The Perfect Stroke (Lucas Brothers #1)(92)

My meeting. I don’t have to have a mirror to know I’m blushing. I can feel the heat in my face. “I think I passed the test.”

“Good, keep your head down and stay out of his line of sight.”

Yeah, too late for that, Paul.

“Yes, daddy. Can we let it go now? We knew this was going to happen. It’ll be fine. I just need you to keep looking for Allen.”

“Ana, you need to prepare yourself for the—”

“Not now, Paul. I know you mean well, but right now I need to believe that Allen is alive. Until something shows me otherwise, I’m keeping with that.”

“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll let you know if we find anything. You checking in the same time tomorrow?”

“Yeah. I’ll talk to you then.”

“Stay safe,” Paul says and I mumble an, “Always,” as I click off my cheap burn phone. I open the drawer in my bedroom and bury it under my bras and panties, then collapse on the bed, holding my head in my hands.

I f*cked up so bad today. If Paul knew what had really gone down, he’d still be ripping me a new one. How did things get so out of control? I was just going to tease him and make him loosen that tight noose of control he keeps. Shake him up.

I never meant to get carried away in it too.

I barely escaped going to his home tonight. That would have been a disaster. Well, it would have definitely worked out the frustration that has filled my body, but it would have been a disaster in the long run. I snuck out the back and stayed far away from the main entrance. I saw Roman’s limo there waiting by the club. I wonder what his reaction will be when he realizes I’m not showing up. I was tempted, but today showed me that I’m completely out of control where Roman is concerned, and I can’t afford that.

I know I only bought myself a small reprieve, but it was needed. I have to figure out what I’m going to do here. To give into my body’s demands could ruin everything. Trouble is, I think I’m against the wall now and there’s no other choice. None I’m willing to make right now. None I can make.





It’s been a f*cked up evening, leaving Ana like I did and seeing what a f*cking mess the police left of my club. I’m used to mild annoyances from the police with my lesser properties, but The Stable is one of the premier spots. It’s nothing to have VIP clients ranging from the hottest musicians and actors to political figures. Had this raid been on the weekend, it might have cost me plenty. As it was, I had the staff put a closed sign on the door and play it off like a f*cking water leak. I paid my connections plenty to keep the story out of the press.

The cops didn’t find anything. I don’t think they’re stupid enough to think they would, which begs the question as to what they were doing. Could Ana’s questions about her brother have fallen upon the ears of a sympathetic detective trying to impress her and get in her pants? I’m going to have to quiet her down. Short of sticking my dick in her mouth, which seems like the best solution, I’m at a loss as to how.

I step out of my car, already loosening up my tie. My plan is to drink some scotch and then get lost in Ana’s body. In fact, about the only bright spot of this day is Ana. Knowing she was here waiting for me kept me from going off at the club tonight.

Disappointment hits me when Ana isn’t on the sofa when I enter my home. Then again, it’s two in the morning. She probably gave up on me and went to bed. Which works out fine, since that’s exactly where I want her. Ana and I have unfinished business, and I definitely want to finish it.

“You’re home late, Mr. Anthes. Can I heat you up some dinner?” the maid Mayra asks me almost as soon as I step through the front door.

“No thanks, Mayra. I grabbed something at the club. Did you show Ana to my room?”

“Ana?”

“Didn’t my driver drop off someone earlier?”

“No, sir. It’s been quiet all evening.”

Son of a bitch.

“Never mind, then. I must have been mistaken about the night. I’m going to crash. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight sir. Try to get some rest.”

I stomp into my bedroom, pissed the f*ck off. I pick up the cordless phone on my nightstand and call my driver.

“I thought I told you to pick up Ana.”

“Yes sir, you did. I’m still waiting at the club. She hasn’t come out.”

“The club closed two hours ago. There’s no way she’s still inside. Next time I give an order, I don’t care if you have to go inside—you better make sure my orders are carried out. Do we understand each other?”

“Yes s—”

I hang up before he can finish his sentence, immediately dialing another number.

“Boss? Is something wrong?”

“I need Ana’s address and phone number,” I demand. “Now.”

“Give me a second,” Joe says, sounding put-out. “Boss, she’s a good kid. She’s not like your usual women.”

“Just get me the number, Joe.” I’m not about to get into this with him. What happens with Ana is not his business. He relays the information I need and I hang up without comment, immediately dialing the number he gave me.

“Hello?” she answers, sounding surprisingly awake for the hour.

“You’re not here, pet.”