such a short time, he’d come to love a man he feared he could never fully have. The truth was, he loved Niko enough to save his reputation. He loved him enough to give him time to come to terms with who he really was.

He knew what he had to do.

*****

“Where’s Ethan?” Niko walked through the back door. After being away from his new boyfriend all day, he needed to take a shower, eat something, and crawl into bed. In that order. Preferably with Ethan.

“I have no idea. I’m not his personal secretary.” Knox said, as he pulled the Jimi Hendrix T-shirt over his head. “When I got back he was gone. Maybe he went upstairs?”

Niko set his bag next to one of the loungers. “Why are you changing clothes out here?”

Knox drew his eyebrows together. “Why not? It’s not like you guys didn’t see my junk last year after the conference. I think we’ve gotten over the girls’ slumber party shyness.”

Niko had forgotten about the fight Knox had gotten into in the alley behind a bar. All hell had broken loose when Niko had punched the guy in the face and Seth stepped in, pinning the man against the wall. Someone had called the cops, and it didn’t help that Knox, with bloody face and hands, stood over him, a bottle of whiskey in his fist and his pants around his ankles. Pissing on the guy as Ben held the thug to the ground in some kind of Rambo move hadn’t helped Knox’s case.

“Good point.” Niko started toward the apartment door. He felt like a dick for taking advantage of the easy access, but he needed to find Ethan and make sure he was okay.

“Ethan?” When he reached the top of the stairs, he knocked on the door. “It’s me. Open up.” After he knocked the third time with no answer, he tried the knob and it turned.

The apartment was silent. He started up the stairs and didn’t see anyone. Walking by the couch he saw the piece of paper on the kitchen counter. The key to the door was sitting beside the note.

I hope one day you’ll be true to yourself. I can’t pretend I haven’t fallen in love with you. I lived a lied before and I can’t take another heartbreak. I left the key. Everything is going to be okay. Love, Ethan

“Hell no,” Niko growled through clenched teeth as he slammed his fist on the counter.

“Hey, you all right?” Seth was standing in the doorway. “The Professor wants to have a meeting. Do you need a minute?”

Niko crumpled the piece of paper and shoved it in his pocket. “No. I need to get the fuck out of here. I need a drink and to kick someone’s ass.”

“Listen, there’s only two things that could make you this upset. Either someone has threatened us or your man has skipped town. The fact you’re up here tells me it’s the latter.”

Niko planted his elbows on the counter and held his head in this hands. “He’s not
my man
. He’s a…friend.”

“Buddy.” Seth squeezed his slumped shoulder. “What you think is a secret was written all over your face the moment he took that apartment. He makes you happy. You know me. Do I seem like any less of a man? Choose your response carefully or I’ll kick your ass.”

Niko laughed. “Like you could really kick my ass. I might not be as big as you, but I’m much quicker. You know I accept whatever you do.” He stood, his face hot from frustration. “I can’t do this. For the first time in my fucking life, I can’t do this. He’s not coming back. I messed up.”

“You’re the can-do guy. If you want him back, get him.”

Niko followed Seth toward the door. “I have no idea where he’d go. His parents are out of the picture. If he found another guy, I’m going to go ape shit. Jesus, what if he’s sleeping out in the cold tonight? It’s not like it’s July. Fuck, Seth.”

Niko locked the door and they headed down the stairs. “Let’s see what The Professor has to say then we’ll put our heads together.”

Niko didn’t have the peace in his head to answer. He knew his brothers had his back, but would Knox? He was in and out, and they never knew which personality they’d get next time he showed up.

When they got to The Professor’s office, everyone was there. Even Knox was leaning on the wall, wearing an unbuttoned grey and red flannel shirt. “We got disturbing news today. I called Mitch. He’s looking into the situation.” The guys looked at one another.

Scarlet added, “Someone has alerted the State Board of Health that we had a violation with disposal of bloody equipment. Obviously, it’s all a lie, but now we’re under investigation. Ethan has been great at keeping the rooms in order and everything disposed of properly.”

Niko fisted his hands at his sides, the good-bye letter in his pocket.

The Professor leaned on the desk. “The city wants to rezone the area. Apparently, some of the buildings in the district are being restructured into apartments and that makes this a residential area. The city can vote to close this place due to the zoning. If the city vetoes the plan, then we can stay. Trust me. We’ll fight this, but we’re going up against some heavy hitters. The good news is several businesses, have already bought the places around here and that gives us more credit, but they can still vote to get rid of the shop. I’ve talked to Mitch and he said he can look into it. I want you guys to keep up on your appointments and do the day to day in your normal routines.”

Niko snapped his gaze at Seth. He knew exactly who was behind this and he wasn’t about to let the bastard use money to close the shop or take Ethan out of his life. He shoved his hand in his left pocket and squeezed the letter. His heart trampled his chest, like CPR forcing him to wake up. Jesus, was he this man? Was he afraid? Was he ready to live under the bridge on the avenues?

For Ethan—fuck, yes.

“I need your help,” he murmured, his voice blending with the hum of the people talking, making plans, discussing what to do. “I said I need your help,” he said, louder. Everyone stilled. This was only the second time in his life he’d muttered those words. The Professor was the only other soul who’d ever heard him ask.

Scarlet was the first to speak. “What can we do, Niko?” Her knowing gaze made him uneasy, unsure if this was the right thing to do, but getting Ethan back was worth the humiliation. The fact that he loved his boyfriend was enough for him to tell the memory of his father’s words to go to hell.

“I’m… Jesus, I’m gay.” He held his breath until the burning in his lungs brought spots into his vision.

Knox started a slow clap. “And…so…are you asking me out or what? I
am
the hottest guy in here, but I’m not really boyfriend material.”

“No,” Seth added. “He already asked me out. I told him to back off. He just wants in my pants and I want something long-term.”

Niko shook his head, putting his hand over his mouth to hide his laugh.

“Wait.” Scarlet pressed her palm to her chest. “He was lying to me! Niko, you said you loved me. What about the other night? You promised me I was the only one.”

“Holy fucking shit, you guys.” He looked over at Ben who was leaning against the wall with his familiar baseball cap dipped low enough to hide the tip of his scar. Niko raised his eyebrows, waiting for the next jab at his confession. Ben just smiled and nodded.

“Anyone else want to reveal any secrets?” The Professor scanned the room. “Speak now or forever hold your peace. Nothing? Okay.”

Niko sighed. “One more thing. I know why the shop’s getting this shit thrown its way. Ethan’s in trouble.”

“Is he all right?” Scarlet pressed the palm of hand against her chest. “He hasn’t been here this afternoon. I thought he had class.”

“I’ll take care of him if you’ll take care of getting the mess here figured out. I need to talk to you guys.”

The Professor rounded the desk and sat in the leather office chair. “Just remember, boys, a few of you have records, and if you land yourselves in jail again, I’m not sure I can help you out on this one. Niko, think before you do something you’ll regret.”

The only regret he’d have was if he couldn’t get to Ethan in time. He gave a sharp nod and left the room, the guys filing out behind. Ben shut the door to the empty cigar lounge. “So?” They all sat down. “What’s the plan?”

Niko dipped his head in his hands. “We go get my boyfriend and remind this bastard who he’s messing with.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ethan sat on the edge of the bed in his old room, the sour turning in his stomach a constant reminder of how much he hated it here. The knock on the door startled him enough he jumped to his feet.