Free Unleashed by Shadows (By Moonlight Book 10) by Nancy Gideon

again.”
    “So what are they doing here, out in the open as bold as can be?” he mused, calculating gaze lingering on Terry and his friends. “Find out.”
    *
    Cale scarcely had time to sip past the suds on his beer before he was accosted.
    “What are they doing here?”
    He followed Silas’s disapproving glare poolside where his brothers were quickly surrounded by bikinied girls. “Behaving themselves. They were invited by our host. Would you prefer them where you couldn’t see them?”
    “I’d prefer them in Nevada.” He flicked the lapel of the Dolce & Gabbana jacket. “Couldn’t find a clean shirt?”
    “Figured he’d be less likely to slit my throat if he’s drooling over my pecs.”
    “Be careful. He might want to buy what you’re advertising.”
    Cale leveled an icy stare. “Hey, I’m just a selfish, indiscriminating man whore who fucks anything that moves. Isn’t that what you told Kendra?”
    Silas chose not to comment. “Where is she tonight?”
    “Safe with family.”
    Since he was here and his sister was honeymooning, it didn’t take MacCreedy long to narrow down the options and be reassured. “Good.”
    “Did you think I wouldn’t be taking care of her?”
    “If you were, she’d be in Nevada, too.”
    “You underestimate her. You always have. That’s why she’s with me.”
    Further discussion on that point curtailed when Nica joined them looking unusually feminine in a gauzy turquoise dress that skimmed her knees. Skillfully applied makeup and a loose updo softened the hawk-like angles of her face.
    Cale noticed. “You look very lovely tonight.”
    Caught by surprise, she went immediately on the defensive. “I could still kill you before you blink if I had to.” Her cool dark blue gaze assessed him in a sweep. “That’s little overtly tarty for my taste.”
    His grin was swift and his laugh genuine.
    “Excuse me.”
    They turned toward a pretty young man with olive skin and wavy black hair.
    “Mr. Lee would like to speak with you. Follow me.”
    “Into the lion’s den,” Cale murmured as he trailed behind the MacCreedys.
    *
    As Cale predicted, after they were brought before him, Casper Lee had a difficult time tearing his stare away from the skin exposed by the deep vee of his suit jacket. Absently, he gave the young delivery boy a pat on the ass and murmured, “Thank you, Angelo. Leave us.”
    Angelo made a pouty face but quickly faded away.
    Lee gestured to the elegant hooded settees. “Make yourselves comfortable.” As Silas and Nica settled together in one of them, Cale continued to stand. He followed Lee’s glance poolside where his brothers, even Kip, had paired off with eager companions. “Thank you for bringing them. I trust they’re being suitably entertained.”
    Cale offered a thin smile. “You offer everything here they require to amuse themselves.”
    “And you, Mr. Terry? Are you easily amused?”
    “No. Not when there’s business pending.”
    Casper waved him into a chair. “Sit. If you refuse to relax, at least look comfortable.” When he did as asked, Lee turned to Silas. “Has he told you I’ve decided to give him a second chance?”
    “Yes, but was rather vague about the terms. I’m hoping that’s why we’re here tonight.”
    A chuckle. “Maybe I invited you because I enjoy the company.” When Silas said nothing, Lee smiled. “You’re an astute man, Mr. Creed.”
    “I’m a businessman, Mr. Lee, so let’s get to it. What are your terms for continuing our relationship.”
    “Relationship,” he echoed with a sigh. “Yes, indeed. Mr. Terry has convinced me that if I move him up in the game, he will not disappoint me. Such a move requires certain concessions he’s been unwilling to make to this juncture. I need to be assured he’s ready to make them now.”
    Silas glanced at Cale, his fleeting scowl an I told you so regarding his absent shirt. “What concessions?”
    Lee tented his pudgy fingers. “Top billing comes with