Page 63 of House of Payne

Carlisle blows out a breath. “Well, boss. Do you want me to have a chat with London, then? I’m pretty sure I can convince her it’s for the best.”

I have him pinned against the wall before the words finish leaving his mouth.

Carlisle doesn’t flinch as I place one hand on either side of his shoulders and give him a firm shake. Then I unsheathe the Glock I keep tucked into the waistband of my jeans and press the cold barrel under his chin. His eyes widen, and a thin sheen of sweat breaks out across his forehead.

For a long moment, neither of us says anything.

“Keep her name out of your fucking mouth,” I growl. “London is off-limits to everyone, especially you. How I handle this is none of your goddamn business. Do you understand?”

Carlisle gives a small nod.

I hold the gun for a while longer, a kernel of satisfaction coursing through me at the discomfort in his eyes. I lower the gun slowly, my eyes never leaving his face. I release Carlisle, and he straightens his back. Abruptly, I draw my hand back and then drive it into his stomach.

“Just because I’ve given you more leeway doesn’t give you the fucking right to question my decisions,” I tell him coldly. “You’re here to do as you’re told.”

Carlisle stands up again and curls his hands into fists. His eyes sweep over me, and for a long minute, I think he’s going to challenge me. Then, he lowers his head and mumbles his acquiescence.

“Find me another spot.” I circle back to my desk. “I expect to see results with the other default payments. Don’t get on my bad side, Carlisle.”

With one last dark look, I sit behind my desk and link my fingers.

Katia skirts past Carlisle on his way out, shooting him a confused look. Once he rounds the corner, she pulls the door shut behind her and spins to face me. “What was that about?”

“Business,” I reply in a clipped tone. “Any progress?”

“He’s got tight security for a mayor. Getting to him is going to be harder than I thought.” Katia lifts her chin. “He comes from money, so he can afford the private detail.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Since when was that a problem for you?”

Katia’s jaw clicks. “It’s not. It’s just going to be slower than we’d like.”

I groan my displeasure. “All everyone has is goddamn excuses. Find me a way to get to him and make it discreet.”

Without waiting for a response, I storm past her and fling open thedoor.

I’m halfway to the bar, my gaze fixed solely on Miss Deveroux, when I spot him. He’s standing inches from London, and his arm is resting on the wall behind her. When I turn in their direction, she’s trying to duck past, but he won’t let her.

I see red as I walk over to them, my hands balled into fists.

“Come on, sweetheart. I like the little innocent act you’re putting on. You and I can have a real good time.”

London swallows and tries to move past him again. “I’m not here to do that. I’m just here to clean. I’m sure you can find someone else.”

His other hand darts out so he’s got her trapped, and I see the fear flicker in her eyes. “What if I don’t want anyone else? I’m willing to pay, and you can clean me up all day long, baby.”

London’s eyes dart from him to the bar and back again. “Please. Just leave me alone.”

“I love it when they beg. You know what else I’d love? That plump little mouth of yours around my cock.”

I tap him on the shoulder, and before he’s finished turning around, two men drag him into a private room. When I slam him against the wall a few moments later, with London looking on, he tries to free himself from my grasp. Then he squints into the semi-darkness, sees my face, and the color drains from his face.

“Are you fucking deaf?” I slam him again for good measure, and he swallows. “You need to remember one of the cardinal rules of the club.”

House of Payne is a house of vice and debauchery, but I expect our members to uphold the few rules we have.

Especially when one of the cardinal rules is consent.

Any woman here is free to leave, and it’s also up to her whether to refuse a man.