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Huh. I’m not even a little surprised that Jack is selling memberships into the Order. As far as I knew, it was either by legacy or by manner of being a significant citizen in Harmony Heights. But if Jack sold women, why wouldn’t he sell the Order’s brand and all the perks that come with it if he can?

The man is nice to look at, but I wouldn’t think of him as Order material. Between being dressed all in black, a skull patch on the side of his jeans, and an almost amused look in his deep blue eyes despite the obvious fawning act… I guess I shouldn’t judge. In a way, he reminds me of Sebastien Reynolds, only there’s something about him that’s not quite right.

He’s dangerous. That’s the vibe he gives off. Despite his words, everything about his body language says this is not a man to fuck with.

Can Jack tell? I’m not sure, but he does accept the bottle. “Thank you. Reed, was it?”

He nods. “Hunter, yes.”

“Good man, Reed. I look forward to seeing you at the bonfire.”

It’s a dismissal, and an obvious one at that. Hunter bows his head before turning away from the desk, heading out the way he came. Before he leaves, though, he glances up just enough to shoot a look over at Adrian and me.

And he winks.

What the?—

Jack rises up from his seat. He heads to a cabinet I never noticed before on the other side of the room, grabbing three glasses. He peers at his guest, nods at Adrian, then puts one back.

I know why. Every single Owed in Harmony Heights has a vice. Some gamble. Some drink. Some do a variety of different drugs. Some lose themselves in the Used. Adrian doesn’t drink. His vice used to be cigarettes.

Now?

It’sme.

He squeezes my fingers as Jack comes back, carrying two glasses. He makes quick work of opening the bottle, pouring two fingers in each of the glasses. He keeps one, then gives the other to Adrian’s mentor.

He takes it gladly, but pauses when Adrian points at him.

“Stephen. Don’t you think you’ve had enough already today?”

The older man blinks. No wonder his eyes look like that, and he smells the way he does. It’s only noon, but when you’re an alcoholic, you can start drinking anytime.

He sets his glass down.

Jack scoffs. “Come the hell on, Steve. Don’t tell me you’re going to let one of the boys tell you what to do.”

Adrian’s tone turns steely. “I just thought we should head into this conversation with a clear head, Uncle Jack.”

He picks up the glass, swirling the alcohol. “Absolutely not. To get through this… I think we’ll all need a drink.” Before he takes a swing, he says, “So how are you going to blackmail me, boy?”

“Who said anything about blackmail?”

“You did. When you tanked the Order’s portfolio on purpose.” “Don’t be coy. Stephen’s head’s either in a bottle of rum or in between a pair of tits down at the Court, but if I pull him out long enough, he still knows how to do the job I have you,Adrian. I know what you did. I had to replace half a mil alone today to replace it before my men found out.”

“Selling women seems to be very lucrative. I bet you barely notice it’s gone.”

Jack sets down the glass, untouched. “I knew it. Is that what this is about? The girl?”

Adrian lays his hand over mine as though he needs the connection before he gets up and slaps his uncle across the face. “That ‘girl’is my wife.”

“This again? Alright. You win. I’ll let you keep the Dougherty girl, you go back to work and fix this mess you made. How about that? As long as you don’t fuck up the books anymore, you can keep her. Deal?”

That’s what Adrian wants. I think that’s what he’s wanted all along.

But instead of accepting the offer, he stays quiet and waits.

Jack huffs, rolling his eyes. “Children,” he mutters under his breath. Grabbing his glass, he downs the shot he poured in one gulp.