Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Leo

I look over a row of columns in the accounting books for Regal, one of our smaller clubs, as Kim lounges on the settee in my office. It's only been a few hours since I came all over her stomach, and yet, I'd love nothing more than to bend her over that little couch and fuck her every which way.

She's laying on her side, typing something into her phone, the position highlighting the curves of her body.

I look down again, realizing I've completely lost my place. At this rate, we're never going to make it back to Temptation.

But before I can really start again, my phone buzzes, Mason's number flashing on my screen.

He hasn't called in a while, and as my gaze flicks back to Kim, I don't have to wonder what this is about. I'm sure my conversation with the other Kincaids has gotten back to Mason. "Hello?"

"Got a minute?"

"Yeah. Just give me a sec, Mason." I give Kim a quick smile and then get up from the desk, as she sits up and gives me a questioning stare.

I wink and then cross the room to kiss her temple before I step out of the office and down the hall to the empty locker room.

"What's up?" I finally ask, ready for whatever's coming my way.

"I need to talk to you about Kim," Mason says, his tone giving nothing away.

At least he's direct. I appreciate that. "Sure."

"I hear you hired her."

"I did." I'm walking back and forth to expel extra energy. I didn't used to be so twitchy. I've always liked being physical, maybe more than any of my brothers. But after my father was shot, it was like I was consumed by anger.

"And that she's killing it at Temptation."

"She is." I stop in front of a mirror, noting the lines of tension around my mouth and eyes. I'm not sure where Mason is taking this.

Mason pauses. "And that her roommates are bailing on her."

"Charlotte told you."

Mason lets out a long breath. "Is something going on between you and Kim?"

Old Leo would have told him to fuck off and stay out of my business.

"Listen, Mason."

"I'm listening and you better make this good," he grits into the phone.

Fuck. You. But I hold the words in, drawing in several deep breaths before I actually speak. "Whatever you're worried about, I've got her making mad money at Temptation, I'm there every night she is, and I will not allow her to move into Charlotte's old place. There is no reason she should be in a hellhole like that when we've got more real estate than we know what to do with."

Mason is silent for so long, I wonder if he hung up on me. Finally, he speaks, "Are you thinking of moving her into the building you're living in with the guys?" he asks. His change in mood and tone catch me off guard, but I recover quickly.

"No. The Italians are more of a threat than ever, and we both know that the Carcettis are gearing up for some big move. I don't think it's safe enough there."

"Agreed," Mason rumbles.

Mason and I never agree. Never. "For that reason, I think a different building would be better. Got anything else I can move us into?"

"Us?" Mason asks, his voice sharp.

"I wouldn't want her in a building alone either."

"Roman could?—"

"Fuck that." I know I didn't directly answer his question about my relationship with Kim, but we both know what's happening here. Still, this moment should be about reason, not about me acting like a blunt hammer. I might actually be learning a few things here. "With her working at Temptation, I've been driving her back and forth. The nights are late. I'm a better choice than Roman, since I can also act as chauffeur."

"I agree." I blink twice, surprised Mason is being so…reasonable. All Kincaids have a hard head and when it comes to me and him…

"I've actually got another building I just finished. It's empty but the penthouse is gorgeous. Maybe you should take her there."

I stare at my phone. What is happening? My brother is supporting my ideas? "Okay."

"Jake says that you're doing really well with staying sober."

"Mason, you're officially being weird."

He chuckles. "Yeah. Probably. But I can hear that you're way more worried about Kim's safety and future than your own agenda, and that helps. I'm proud of you."

"I don't need your pride," I bite back, sounding like old Leo. Because he's hit a sore spot. I did do something completely selfish where Kim is concerned.

And I deserve Mason's irritation. I scrub a hand down my face. I'm the reason that Kim didn't get the spot at the New York Ballet. She was their first choice, but I made a generous donation for them not to hire her until the winter. That way she'd stay in Vegas a little longer.

I know it was a shit thing to do. I wanted her in my bed again. I had rationalized that once we'd had some more time together, I'd call the ballet and have them invite her back. But as I think about it, I know it's one of those types of choices that caused me a great deal of problems in the past and I shouldn't have done it.

"There is no need to be angry," he rumbles, not sounding irritated. "But if compliments bother you, can we talk about the apartment at least?"

I know Mason is trying. More than I am, and it's not his fault I did something completely dickish. Something I have to confess to her soon. But I focus on Mason now. "Yeah. That would be great." And speaking of confessing. "But first, I'm not going to lie to you, I don't really do long-term, but I plan on helping Kim get to New York safely and with plenty of money in her pocket."

Mason lets out another long breath. "I don't love the idea of you and her, but Charlotte says that Kim is a big girl who can do what she wants."

"She is that. Doesn't take much shit either…"

Mason laughs again, "Charlotte also said that Kim doesn't date unless she really wants to. And…" Mason scrubs his jaw, I hear it. "And I can tell that you are taking her safety seriously, which I really appreciate."

I hang up, kind of irritated. I could hear that Mason was leaving out the topic of me and Kim dating because Charlotte was making him. But if he had his druthers…Mason would be all up in my grill. Hence my irritation. Well that, and Mason does that to me. I know he means well, but he's a bossy prick and I'm not a man who wants to be bossed.

But I can't deny my brother is really smart, and he's got a good head for planning. For the first time since I hatched this Toni Carcetti plan, I consider asking his opinion. I can be the instrument that brings justice but maybe with Mason involved, I could do it discreetly, without landing myself in prison.

Mason and I really are mending some fences… though he still pisses me off.

Returning to the office, however, I forget all about my brother when I find Kim stretched out on her back, her pretty feet dangling off one end of the couch.

I lean over, kissing her lips as she winds her arms around my neck. "Everything all right?"

"Fine." I kiss her again. "Mason has another building he thinks we should move into."

Her brows lift. "Mason is suggesting that both you and I move into some building together?"

"Mason wants you safe. And though he doesn't approve of much of what I do, maybe rightfully so, he's all for you living in a decent apartment."

"There is no way that the apartment is ‘decent.' It's sure to be downright decadent."

That makes me laugh. "You've got me there."

"You and Mason aren't getting along so well?"

"He thinks he is my keeper. I don't like being kept." Then I shake my head. "And like I said, I fucked up."

She nods. "I remember."

"So I'm trying to prove that I deserve his trust again. That's how you right a wrong, correct?"

"Yes. That's how."

"I honestly thought he was going to roast me for getting involved with you." My fingers slide into her hair, unable to keep from touching more of her.

"But he thinks you have good intentions like helping me pay tuition and keeping me from really awful neighborhoods."

"Yeah. About that and my good intentions. That night we hooked up at the wedding?—"

A knock interrupts us. "Mr. Kincaid," the manager of Regal calls. "Can I have your assistance at the bar?"

"Go," Kim whispers. "I'm going to sign up for my class."

I get up, reluctantly leaving her side as I head out to the bar. This conversation is to be continued.