Page 35 of Cold Hard Cash

“Don’t sweat it.” Rowena either didn’t notice the fib or she was ignoring it. “So! Excited about tonight?”

“Totally,” Jimmy said, and this time his smile was genuine.

They chatted about the party and Jimmy listened to Rowena’s gossip about the Gentlemen until their food arrived. Jimmy had never been so happy to eat, ravenously devouring two cheeseburgers by himself. It helped settle his stomach, and he was soon feeling much better.

Worley returned with the finished suit, claiming it was a masterpiece, but Rowena fell into a fit of cursing when she realized what time it was.

“Your masterpiece took longer than an hour!” Rowena wailed. “Fuck! We’re gonna be late!”

Rowena went out to the car to fetch a pair of Jimmy’s new shoes and socks, commanding him to get ready. She left the room this time and took Worley with her.

Jimmy stripped, but he frowned at his underwear. They were another ratty pair of boxer briefs like the ones Rowena had teased him about. It didn’t feel right to wear something so awful with such a nice suit. He decided to be daring and skip undergarments completely, grinning as he finished getting dressed.

He ignored the heaviness creeping into his heart thinking about Augustus’ investigation. He knew Cold was a murderer. There was no doubt about it. Rowena had even said he served time for killing their father. But when he and Jimmy were together, none of that mattered. Cold became his whole world, and Jimmy found he didn’t care about the terrible things the man had done.

Being with Cold made him feel complete.

It was then Jimmy resolutely made up his mind. If this deal with Cold was going to amount to anything more, Jimmy had to be honest with him. He was going to tell Cold the truth about Augustus.

Tonight.

Jimmy balled up his old clothes and stepped out of the room for Rowena’s approval. She squealed in delight, adjusting his suit and fussing with his hair. After a spray of cologne, she deemed him fit for the party.

“So, just how late are we going to be?” Jimmy asked once they were back in the limo.

“Mm, late enough to make a big entrance.” Rowena smiled wickedly. Having brought her new golden dress with them, she pointed at Jimmy and giggled. “Now, I’ve gotta get ready! No peeking!”

Jimmy closed his eyes, although he was tempted to open them out of concern from the bumping around he heard. “You okay?”

“Okay, all good.” Rowena cleared her throat. “Ta-da!”

Jimmy opened his eyes, grinning to see Rowena changed into her new dress with matching glittering heels, makeup already switched to a sultry night look, and her hair swept back in an elegant pouf of curls. He laughed and clapped. “Very impressive.”

“Might have had to get dressed in the back of a car once or twice in my life.” She grinned, shimmying her shoulders. She picked up the phone and twisted the cord around her finger as she said, “Hey, Jerry? Beautiful, handsome, gorgeous Jerry? Light of my life, apple of my eye? Step on it, babe. We got a fuckin’ party to get to!”

Chapter eight

Cold’s compound was a massive estate consisting of a mansion, a large conservatory, and a grand pool watched over by elaborate marble statues. It was surrounded by a tall iron fence, and the grounds were patrolled constantly by armed guards.

With dogs.

Wow.

Jimmy pressed his face against the window of the limo, staring in awe as they were ushered through the gates. He hadn’t seen any place so incredible except in the movies.

The limo pulled right up to the front of the mansion, and a waiting attendant opened the door to offer his hand to assist Rowena out.

“Thanks,” she cooed, gracefully exiting the limo with her giant purse under her arm. “Would you be a dear and take the bags in the trunk upstairs? You can put them all in Roddy’s room. Thanks, dear!”

Jimmy stumbled after Rowena, his jaw still slack as he looked around. He couldn’t believe any of this was real. He was afraid to touch anything when they walked inside, his eyes wide as he tried to take everything in.

It was modern, simple, clean. Cold liked dark, cool colors and strong, bold furniture. There were no pictures that Jimmy could see, no art or decor other than a single gold mirror in the foyer, but there were dozens of fresh calla lilies scattered all throughout the house. Their fragrance was faint but inviting amongst the cold decor.

Rowena carelessly dropped her purse on a nearby table. She grabbed Jimmy’s hand, giggling as she pulled him along. “Come on!” She marched through the long hallways, heels clicking as she called out sweetly, “Roddy! Where are you?” After a few turns and still no answer, she shrieked, “Rod, where the fuck are you at?”

“In the den!” Cold yelled. “For fuck’s sake, Rowena!”

Rowena smiled triumphantly, leading Jimmy toward the source of her brother’s voice.