Sinister Read online

  I smirked knowing she'd take the bait. “If you recall I lived in Brookdale my whole life, so I pretty much know everyone who lives there as well. What did he do, fuck you and leave you pregnant with his kid?”

  “No you idiot, he didn’t get me pregnant.”

  “So he did fuck you then?” The elevator dinged as we entered her apartment. We both had a penthouse suite here in the hotel Mars, hers was below mine, and was every bit glittery and pink as the dress she had on. She kicked off her shoes and met me in the kitchen as I was about to open the fridge. Grabbing a bottle of water, I tossed it at her, which she caught before sitting at the island. I uncapped my own and swallowed a few gulps when she spoke.

  “Reed is my husband.”

  I almost choked removing the bottle from my lips. “Your what?” I asked in disbelief. “When the fuck did you get married? And how the fuck was it to Reed Stone?”

  “God, it happened two months ago, I was drunk, he was drunk and it happened. I had it annulled, so whatever,” she said waving her hand around like it was no big deal, before moving into the living room. I stood confused as to how Reed and her even made it within ten feet of each other. Roslyn was a snob and of all the men I had seen pass through here, none was anything like Reed Stone. He had looks, sure, but money, he wasn’t capable of holding onto a job long enough to get any and Roslyn required a lot of it.

  I followed and sat in the chair facing her. “Okay, so you married Reed, now you’re not, so why are you looking for him?”

  She grinned deviously. “Because payback is a bitch, Chris. That son of a bitch cheated on me the moment I left him with a piece of ass and some down time. I loved him—”

  My eyebrows cringed. “You loved him? You got married after getting drunk, did you even know the guy before that?”

  “I know what I feel, Chris and it was love. My mom and dad didn’t know each other before they got married and they loved each other. They were married for twenty years.” They loved each other all right, because somewhere within that twenty years dad slept with my mom and had me, before they had her. Roslyn was either crazy or delusional because I doubted Reed felt anything for her. “Anyway, I am not one to fuck with and he hurt me by sleeping with that bitch. I need to figure out how to hurt him back.”

  “You’re not serious, are you?”

  She looked me dead in the eyes with a determined stare. “He fucked another woman in our apartment, Chris. We were married, do vows mean nothing to anyone anymore?”

  I chuckled. This was ridiculous, and she was clearly crazy. “Did the guy even remember making those vows, do you?”

  “Fuck you.” She flung the unopened bottle at me, which I caught before it hit my face.

  Laughing I stood. “I mean come on Roslyn, you didn’t know the guy. Reed doesn’t love anyone but his sister. He treats woman like disposables and you were nothing different.”

  “He has a sister?” she asked suddenly intrigued, eyes becoming clouded by whatever she was thinking about. “I didn’t know he had a sister.”

  “Well you wouldn’t since you don’t know the guy. And what is that face you’re making? What is so interesting about him having a sister?”

  “It’s not that he has a sister, it’s about what you said. She’s the only woman he’s ever loved.” She smiled mischievously. A look I didn’t like. “I could use her to get back at him.”

  “No.”

  “That’s it, this is perfect,” she said babbling on, not hearing a fucking word, but her own voice. “I could make him hurt through her. I just have to—”

  “I said no, Roslyn. Nobody touches Izzy.”

  She deviously smirked getting off the couch to stand directly in front of me. “You fucked her,” she said knowingly. My jaw clenched as my face hardened with anger, but I didn’t look away. “Noooo, you loved her.” Her head fell back in laughter. “Oh my God this is perfect.”

  “Roslyn no,” I said forcefully. I knew where she was going with this. Revenge was a part of this business, like breathing, you did it all the time. But not with Izzy, not my Izzy. “You don’t touch her.” I spun on my heels and walked to the balcony. I loved Izzy, and still love her. After our talk that night at the club, I fully intended to leave her alone, but I couldn’t. I needed her.

  I knew she worked at OZ because Penny worked there. Penny and I had a few nights together a couple years back and she and I became friends when we parted ways. She was the one that got me access to the club, so I could watch Izzy. I did it a few times a week, she never knew I was there watching her flirt with other men, making me angry every time she flipped her hair or smiled at them. She was only trying to make me jealous , it was our little game. It turned her on.

  “Come on brother, this is perfect,” Roslyn said, following me out. “You know the girl, I mean you clearly love her. Don’t you want her back?”

  “I want you to forget about her.”

  “I can’t do that,” she said in a sing song voice. “Once an idea gets in here, it's very hard to get it out.”

  “What are you talking about?” I faced her.

  “I’m saying dear brother, that you want this girl and I want her brother, and there is a way for us to both get what we want.”

  Chapter Two

  Christopher

  I tried calling Izabella again after I left Roslyn’s last night, she never answered. For months I’d been calling and texting, but she refused to respond. Every minute that went by I got angrier and angrier to which Roslyn’s idea held a little more appeal to me. I wanted Izzy back, she knew it, and this hard to get game she was playing was driving me insane.

  I knew she hated me for what I’d done but that night, the same night I got so drunk I couldn’t see straight let alone remember how I landed in bed with someone else, haunted me as much as it did her. The entire thing was a blur and although I tried to remember it, it became almost impossible as whatever I had to drink that night had completely wiped my memory. The only thing I had was my belief because for some reason I didn’t believe I would betray her like that. I loved Izzy and never thought about cheating so when it happened I denied it, even though all the evidence was there. Fuck, I didn’t know what happened but I was going to find out; I had to, because she needed to know in order to take me back.

  I walk into my father’s office at eleven o’clock, the exact time he texted me to be here this morning. This life still seemed surreal. Didn’t matter that I was entitled to it since I was born, sometimes all I remembered was growing up in a normal house, going to a normal school and having normal friends. I didn’t blame my mother for wanting to raise me that way, I appreciated it. Now that I was here, in my father’s world, my old existence seemed to fade into nothing more than memories. I no longer was the good man I was raised to be. Now, because of money, nothing stopped me from becoming the dark soul I truly was.

  “Was your sister at the club last night?” he asked when I sat on the couch in his office. He was deep into whatever he was working on on his computer, so he didn’t acknowledge my entrance. My father had the good looks of a Bollywood actor, with thick black hair and eyebrows to match, he was nothing like me. The only thing we had in common was the eyes, and the gold coloured skin.

  “Where else would she be? Seems to be the only place she visits these days,” I said casually leaning back with a magazine open in my hands.

  “That girl is becoming a fucking problem.”

  “I told all the club managers not to let her in until she gets her drinking under control.”

  “Good. I can’t deal with anymore unfortunate mishaps on her behalf.”

  “There’s actually something I need to talk to you about concerning Roslyn.” I closed the magazine tossing it aside as I stood. The reason he put me on Roslyn duty was because he hated dealing with it himself. The only reason I was telling him this bit of information was for my benefit. He had the connections I needed, and I admit Roslyn’s idea held a lot of merit after a good night's sleep, and
a few missed calls.

  “What the fuck is it this time?” He removed his glasses and stared at me for the first time since this conversation started. “I swear if that fucking girl has gotten herself into trouble again I’m going to strangle her.” He stood, walking to the bar on the other end of his office and pouring himself a drink. His office was one of the largest rooms here on the thirty-third floor at the Palazzo, one of his other hotels. It was equipped with its own bar, sauna and private suite.

  “She got married.”

  He faced me, neck veined with tension as he held my stare. “She married who?”

  “A guy I know from Brookdale. Seems they were both drunk and did the deed. The poor fucker cheated on her and now she wants revenge.”

  His glass slammed against the bar top with a force that caused it to shatter into a couple dozen pieces. Blood dripped from his hand as he grabbed a nearby cloth, wrapping it around his wound. “Where the fuck is she now?”

  “Her suite, sleeping off the effects of last night.” He went back to his desk grabbing his phone before shouting in the receiver for her to get her ass here now. I learned that my father wasn’t an unreasonable guy. He gave everyone a fair chance, and when you used too many chances, like Roslyn had, you suffer the consequences of his fucked-up temper.

  Roslyn barged through his office door ten minutes later, dressed like a belly dancer in white shorts and a dazzling chandelier type top before turning her icy glare at me. “You fucking told him,” she shouted. I shrugged and smirked. “Daddy—”

  “Fucking save the bullshit, Roslyn. I told you what would happen if you fucked up again—”

  She stepped closer to his desk when dad stood on the other side with his arms crossed and a hard no-nonsense expression on his face. Roslyn was his little girl, he loved her more than anything, but when she fucked up and I mean really fucked up, he took no prisoners. She became nothing more than a damn employee.

  “It’s not what you think. I love him.”

  “She doesn’t know him.” I smirked at her.

  She glared at me. “Fuck you, you traitor.” She looked solemnly at dad. “Daddy, I’m serious about this, I love him and he cheated on me. He broke my heart. Don’t you even care about that?”

  “And why should I give a fuck about that? You got married to a man you don’t know, what do you think was going to happen? This is the last straw Roslyn—”

  “Daddy please you’re supposed to be on my side.”

  “I am on your side, I’m always on your side, but this has to stop. Sit down,” he demanded pointing at the chair she vacated. “And shut up.” She dropped into the chair eyeing me next to her with distaste. Dad let out a frustrated breath before picking up his glasses and sliding them onto his face. “Who is this guy?” he asked her.

  “Why do you care?” she spat with an angry scowl.

  Dad leaned forward piercing her with a wrathful expression. “Well, since you married a man I’ve never met, I think it’s only fair I get to know my son-in-law. What is his name?” He reclined, not taking his eyes from hers.

  “Reed Stone. He lives in Brookdale,” she mumbled, face still screwed and not aimed at dad.

  “So I’ve heard.” He turned his head to me, curiosity in his gaze. “What do you know about him?”

  I reclined, hand automatically touching the day's stubble on my face. “He’s a nobody. Had a few run-ins with the law, couldn’t keep a steady job so he started doing drug running for some local guys in town. Way to pick em sis.” I smirked at her, which got me the middle finger.

  “What else?”

  “Well, recently he was at The White Lotus, dropping some serious cash at the big boys table which earned him a visit from Pete.” Both my father and I knew once you're at the White Lotus and you received a visit from Pete Murcer, chances are you're walking out a target.

  “How much?”

  “One hundred grand.” Dad nodded, since I now had his attention. I knew in order to get dad's help there had to be money involved. When I spoke to Pete about his encounter with Reed and Reed’s disappearing act, I knew this was perfect. Dad loved chasing money, especially when it was his money.

  “I’m assuming you know his address?” He spoke to Roslyn.

  “Of course I do, we were married after all,” she said in a know-it-all tone as if that meant anything.

  “Was?”

  “Had it annulled three weeks ago. The son of bitch cheated on me, of course I wasn’t going to stay with him. Nobody cheats on Roslyn Mohammed.”

  “Hmm, I coulda told you that before you married the guy. All you had to do was ask.”

  “Shut up you stupid asshole,” she said between clenched teeth.

  “Enough! I’ve fucking had it with the two of you and this bickering bullshit,” he said angrily pointing at the two of us. “Now either get it together or I’ll find some way to make you.” He leaned forward to emphasize how serious he was. “And trust me, you won’t like it.” He pinched his nose while shutting his eyes, I guess trying to release some of the tension in his neck before glancing at us impatiently. “Leave his address. I’ll get Miko to pay him a visit.”

  “Actually daddy I was thinking of another way to make him pay.”

  “I do not wish to be a part of any elaborate schemes you may have against your ex-husband, Roslyn. He owes me money and I intend to collect.”

  “I know daddy, but this is a way to get your money back plus a lot more,” she said with a bright smile looking at me with an evil glint in her eyes. I had no clue what she was playing at but I had a sick feeling it was going to piss me off.

  “I’m listening.”

  She turned her gaze to dad. “Well Chris here mentioned that Reed has a sister. A very beautiful one that he loves very dearly. Since he screwed me over and owes you so much I was thinking you take her and sell her for a lot more than a hundred grand, thus destroying Reed for me and making you a lot of money in the process. Chris has also told me that he’s been wanting to get into your trafficking business, and I think Reed’s sister would be the perfect introduction for him,” she said, maliciously grinning at me again. “You could have her all to yourself, Chris. Just imagine how fucking sweet she’ll taste when she has no choice. Well that’s until she gets sold of course.”

  My anger boiled, and all I saw was red as I scowled at her. What the fuck was she playing at? This wasn’t what I wanted when I told dad about her impromptu marriage. I wanted her to get shipped out so I wouldn’t have to deal with her bullshit anymore, but this, this was far beyond what I thought she would say.

  “Is this true, Christopher?”

  I cut my gaze from hers to dads with a hard expression. “Yes,” I gritted out hating this position. I wanted Izzy back, but not in a way that would make her hate me even more than she already did.

  “Where’s the girl now?”

  “I don’t know,” I answered honestly hoping that wherever she was she’d stay there.

  “Find her. Now the two of you get out of my office I have work to do and so do you.”

  Outside dad's office, I grabbed Roslyn by her arm hauling her to me before slamming her back against the wall. “What the fuck was that?”

  “A warning,” she smirked. “Fuck with me and I fuck with you right back.”

  “Do you think this is a game, little girl?”

  “Oh, I do brother and I just gave you a present. You should be thanking me.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because now your precious little Izabella can be yours, all you have to do, is buy her back.” She shoved at my chest quickly slipping out from under my arm and briskly walking away. I stumbled back, pissed off and staring after her. I didn’t want this, Izzy was mine and now my father had eyes for her, and his eyes only saw dollar signs.

  Chapter Three

  Victor

  My brothers' club wasn’t my favourite place, but I had to admit he had some of the finest pussy this side of the equator. I usually came here
to do business, but from time to time I’d sit and take in the show. One of my favourites to watch was Ryder. It wasn’t because she was beautiful or had breasts the size of watermelons, no she had a mouth. The kind made for sucking cock, but it was also the kind that could curse a man out and make his cock hard at the same time. She was a fucking mean bitch and as my brother's sister, she was off limits. Forbidden fruit.

  Fuck, I didn’t think I hated my brother as much as I did right now. I was watching her slide her sweet ass down the pole before landing in a split with a seductive grin on her lips. I licked my lips when she turned eyeing me with a smirk and a knowing gaze. I was in a corner, far out of eye range but she somehow knew I was here. She knew what she was doing, and the moment I broke her gaze, Penny bounced toward me with a know-it-all gleam in her eyes and a cashmere grin on her lips. “Still no forbidden fruit hmm,” she said sliding into the seat next to me. “Your brother would kill you for staring at his sister like that.”

  “He can fuck himself for all I care,” I said without looking at her. I took a sip of my drink before placing my arm around the chair. I didn’t necessarily dislike Penny, but I wasn’t fond of her either. She carried a great ass that I imagined fucking a time or two, but her mouth was another story; and not to mention her attitude, it was a wonder she ever got fucked at all.

  “Big words for the man creepily sitting in the corner.”

  “Would you prefer I transferred that gaze to you?” I looked at her with a hungry glimmer, leaning forward to meet her eyes. “You know we could have some fun, if you’re up to it.”

  She smirked, biting her bottom lip in contemplation. “As much as your cock excites me, I wouldn’t go near it with a ten foot pole, so don’t get your hopes up,” she said in a dull tone. “That’s not why I’m here.”

  “Then by all means, enlighten me.” I leaned back.

  “I want to know where Slick is.”

  I huffed a laugh. “And why would you think I’d know the answer to that?” I knew the answer, but it wasn’t her fucking business.