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Chapter Two

Life, Aaron’s other life, the one Jett didn’t know about, got hectic. Not only did Aaron have to sort out infighting in his team, but he had to locate a missing shipment of stolen computers, then find dirt on a cop to blackmail him into silence. All were sorted with minimal damages to goods and personnel, and Aaron had kept his identity a secret. No front-page news exposing him as the big boss of the underworld.

All he wanted to do was drink at The Junction and listen to Jett prattle on about nightclubs, the news, celebrity gossip, anything at all, just to hear and see Jett, to escape into his bright eyes and easy smiles.

Aaron made sure he looked good before he went. Brown hair, brown eyes, and the build of a professional boxer. He knew he looked good by the eyes of men and women that lingered on him. Crease-free jacket and shirt, undone top buttons showing a glimpse of hair.

He was looking good.

The club was heaving, much to his annoyance. He pushed his way not-so-politely to the bar. It was one of four in the nightclub, but the biggest, the one in The VIP room, was the one where Jett usually was. Aaron didn’t mask his disappointment when he noticed Jett wasn’t behind the bar, only some fresh-faced barmen Aaron didn’t bother learning the name of.

He went to check the other bars in case Jett was stuck sorting out a broken barrel or restocking bottles. He passed so many smiling faces, bobbing up and down in time to the music. Men and women were grinding, women and women were holding hands, and men and men were locked in passionate, but not-too-naughty, embraces.It was nice to see, but not while Aaron was hunting down Jett. Everybody in the club was hiding him from view, blocking Aaron’s path, making it more and more difficult for him to be reunited with Jett, his saving grace, and it was making the anxiety in his chest bubble. He needed Jett to feel better, and he needed to know Jett was okay, but Jett wasn’t anywhere.

Aaron took a deep breath, then went up the steps to office at the top. He could see the light was on under the door, and someone was moving about. He and Jett were the only ones with keys, and Aaron’s faltering heart picked up pace. When he opened the door, there was a scream, then a palm smacked him across the face.

He staggered back, then glared at Mary-Sue. She hurried to cover herself with a red gown, then guiltily looked up at him.

“Shit—Boss, I’m sorry.”

Aaron’s cheek stung, but he didn’t react, only glared down Mary-Sue until she gave him an explanation.

“Jett lets me and the other girls get changed in the office.”

“What’s wrong with the toilets?”

“They’re not exactly hygienic, and I feel safer getting dressed up here.”

Aaron nodded, accepting her reason. “Where’s Jett?”

He glanced around the office even though it was obvious Jett wasn’t there. There was a huge mahogany desk, a bookcase covered in various awards and photos, and a couch, covered in underwear for Mary-Sue to wear.

“He’s got a day off.”

“A day off?”

“Yeah, I think he’s due one.”

Aaron’s heart sank in his chest. He scratched the back of his head. “He out with friends or family, or something?”

Mary-Sue laughed. “That’s what he should be doing, but instead he’s gone to dig up your skeletons.”

Aaron took a step back. “What?”

“For the Heaven and Hell night, remember?”

“Yeah,” Aaron laughed lightly. “Yeah, I remember.”

“Some guy the other side of Hampton is selling him these prop skeletons, and he’s gone to get them. He really puts everything into this club.”

“I know he does.”

Mary-Sue lifted her lips into a lopsided smile. She fluttered her sparkly lashes, then laughed to herself.

“What?” Aaron asked.

“Do you know he does? Really? Do you know how much he puts into the club, your club?”

Aaron gestured to the bookcase. “I know. This place has won countless awards. It turns over a good profit. It’s popular with all the celebrities. It’s doing great.”