Chapter 4

Jace

Driving in my car, I pushed my hand through my hair again. The lack of sleep the last few months was taking a toll on me. I was so exhausted, both mentally and physically. I glanced at the clock on the dashboard, stopping at a red light.

The traffic jam was crazy. I was going to be late.

I couldn't understand how I could spend the whole night not even able to blink and then fall asleep at six am. What was up with my schedule? I knew I had so much work to do, especially after my father's passing, but lately, I'd been getting only an hour or two sleep every day.

Yawning, I closed my eyes and jumped when my phone rang.

“Hello?” I said through the Bluetooth microphone.

“Jace, where are you? You're late!” Maxim shouted through the speaker.

“I'm coming, man.” I chuckled and started driving again. “I'm stuck in the traffic jam.”

“I told you not to go on the main street,” he growled, and I could tell he was rolling his eyes. Why did he even bother when he knew I never listened to him?

“Yeah, whatever. I'll be there in ten minutes.”

“Hurry up, this place is full of chicks you don't want to miss!” he screamed excitedly, the music pounding behind him, and I ended the call.

Chicks... That was the last thing I needed. I had no time for 'chicks' or the obligations they came with. A flush spread across my neck. Was I so out of it that I stared at an unfamiliar girl touch herself, and in return, touched myself? I planted my hand on my forehead and entered the parking lot. I was such an idiot. But with her hot body and masterful dancing, who wouldn't check her out? Even if I couldn't properly see her, hidden behind her couch, my imagination still played everything in my mind.

I needed to close my curtains more often.

Entering the cafe, I glanced around. It was dimmed, the dark golden-brown walls were making the place feel more like a club. The panoramic windows were darkened and didn't let enough light in.

This cafe was a place where rich, and usually, suspicious people gathered. There were playmates here, celebrities, and even drug dealers. It was perfect for people that wanted to do something in the 'dark'. It was perfect for me.

“Hey.” A girl I was sure I had seen on the covers of men magazines seductively winked at me from her table.

I ignored her. I wasn't interested in a silicone chick that only demanded money and sex. I wasn't a sugar daddy. This place was full of them. Individuals who thought climbing to the top happened through jumping in bed with the right people. And maybe they were correct. But not with me. I was barely keeping my head over the water now.

“Jace, Jace!” Maxim, rising from the sofa he was sitting on, waved at me.

His wide grin made me chuckle, and my sullen mood brightened. When I approached him and noticed the excitement in his eyes, I beamed like an idiot.

“Dude, finally!” He bumped his fist with mine and sat back down. “I feel like it's been centuries since we last met!”

I scratched my neck and grimaced. Maybe that was true.

His vigor sizzled down a notch.

“How've you been? I know now that your father's gone, the firm's responsibilities and problems fall on your shoulders.” He leaned closer. “And I know you have a lot of work. A police check-up is scheduled in two months.”

I tensed and gave him a hard look. Straight to the point, as usual.

“I'm working on it.” I sighed and let my arms rest on my legs, leaning back on the sofa.

“What can I get you?” A waitress showed up and smiled at us.

“An Irish coffee for me.” Maxim grinned at her, checking out her breasts that were almost popping out of her uniform.

I punched his bicep. “You're driving!”

He shrugged, looking as bored as if he was talking to his grandma.

“So? I won't get caught.”

I grunted. “I just hope you don't kill someone with your driving.”

“I won't, I won't.” Max beamed at me, his short black hair gleaming a bit because of all the gel he had put on it. He tried really hard to look like a spoiled rich brat. And he did it so well.

“I'd like a long coffee.” I glanced at the girl waiting for the order, and she nodded.

“No!” I stopped her when she turned to leave. She raised her brows and looked at me. “Make them two.” I lifted my fingers, and my lips twisted up.

Maxim studied me suspiciously and crossed his arms. “Is someone else coming?”

“No, I just need something extra to keep me awake.”

“Two coffees at once?” he exclaimed, his eyebrows hitting his hairline.

I shrugged. “Life is hard, what can I say.”

His expression changed to a concerned one. “Why are you the only one dealing with this? There are other accountants that can check things for you.”

A tight smile appeared on my face. “The only person I trust is myself.”

Maxim pretended to be offended. “What about me?”

I cocked an eyebrow. “You're not an accountant, are you?”

“Pf.” He scoffed. “So what? I studied accounting in high school.”

“The only thing you studied in high school was girls' anatomy.” I barked a laugh and teased.

“Whatever.” He rolled his eyes when the waitress brought us our order.

Watching her go, his demeanor changed, and Max became serious. “I'm worried about you. I feel like the probate is taking too long. It should've been over months ago.”

I looked at him and pursed my lips. I understood his concerns, but I didn't want to talk about this. It had been clinging to my mind for too long. If I had a choice... I would've never accepted the accounting firm. I didn't want to have to deal with them all my life. I saw where that led my father—to a stroke at the age of forty eight.

“I can't believe my father didn't organize everything sooner. I knew he was feeling ill the last few months, and he kept repeating that I'll have to take over soon, but... not to even have a will or a living trust... It's way too suspicious.” My gaze snapped to Maxim. “I'm sure there's someone backstage, trying to take away my inheritance.”

Max glanced around and nodded with a clenched jaw. His back straightened. “Let's just leave for now. There are too many people here.”

I took a big gulp from my coffee and stood up. Throwing a few bills on the table, I scanned the full space. If Maxim thought this wasn't a safe place, I believed him. He was a mafia son.

...

Coming back to my house, I threw my leather jacket on the chair in front of the island and stepped closer to the windows. It was so different from my father's house. There were no servants, no greenery, no guards. Holding one of the biggest accounting firms and working with the mafia required tight security and many people running around or guarding us. It felt suffocating. But at least living there, I had spent my teenage years ogling the maids and making bets with Maxim who'd be the first to seduce them. There had been nothing better to do anyway. I was always restricted and denied most of the things kids or teenagers my age could do. I had to constantly study, learn how to make the right connections and survive in the underworld world. My father required it all. His focus on me tightened more after my mother died and I became his only family.

A sigh escaped through my nose, and I massaged my temples, closing my eyes. I had to stop looking through this damn window. When I opened them again, I frowned as I saw my naughty neighbor enter her living room. I crossed my arms, needing some air. Maybe she could entertain me?

She threw her bag on the couch, aggression and anger pouring through her, and snapped her eyes to me. I cocked an eyebrow. She was ready, just like a bull seeing red. Stomping to her window, she shot daggers at me and lifted her two fingers to her eyes. Then, she turned them to me. She was watching me? Okay.

I chuckled and lifted my shoulders. I didn't really care about that. I knew how to keep my privacy and was convinced she wouldn't see anything inappropriate from me.