Page 68 of Russian Roulette

“Really?” I ask, perking up. “That would be super. Can you do it discreetly? If I find her, I want to show up unannounced and surprise her.”

“Discreet is my middle name,” he says. “Leroy Discreet Justice. If she’s working in any of the strip clubs, I’ll find her for you.”

“Thanks, Leroy. You’re the best.”

“That’s what the ladies say,” he says, chuckling at his own joke. “I almost forgot to tell you that Seven is taking off work early today. He’ll be here this afternoon. He said to tell you he’s planned something special since the sushi restaurant was a big fail last night. His instructions were to dress casual, not dressy and to wear something warm.”

“That’s good because I only have one dress and I wore it last night. Did he say what he has planned?”

“No, but it’ll be something fun. Seven enjoys showing people a good time.”

“Thanks again for your help to find my friend,” I tell him. “I owe you one if you can locate her for me.”

“It’ll give me a good excuse to go clubbing if I can ever get Seven to give me a night off. I need to warn you though, she might be like finding a needle in a haystack. There are over twenty strip clubs here. Come to think of it though, there’s only a handful that hire high-end girls. I’ll put some feelers out. If we find her, maybe you can introduce her to me. Or to one of her friends.”

“I will.” I pour myself another cup of black coffee and stack a plate full of pastries to take back to my guestroom.

“Are you heading back to your room already?” he asks, disappointed. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay in here with me, and binge watchGrey’s Anatomy? I’m hooked on that show.”

“Sorry, I need to catch up on work. I’m way behind. Yell out if you need me.”

35

SEVEN

When I arrive home and find Jade waiting for me in the penthouse living room, I’m relieved she’s wearing jeans, sneakers, and a gray sweatshirt. Her faded backpack is sitting on the sofa beside her. It’s chilly weather and we’ll be outside for most of the afternoon.

“How are you today, beautiful?” I lean over to kiss her lightly on the lips. “Are you ready to go?”

“You’re dressed casually for a change.” She points to my jeans and black sweater. “I’ve never seen you in jeans.”

“I’m going for a rugged image,” I joke. “How well is it working?”

She reaches up and grazes my beard lightly with her fingertips. I grab her hand, turn it over, and press my lips to her palm.

“If you let your beard grow longer, you might pass,” she teases. “I love the length the way it is now, and your regular clothing style. You’re very handsome in a suit or sports coat. Don’t change anything.”

“Whew.” I blow out a relieved breath. “That’s good to hear because I’m a city boy. I wouldn’t be able to survive a day in the wild. I enjoy my creature comforts too much…penthouse suites, hot tubs, French champagne, and limos.”

“If that’s the case, why are you dressed for a trek in the woods?”

“It’s a surprise. One that I hope you’ll enjoy. Ready to go?” I take her hand and lead her out to the parking garage. Leroy has already pulled the limo close for us. I open the limo door for Jade. She ducks her head and slides into the back.

“Did you eat lunch? Are you hungry?” I scoot over closer on the plush leather seat next to her. “I’m sure Leroy keeps snacks back here somewhere.” I lean forward to peek inside the cabinets on either side of the bar. Finding a big bag of potato chips, I offer them to her. “Want some chips? There might be something better in here. I’ll keep searching. I’m sure there’s nothing healthy. Only junk food.”

“No, I’m fine,” she assures me. “Trust me, if I get hungry, I’ll tell you. Leroy ordered a huge breakfast for us this morning. You’ll discover what we’ve been gorging ourselves on when you get the room service bill.” She points to the empty champagne bucket sitting on the table in front of us. “No bottle of chilled French champagne today? You’re slipping on the job.”

“There’s no champagne…yet.” I hold up a finger. “There could be. Should we stop and pick up a bottle to drink on the way?”

“I’m joking,” she says, teasing me. “I’m a simple girl with plain tastes who doesn’t need expensive champagne to make me happy.”

I move closer to drape an arm around her shoulders. Her body fits perfectly in my arms. “Tell me what makes you happy, so I can turn the world upside down to make it happen.”

“Chocolate,” she replies, smiling up at me. “In anything, it doesn’t matter what. Candy, cookies, cakes and even drinks. I’m not picky. Peanut butter makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside too. I told you, I’m easy to please.”

“Then I will build you a grand chocolate factory with a river flowing with hot chocolate sauce. Stay with me and you will never have to endure a single day without your favorite flavor again. Luckily, I saw Willy Wonka a million times as a kid. I’ll never run out of chocolate ideas.”

“That might be the sexiest proposition I’ve ever heard,” she says, leaning against me. “Keep on with your sexy chocolate talk. It’s a real turn on.”