Page 33 of Cold Hard Cash

Jimmy obediently closed his eyes, although he was tempted to open them out of concern at all the bumping around he heard. “You okay?”

“Okay, all good,” Rowena announced. “Ta-dah!”

Jimmy opened his eyes, grinning to see Rowena changed into her new dress with matching glittering heels, makeup already done, and her hair swept back in an elegant pouf of curls. He laughed, clapping. “Very impressive.”

“Might have had to get dressed in the back of a car once or twice in my life,” she teased with a wink. She picked up the phone, twisting the cord around her finger and grinning as she said, “Hey, Jerry? Beautiful, handsome, gorgeous Jerry? Light of my life, apple of my eye? Step on it, babe. We got a fuckin’ party to get to!”

Chapter Eight

Cold’s compound was a massive estate consisting of a mansion, a large conservatory, and a grand pool watched over by elaborate marble statues. It was surrounded by a tall iron fence, and the grounds were patrolled constantly by armed guards.

With dogs. Wow.

Jimmy’s face was pressed up against the window of the limo, staring in awe as they were ushered through the gates. He had never seen any place so incredible except in movies.

The limo pulled right up to the front of the mansion, an attendant opening the door and offering his hand to assist Rowena out.

“Thanks,” she cooed, gracefully exiting the limo. She had her giant purse under her arm, batting her eyes as she asked, “Would you be a dear and take the bags in the trunk upstairs? You can put them all in Roddy’s room. Thanks, dear!”

Jimmy stumbled after Rowena, his jaw still dropped as he looked all around. He couldn’t believe any of this was real. He was immediately afraid to touch anything when they walked inside, eyes wide as he tried to take everything in.

It was modern, simple, clean. Cold liked dark, cool colors and strong, bold furniture. There were no pictures that Jimmy could see, no art or sculptures, but there were dozens of fresh calla lilies scattered all throughout the house. Their fragrance was faint, but inviting amongst the cold decor.

Rowena carelessly dropped her purse on a nearby table, grabbing Jimmy’s hand and giggling, “Come on!” She started marching through the long hallways, heels clicking as she called out sweetly, “Roddy! Where are you?” After a few turns and still no answer, she impatiently shrieked, “Rod, where the fuck are you at!”

“In the den!” Cold yelled back, annoyed. “For fuck’s sake, Rowena!”

Rowena smiled triumphantly, leading Jimmy toward the source of her brother’s voice.

Like the rest of the house, the den was spacious and uncluttered. There were a few plush leather sofas arranged around a glass-top coffee table. There was a large bar, fully stocked, adjacent to a fireplace that dominated the room and bathed it in amber flickering light from the flames.

Cold stood by the fireplace, dressed to kill in a dark three-piece pinstripe suit. His cufflinks glittered with the sparkle of diamonds, and he was wearing white spats over his shoes. He looked every bit the gangster king as Jimmy had ever seen him.

Jimmy wanted to drop to his knees on the floor at the very sight of him.

Cold turned his head when he and Rowena entered, and he had the strangest look on his face when he saw Jimmy. He was lost and suddenly found all in the space of a few seconds, his usual smirk sliding into place.

Tilting his head, he purred approvingly, “Why, Mr. Poe. You clean up well.”

“I do good work,” Rowena chirped proudly, heading right to the bar to make drinks.

Jimmy couldn’t stop the dopey smile that tumbled onto his face, beaming at Cold as he gushed, “Wow. Me? Thanks, but I mean, look at you! You look incredibly fuckin’ sexy.”

Cold’s cheeks turned pink.

The mob boss of Strassen Springs was actually blushing.

“Come here,” Cold commanded softly, beckoning Jimmy over with a finger.

Jimmy kept grinning, tipsy enough to be brave and lean close as he approached with a loud whisper in Cold’s ear, “I’m not wearing any underwear.”

Cold’s hand snapped up to the back of Jimmy’s neck before he could get too close, but he was smiling softly. With a gasp, Jimmy leaned into Cold’s hand. He could feel his thumb lightly brushing over the little hairs on the back of his neck, and he shivered pleasurably.

Cold’s eyes hungrily flicked over Jimmy’s body. “Duly noted.”

Jimmy wobbled a little, resisting the urge to hold onto Cold for support.

“How much booze did my sister pump into you?” Cold asked with a soft chuckle, taking in Jimmy’s flushed face and glassy eyes.