Sinful Empire Read online

  “Whoa, boss. That’s a hell of a rock. You rob a jewelry store and been laying low till the heat wears off?”

  “Not exactly.” The corners of my mouth tug upward in a secret smile, which happens more often than not when I glance down at the sparkling stone.

  “When’s the big day?”

  I press my lips together, almost unable to believe I’m telling her. “So . . . that actually already happened.”

  Her attention cuts to my face as her mouth drops open. “And I didn’t even get invited to the wedding?” She holds up a hand. “I kid, but seriously? You . . . I knew you were holding some things back, but this is big. And I’m not just talking about your ring.”

  “Let’s just say . . . it was spur of the moment.”

  “And the lucky man?”

  “You’ll meet him eventually.”

  She plops into the seat across from mine. “I don’t even know what to say to you right now.”

  I wish Lachlan and I had talked about what I could and couldn’t say to people, but I go with erring on the side of caution for the moment. “I know, but it’s what I wanted.”

  “You sure? No one held a gun to your head?” she asks, her question completely lacking any semblance of a joking undertone.

  I think of the judge and the priest who heard our vows, and all the paperwork we signed. “No. This was of my own free will.”

  “But you are going to tell me everything eventually. Right?”

  “As much as I can.”

  Temperance inhales, staring at me for long moments until she releases the breath. “Okay. You’re the boss. So, what do you want to tackle first?”

  When we launch into the list of discussion topics, Temperance proves exactly how much she deserves her new position. I also realize there’s no way I’m going to be able to handle everything that needs my attention in only two days.

  So, now I have to find a way to get Lachlan back to the negotiation table . . . but luckily, I have an idea.

  Keira

  “I thought we agreed you’d be coming to me, wife.”

  The possessive way Lachlan says the word sends shivers down my spine as he strides out of the elevator and comes toward me.

  “Plans change, husband. Sit.” I gesture to Seven Sinners’ most requested table, which is covered with some of the best food New Orleans has to offer, and definitely the best whiskey. “I have more work than I realized, and since that’s stopping us from taking a honeymoon . . . I thought you might appreciate a dinner with a view. I can’t cook, so this is the best I could do.”

  One of Lachlan’s eyebrows quirks up. “What do mean, you can’t cook?”

  “You never asked. I hope that’s not a deal breaker for you now, because you’re stuck with me.”

  His laughter booms through the empty restaurant.

  I decided to keep it closed until tomorrow night, but begged Odile to come in regardless. I owe her a massive favor now, and from the way she devoured V with her eyes when he followed me into the kitchen, I have a feeling I know what that favor will be.

  My sassy Cajun chef won’t care that he doesn’t speak. She’s got enough to say to carry on both sides of the conversation.

  “It’s fortunate we both employ chefs, or we’d starve,” Lachlan says as he pulls out a chair for me, and I sit.

  While he rounds the table to take his own seat, I ask, “You can’t cook either?”

  “Nothing worth eating.”

  “Good thing I’ve got you both covered tonight.” Odile glides across the floor with an extra swing to her walk as she places my final request on the table. A small cake on a silver platter.

  I didn’t tell her it’s my wedding cake, though, because Lord knows she’d have a million more questions. Somehow, she missed seeing my ring, and I’m thankful for that.

  First, I need the man across from me to tell me how the hell I’m going to explain to people that I’m suddenly married, and to whom I can deliver the explanation. I know he said this wouldn’t be normal, and I’m not asking for normal, but I do have to tell people something. I don’t even want to think about telling my family yet.

  “Thank you, Odile.”

  She props a hand on each hip. “Is there anything else I can get for you before I head home?”

  “No. This is perfect. I appreciate it.”

  She sweeps a look over me and then Lachlan. “Bon appétit.”

  “We both appreciate it, Ms. Bordelon.”

  I don’t know why it comes as a surprise to me that Lachlan knows her last name, but it certainly shocks Odile.

  She raises her chin. “I don’t need to know nothing except that you’re gonna treat her right, sir.”

  I bite down on my lip, wondering how he’ll respond.

  “You have my word.”

  “Then I’ll wish you both a good evening and be on my way.”

  I smile at her as she backs away from the table, her gaze drawn to where V stands near the elevator.

  “V, escort Ms. Bordelon down to her car, and then you’re free for the evening.”

  Odile’s face lights up at Lachlan’s order, and she practically skips toward the silent man.

  “You have no idea what you’ve just unleashed.”

  Lachlan’s gaze comes back to mine. “You don’t think she can handle V?”

  I glance to where Odile is already chattering at him as they step into the elevator. “I’m not sure he can handle her.”

  Once again, Lachlan’s laughter echoes in the room, a sound I want to hear much more often.

  When he’s finished, he glances at the cake and back at me. “Does she know?”

  I shake my head. “I told Temperance the basics, but no one else. I’m not sure what to say to them.”

  “Whatever is easiest for you. Anything or nothing. Hell, you don’t even have to wear the ring if it’s going to cause too many questions.”

  I jerk my hand back and curl the other around it, as though Lachlan might try to take the ring from me. “I’m not taking it off.”

  A satisfied smile crosses his face. “Good. Because I like seeing it on your finger.”

  “You don’t have one, though. Although, I guess you probably wouldn’t wear one, would you?”

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “Wouldn’t it raise too many questions?”

  “No one questions me but you.” His smile only widens, and I give him a matching one.

  “I’m not going to apologize for that.”

  “I’ll never ask you to.”

  My smile widens even further as I reach for the whiskey in front of me, lifting it between us.

  “To us,” I say as he reaches for his own.

  “To us,” he repeats.

  “And to our empire,” I add, tearing my gaze away from his to look out at the sun sinking into the New Orleans skyline as the full moon rises.

  “That I can definitely drink to.”

  We touch rims before draining the glasses. When mine hits the table, I stare him dead in the eye.

  “So, about that butt-plug thing . . . When exactly am I supposed to be ready for that?”

  Another laugh reverberates through the restaurant, and I decide Lachlan Mount’s laughter is one of my very favorite sounds in the entire world.

  “Soon, hellion. Soon.”

  As we work our way through the feast in front of us, talking about anything and everything that comes to mind, hope for the future grows with every passing minute.

  This is arguably the second time I’ve gotten married on an impulse, although I’d argue the circumstances were entirely different. But this one, I believe, is going to work.

  Not just because it has the force of Lachlan Mount behind it, but because we both acknowledge the challenges facing us and are willing to take them on together.

  He has offered his help to me in every possible way. His time. His talent. His fortune. Now all I need to do is get him to realize that he’s as in love with me as I am with him.

>   I cut two small pieces of cake and put them on the small extra plates Odile provided, then slide one across the table to Lachlan. “Do you know how this works?”

  His brow furrows. “Cake? You eat it.”

  I smile. “This isn’t just any cake.”

  A look of understanding dawns on his features. “Ah, I see. Is this how you’re going to talk me into letting you stay and work longer, rather than letting me steal you away to some uninhabited beach?”

  “No.” I tilt my head. “But how did you know I was planning on that?”

  The smile on his face is almost as mesmerizing as his laugh. “Because you love this place, and you won’t leave until you’re sure everything is running perfectly.”

  He sees me. Not just the outside I show him, but into the heart of me.

  “Are you going to have a problem with that?”

  He shakes his head. “I knew exactly who I was getting, and I’ve been fine with it from the beginning.”

  “Then you had an advantage over me, because I had no idea.” I pause, trying to figure out exactly how to explain what I want to say, and Lachlan waits silently, almost expectantly. Probably for the worst. But that’s not at all what I’m thinking. “You’re the most complicated man I’ve ever met in my entire life.”

  He opens his mouth to speak, but I continue.

  “But not in a bad way, obviously.” I nod at the cake in front of me. “I wouldn’t have married you if I wasn’t already in love with you. And I think I started to fall in love with you when you finally let me see the real you. In Dublin. That’s where I finally got to know Lachlan, not Mount.”

  “There isn’t one without the other.”

  “I guess it’s a good thing then that I get both.” I stand and pick up my cake plate. “So, let’s make it official.”

  He rises, holding his plate. “I thought we did that in front of a priest and a judge.”

  “You’re such a man. It’s not official until there’s cake and dancing.” I meet him at the end of the table.

  “Dancing?” he asks, one eyebrow raised.

  “Definitely dancing.”

  He nips my fingers as he snatches the piece of cake away, at the same time feeding me the slice from his plate. Odile’s chocolate whiskey cake with Irish cream frosting melts on my tongue.

  “Damn, that’s good,” Lachlan says, and I agree.

  “You can have more after the dancing.”

  He steals the plate from my hand, and they both clatter as he returns them to the table. “There’s something that comes before the dancing.”

  “What’s that?”

  Lachlan pulls me into his arms. “I get to kiss the bride for as long as I want.”

  My cheeks ache from smiling so hard. “I can handle that.”

  His lips close over mine, and happiness bursts inside me.

  Mount

  I ignore my phone the first three times it vibrates incessantly in my pocket, but when it starts for the fourth time, Keira giggles and backs away to change the music again.

  I pull it out of my pocket, pissed that anyone would dare interrupt what is the closest thing I’ll ever have to a wedding reception. Just Keira and me, dancing with candles lit around the restaurant, and the bright light of the moon shining through the thick glass window.

  The screen reads J.

  “What the hell is going on that you can’t handle it yourself?”

  “Got a tip that the cops are raiding the casino tonight, boss. Thought you’d want to know.”

  Fuck.

  “Tonight? Who the hell don’t we have on our payroll? Who’d fucking dare?”

  “Apparently, there are more good cops in this city than either of us realized.”

  “Shut it down and clear it out.”

  “Do you want to handle this personally, or do you want me to meet them?”

  Keira tips back another glass of whiskey as she hums, scrolling through her playlist, giving me space. I want to stay in this room forever, but this is part of my life. I don’t always get the luxury of deciding when the cops are going to raid.

  I will, however, make it clear that they are not welcome in my establishment.

  “I’m coming.”

  “You sure? Because—”

  “Get it handled. I’ll be there.”

  “Okay, boss. On it.”

  Keira lowers the empty whiskey glass to the table as her green gaze flashes with worry. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”

  “Nothing you need to worry about, but I do have to go handle some business.” I offer her my hand, and she threads her fingers through mine. “But we’ll pick this up again on our honeymoon.”

  “We’re a team now. You can tell me if there’s something going on.”

  I clench my teeth. Her question and tone are so expectant, and my instinctive reaction is to protect her from everything possible. “There will always be things you don’t need to know.”

  “But there are some things that you can tell me. If I got a call right now that changed my demeanor as much as that one changed yours, you wouldn’t let me leave without an explanation, Lachlan. Besides, no one can force me to testify against you now.”

  She’s right, and I respect her and her desire to know. This isn’t something life-or-death that I have to keep to myself, so I decide to share.

  “Cops are gonna raid the casino, so I need to be sure a casino isn’t there to be raided by the time they arrive.”

  Her brows wing up to her hairline. “You’d think they’d be happy you just cleaned up the streets for them.”

  “I’m guessing this is their power play telling me they didn’t appreciate my assistance.”

  “Has this happened before?”

  I nod. “Once, when I first took over. They were testing me, and we came to an arrangement. It’s been in place a long time. This is just another test, but it won’t be an issue.”

  “Okay. That’s all I needed to know. Go do your thing.”

  I look around the room, not wanting to leave her without V here, but I gave him the damn night off. “Who else is in the building?”

  Keira glances down at her watch. “At this time of night? Only Temperance. I told her she wasn’t allowed to stay after I left, but she said she wouldn’t leave until I do.”

  “I’ll call V and wait for him to come, and then—”

  She releases an exasperated sigh. “Go. Handle your business. I’ll be fine.”

  “I’m not leaving you unprotected.”

  “I’ve got an arsenal in my office at this point. Anyone who tries to get to me will be dead before they can walk through the doorway. I’m pretty sure Temperance can handle herself too.”

  Even though she sounds certain, I still don’t like the idea of her being here without V here.

  “I’m texting V. Don’t even think about leaving the building without him.”

  Keira presses a kiss to my lips. “Don’t worry about me. Go.”

  I bury my hand in her hair and take the kiss deeper before I pull away. “Later tonight. You, me, no more interruptions.”

  “Deal.”

  As I stride toward the elevator, the same uneasy feeling from this morning rides on my shoulder. I send a message to V to get his ass to Seven Sinners ASAP.

  Keira

  I haven’t even made it to my office before my phone starts ringing.

  Temperance.

  “I’m on my way down,” I tell her. “What’s going on?”

  “Fire alarm at the rackhouse. I just got the call. I had them put me first on the notification list when you were in Dublin. We have to go now. I already called the fire department. They’re en route.”

  Holy fucking hell.

  “I’m coming,” I yell, then disconnect the call and rush the remaining way to my office.

  Temperance is already in the hallway with her purse. “Let’s go. I’m driving.”

  “Good, because I don’t have a damned car here.” Something I’ll be talking to La
chlan about in the event of emergencies just like this.

  We run to the parking lot and climb into Temperance’s Bronco.

  “We can’t lose the rackhouse. That’s—” Temperance sounds just as terrified as I do.

  “I know we can’t. We’ll be fucked. This can’t be happening right now. It has to be a false alarm.”

  Temperance hauls ass, the epitome of drive it like you stole it, toward the outskirts of town. The rackhouse is a tall, nondescript building that no one would know what was in it unless they paid attention.

  When Lachlan basically admitted that he’d had a barrel of the Spirit of New Orleans pilfered from it, I knew I needed to upgrade the security system. But with everything that has happened since, I haven’t had time.

  Of course this would happen now.

  “My dad will disown me if anything happens to that whiskey.”

  Temperance shoots me a look across the interior of the SUV. “Forget your dad. What the hell would we tell all those distributors we just signed big, fat contracts with?”

  We make the rest of the ride in anxious silence, pulling up to the razor-wire fence that surrounds the industrial building. Flames shoot from one of the top-floor windows, but there’s not a fire truck in sight.

  “Holy fuck!”

  Temperance punches in the gate code, and her tires spit gravel as she skids into the parking lot and jams the SUV in park.

  “Where is the fire department?” I ask.

  “I don’t know! I called them. The dispatcher said they’d be here soon.”

  Not a siren can be heard, and my stomach flips. “Call them again. Right now. I’m going for a fire extinguisher.”

  She grabs my arm before I can open the door. “Are you fucking kidding me? You can’t go in there.”

  “This is my legacy. I’m not going to watch it burn to the ground without doing a damned thing to stop it.”

  I jump out of the SUV and sprint toward the building, heading around the side entrance.

  My phone clutched in my hand, I pull up Lachlan’s contact, but before I can tap Call, something heavy connects with the back of my head.