The Reunion in Shadows

He reached for something and lifted it into view. A business card. Black with a gold print. I extended an arm to take it from his fingers. "Call when you're ready."

Instead of responding verbally, I offered a tight nod and stepped out of the vehicle, sliding the card into my interior jacket pocket. I smoothed my hands down the front and exhaled the cleansing breath to relax my sore muscles. My body was still recovering from the beating I'd taken in the ring.

In the back, a large metal door painted black with two men standing guard greeted me with hard stares. This was the sh*t I didn't like. But it was a necessary evil. Whatever was going on inside required discretion.

The last time I had been here, it was to stand guard with my brother while he did our father's bidding. None of these people had seen or heard from me in years, which meant I would have to toss around my father or brother's names until they were familiar with my face again.

Can I help you?" the first one asked, and the second took a step forward in preparation.

"Eirik."

"And?"

"I'm here to meet my brother, Ezekiel Omari."

Recognition flashed in his eyes. "Yes, sir, Mr. Omari. Please step inside. Take the elevator to the left."

He offered up a sleek plastic card, which I accepted without cursing him out like I wanted to. The door was opened and held for me. " Enjoy your evening, Mr. Omari.

I didn't respond. I traveled halfway down the hall, stopping at the elevator. Once I held the card to the magnetic strip, the doors opened. Inside there was an identical strip where I repeated the motion, the doors closed, and I traveled down.

Once the car came to a stop and the doors opened again, I had to squint until my eyes adjusted to the dimly lit space I'd stepped into. A warm glow from chrome and crystal-embellished sconces illuminated the walls and glass cylinders on tables and around the bar. The ambiance was sexy. Men in suits were grouped in sections, and naked women were either on their laps or being serviced. Out in the open, men had their dicks down their throats or were flat-out fucking them with no care for the eyes that watched. The emotions spiraled into other heated exchanges.

Shit was crazy, but not outside the scope of what I would expect here. These types of gatherings were specifically designed to cater to men with money. Men who wanted the appearance of looking and feeling exclusive. Women who served a purpose but looked and behaved a certain way while serving that purpose were high-priced pussies. That had never and would never be my thing, which was why I wasn't sure why Ez asked me to meet him here.

"I expected you not to show." My brother stepped into view and offered me a cursory glance as he checked me out. "I also didn't expect you to play the part. You clean up nice, Lyle."

"I know how to wear a fucking suit. Whenit's required."

"I never said you didn't. Only that, I hadn't expected it."

"I'm not here to talk about my fucking clothes, Ez."

"No, you're not. Let's get right to it then, shall we?"

He extended an arm, motioning to the bar. Once we stopped, I frowned at my brother. "You know I don't drink."

Ez turned and stared at me pensively before offering a nod. "Water. They'll assume it's vodka. These deals are a combination of expensive liquor and inflated egos. You don't drink; they're on edge. I need them relaxed."

"Why wouldn't they be?"

"You're you, Lyle. You make people uncomfortable." He smirked and turned to the bar. He ordered bourbon for himself and requested water in a glass for me on the rocks. I accepted it but wasn't in the mood for playing games. I did, however, decide to do my brother this one solid. I'd play nice. For now.

"Who are we meeting?"

"Forrester and Parker The deal I proposed to you concerns them as well. We all agree to what it will cost if we can't form an alliance to keep things balanced."

Terrance Forrester and Kenton Parker were part of the two families that had control of the northern states. I half-expected representatives from all eight families to be here tonight, so knowing it was only Forrester and Parker settled the building irritation. The one thing I never wanted, I was now being forced into.

"I haven't agreed."

"Understood. I just want you to hear them out. You don't trust me."

"I trust them even less."

Ez chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "I know. Just listen to what they have to say. If you still don't agree, you go home, and I'll deal with whatever happens."

"How?"