Being Zolt by D. L. Raver Read Free Book Online

deep we are.”
    “Just how deep are we?” I asked.
    “Jackson turned up some dirt on one of Marcus’s goons. He’s got the dude’s balls in a vise grip and made him sing like a songbird.” T-bone shifted in his chair and adjusted himself.
    We both did. Men hated to think of any man’s balls being squeezed to the point of pain, even if metaphorically.
    “A high-pitched songbird, I’d imagine.”
    “Word. Anyway, as you can see from the email, he’s drumming up interest and hasn’t set a date yet. I can imagine he’s got a few sick fucks chomping at the bit to bid on Kenna’s virginity.”
    “What the hell? Marcus has no boundaries, does he?”
    “I haven’t told Campbell. Like I said, we need him to let us do what we need to do. Interestingly enough, he’s still advertising the sex club at the O’Shea Ranch. Makes me wonder why Marcus feels so secure there? And it tells me he has no idea we recently visited. Has Irelyn said anything about her time with Marcus?”
    “No. Last night, she had a nightmare that scared the shit out of me, but she won’t talk about it.” I played with the letter opener, twirling it between my fingers. “I wish she’d open up, but far be it from me to push her. Denial is a mighty large river.”
    “And you’re the poster boy for staying on shore,” T-bone laughed.
    “Ha! So what do we do about Kenna?” I asked, ignoring T. “Irelyn is drowning in guilt about leaving Kenna and Delaney behind.”
    “Well, that’s what I want to ask you about. What do you think about having someone show interest in Kenna? I have a former client who owes me a favor, a big favor. We could get him invited to the auction. This wouldn’t be a surprise since he’s been known to swing in some questionable crowds. All we have to do is set up a bank account showing the available funds.”
    “And that’s where I come in,” I said, tossing the letter opener on my desk. “You want me to fund the account.”
    “You’re a smart man, Z. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.” T-bone pointed his index finger at me. “If you don’t do it, then I have to tell Campbell. I’m confident we can extricate her that night.” He checked his Rolex on his wrist. “I have to go. The wife has a doctor’s appointment. I don’t want her driving by herself.”
    “She’s due anytime?”
    “Yeah, next week.” T-bone beamed, and I had to smile at the large, black man sitting opposite me. The proud daddy-to-be gave me a goofy smile, and I had to remind myself this face used to stare down an entire defensive line on the football field.
    He walked to the door with me following.
    “So, I’ll touch base with you after I talk to Max and see if he’s willing to play with us. I’m sure he won’t pass up the chance, the kinky asshole. You’ll talk to Irelyn about going to Quebec?”
    I nodded. “I will when she wakes. I’m letting her sleep. By the way, thanks for dealing with that woman the other day.”
    T-bone opened the door. “What, you don’t want Irelyn to find out we found you drunk and naked in your apartment with some random woman?”
    “You were what?” Irelyn said, appearing out of nowhere. Her eyes narrowed in my direction.
    T-bone spun around. “Irelyn. Uh, hi. How are you?”
    “Fine. So you found Zolt drunk and naked with a woman?”
    T shrugged and kissed Irelyn on the cheek. Without a word, the big man made a hasty exit.
    So much for my offensive line. It just crumbled in front of my eyes, I thought ruefully.
    “Zolt?” Irelyn asked. Her hurtful tone made me cringe.
    My mind scanned for possible answers. In the end, I decided to tell the truth.
    “I lost it after you called. I threw my phone against the wall then left, driving to the closest bar. I picked up a woman, took her to my apartment where we got fucked up.”
    “So you partied with her?” Her eyes were no longer narrowed but pain-filled.
    “Yeah.” My eyes drifted downward, and my stare landed on my shoes. I