Standing up from my crouched position, sensing she's in no mood for games, I bend my body over hers, at the same time bracing my arms on either side of her face. I lick her bottom lip as her head comes off the bed, demanding further attention.

"I'm gonna f.u.c.k your t.i.ts."

Rather than be offended by my cra.s.s statement, Em moves her hands to her bra and offers me a full view of what's in front of me. Her eyes narrow as I make no move to continue at her pace. I'm not ready to give in.

Once I've crawled to straddle on top of her, Em surprises me by taking my c.o.c.k into her mouth again. The warm feel of her tongue maneuvering around the head of my c.o.c.k forces me to still. My hands brace above her and my hips thrust in and out twice. Before I allow her to do what she wants, which is take control, I look down and watch as her hands and mouth work me hard.

"Emilyn." Because I've called her out of her concentration, her head twists in my direction.

She's f.u.c.king smirking.

My eyebrows lift in question before she places my c.o.c.k in the middle of her chest. The soft flesh of her skin is warm.

"Greedy," I explain out loud exactly what she is. "Spread your legs."

Em maneuvers under me and after she's kicked off the rest of her jeans, her thighs spread. With her thong still in place, I reach between us, move it to the side and slide into her slick core without waiting for her to undress completely.

My arm wraps around the back of her shoulders, pulling her closer into my neck and chest.

"Mouth," I hiss before she closes the distance between us and gives me what I want.

For the next thirty minutes, Em continuously gives me what I need. However, I've found by doing so, she's enjoying every f.u.c.king minute just as much as I am.

After we've finished and she comes out of the bathroom, she finds me still lying in the same place she's left me. Her smile is there, but now that we've been reacquainted, I note a shade of concern looming behind her eyes.

"You're thinking again," I observe out loud.

"I know. Sorry. But it's hard not to."

"Come here," I demand as I stretch my arm out, giving her room to lie next to me.

She does as she's told and drapes her arm across my waist. Her hair is wet from the shower and she smells clean, like fresh linens. I quickly let go of the thoughts of Casey and how her room smells void of anything fresh.

"I saw Dee Dee," I tell her, not able to let go of club thoughts completely.

"What?" she asks with shock, sitting up and looking at me directly. "You did?"

"I did," I admit. "I've seen her a couple of times now."

"How is she?"

"As good as she can be, I think," I answer with the honest truth, not choosing to elaborate.

"Did she say anything about you being there?"

"No. I offered to help her get out, though."

Em draws in a breath. I'm unsure if it's hope or fear. "Do you think you can?"

"I know I can. It's a matter of if she'd let me."

"Do you think she'll let you?"

"No, Em. I don't. Creed's all she's known for a long time. When you're surrounded in a life like they have there, you don't just pick up and walk away."

"You did," she tells me. "You left wherever you were."

"I left because it fell apart. Bad things happen and when they do, a person has to decide how they want to live. I'm not sure Dee Dee will make the choice, but I do know it has to be her decision. I just gave her an option."

Emma turns her head and kisses my chest softly. Her fingers run the expanse of it before resting on my left piercing.

Kissing the crown of her head, we sit in silence together, each thinking of what's happening around us and understanding we have no control over any of it.

"I need to check back in at the club," I tell Em as I start to sit up.

She releases me and pulls back to give me room to grab my phone. "I'll start unpacking what we bought today."

"I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Okay."

After watching Em change out of her robe, I wait until I know she's gone.

The call to Viktor goes through and he answers his office phone on the first ring, but doesn't speak once it picks up.

Unsure if it's him, I say, "Still eleven?"

"Eleven," he tells me before hanging up to disconnect the call.

Chapter Twenty-Two.

Leaving Emma after spending the evening with her was the last thing I wanted to do. She didn't understand why I had to walk out at a moment's notice. But that was all the notice I chose to give her. I didn't want our short time together to be plagued with thoughts of where I was going, or the possibility of when or if I'd ever come back.

The scheduled meeting with Viktor starts in less than fifteen minutes and rather than sit and wait for Dee Dee or Hangar to notice I'm on club grounds, I've decided to check on Casey. Viktor wasn't in his office when I stopped in for the key a few minutes ago.

Anna voiced no issue in giving it to me, though. She only told me to put it back when I was finished.

Once the lock to Casey's room is popped, I knock on the door once, giving her advance warning before entering. When I open it and find her lying in her bed with the covers drawn up to her chin, resting quietly, I decide not to disturb her. Of any person here, it's she who deserves to rest.

"She's okay," Anna whispers to my back as I step out to close and lock the door as quietly as I can.

Turning around to look at her, I find her fighting a smile. Even though it's only with her eyes, they reflect quiet humor.

"Hey," I greet, matching her whisper. "I told you I'd bring back the key."

"I know, but I didn't want to talk to you in Viktor's office, so I followed after I finished for the night."

"Talk about what?" I ask, unable to sense what she's after.

"Come," she says, walking ahead of me but looking back to ensure I follow.

As we take a few steps side by side, Anna's attention remains ahead toward the kitchen. The light is on, but there aren't any voices coming in anywhere around us.

"The meeting with Viktor tonight," she starts.

Interrupting, I ask, "He told you about it?"

"Yes," she says with a small laugh, but it's not genuine. "I know about all Viktor's meetings."

"Then you know all about how he makes his money," I accuse.

She frowns. "I was once how Viktor made his money."

I knew this before, but she's confirmed it. "And?"

"I think you need to be prepared for whatever may happen. And it would help if you understood a few things first."

Not completely trusting her, as she's already admitted even without words she's on Viktor's side on this, I wait for her to continue. When she doesn't, I prod. "Understand what?"

She stops us from walking, grabs my arm, and turns her body in the direction of mine. "You need to understand that whatever happens, it's in Casey's best interest you don't fight what you see."

"Casey's best interest." I repeat her words for my benefit, letting them settle in my mind. Everything I'm doing is for her best interest, even from the start of this. It's Anna who knows more than anyone.

"Yes," she answers as she turns to start walking again. "You care for her and she cares for you. I'm glad she has that."

"I'm not sure it's any use to anyone how much I care for her."

"It is," she insists. "It will be, I mean."

"You people talk in code," I sternly voice my opinion.

"Take my advice. Do as Viktor asks and let the rest go. It's what Casey needs right now."

As we continue to walk, I stay quiet. I don't understand much of this, but I'm getting the feeling that whatever tonight's meet includes, I won't be happy with its outcome.

Once we're standing inside the kitchen's entrance, Anna turns to face me again. Her eyes are trained back down the hall to Casey's door. "You have to trust me," she pleads. "You're all she has."

"She has you and, if I'm not wrong, she has Cilas."

Smiling, Anna looks up to me. Her eyes brighten in reaction to my observation. "Yes, she definitely has Cilas. I can tell a lot from the protection he gives her. He keeps her close to him, even when he knows he shouldn't. I think he's rather fond of her."

Looking to the ground, I contemplate telling Anna things she doesn't already know. I want to tell her about Aimes, Low, and Brayden. She seems to understand that, even from her position, Casey doesn't belong here. I say nothing, though; I've no reason to truly trust her.

"I'll do what I can tonight," I ensure and watch as the light in her eyes dims to what I deem is sudden sadness. "I appreciate the heads-up," I add as I turn around and head alone in the opposite direction.

As I walk closer to Viktor's office, I contemplate Anna's words and how she expressed that my behavior benefits Casey. These people talk as if they're speaking in another language. Everything is veiled, and I hate getting caught up in the mix of never understanding what they're actually saying.

"Max," Viktor greets with a smile as I enter. "Good to see you again."

Looking around his barren office, I find, other than Viktor, I'm the only one in here. "You said eleven, is that right?"

"I did," he replies, motioning with his hand for me to close the door behind me. "The others have arrived, so we'll wait for Anna to bring them in."

"Anything I'm supposed to be doing in the meantime?"

"No." Standing up, Viktor signals to the small bar behind the desk.

"None for me, thanks," I answer, knowing I could use a drink, but I also need to keep a clear head.

As he pours himself a shot, he asks, "How's Casey this evening?"

I don't hesitate before answering. He already knows my feelings about her. "Good. She's sleeping. I gave Anna back her key."

"Very well," he tells me before turning around and settling back behind his desk. He places the gla.s.s on the top and looks at it briefly. Finally lifting his gaze to mine, he gives instruction. "You're going to do all I ask tonight, Max. This is important. You'll keep quiet and you will not interfere."

His Russian accent, so thick with intimidation, doesn't shake me as he thinks it should. "Got it."

"Yes," he replies. Moving his eyes to the computer screen, he smiles carefully before looking to the door. The moment he does, there's a small knock.

"Enter," he barks.

When I turn my eyes to aim behind me, I watch as Anna walks in first. She doesn't spare me a glance, but I note she looks fl.u.s.tered and nervous. Keeping up with what she's asked me to do, I casually nod my greeting.

My hands grasp the arms of the chair when I turn around to see who's about to enter the room.

What the f.u.c.k?

Aimes looks as though he just walked out of a photo shoot. His hair is short, neat, and clean. His face is void of any traces of his usual beard or stubble, and his clothes are impeccably ironed and meticulous. I swallow my nerves and move to stand. His eyes find mine, the narrowing of his the only signal I'm given to stay quiet. I feel my pulse beat wildly throughout my body. My head pounds with antic.i.p.ation.

What the f.u.c.k is he doing?

This was his reason for staying under the radar? He's been setting up a meet with Viktor, one on one, for himself? There were a thousand opportunities over the last two weeks when he could've sent word that this was the plan. But instead, he insisted I not know.

Jesus Christ, this is a bad f.u.c.kin' play.

Taking Viktor's words of advice, I say nothing to Aimes. Instead, as the room stays quiet, I make my way to another chair, the one which sits furthest away from Viktor's desk. It's the last chair in the back, and seeing that Viktor only wants me to observe, it's the best place for me. I'm cloaked in the dimness of the office.

Anna doesn't offer a look in my direction as I take my seat. She stands quietly next to Viktor as he remains seated behind his desk. Her eyes are trained directly on Aimes and even from behind him, I could bet his are zeroed in on her. It's suspicious, and in the soundless tension of the room, their unsaid words are making a f.u.c.k of a lotta noise.

Again, what the f.u.c.k?