Page 92 of Spring Break Fling

“Do we need to go to the police?”

“For what?” I scoffed. “I didn’t get names. No, that’s not true. Rich. Big dude was Rich. Guy that kept trying to fucking shank me, I don’t know.”

“You took on two guys with knives?” He looked genuinely impressed.

“No. One guy had a knife. The other guy was the size of a fucking grizzly bear.” I noticed Diego studying me carefully. “What?”

“Nothing,” he said, a bit too quickly. “Just thinking.”

“About?”

“You’re fucked.”

“Gee, thanks for pointing that out,” I said. “I almost didn’t know that. Then the pain reminded me.”

“How are you going to handle this?”

I leaned back, wincing at the pain that shot through my ribs. “Not much to handle. I’m sure they’ll report back to whoever sent them that I’m not an easy target.”

Diego didn’t look convinced. “You’re going to need backup. This isn’t just some random street fight. These guys are professionals.”

“I can handle myself,” I muttered.

“Can you?” he challenged. “Because I doubt you’ll survive another dance with them.”

I rubbed my face, wincing as my fingers brushed over my bruised jaw. “I need to see her,” I said finally. “Apologize for being a dick. I don’t want that to be how we end things.”

Diego nodded, standing. “Then let’s go.”

The moment we stepped outside, we heard voices. Heated ones.

Jessie was pacing in the driveway, her hands gesturing wildly as she berated someone just out of sight.

I was used to Jess going off on people. I wondered who had gotten on her bad side.

“You manipulative little snake!” she spat. “I can’t believe I let you into the shop. Into his life. You think you’re just going to waltz out of here without him knowing the truth? Think again.”

My heart sank when I saw who she was talking to. Hannah stood there, her face pale and tear-streaked, her arms crossed protectively over her chest.

“What truth?” I asked. “What the hell are you doing, Jess?”

Jessie whirled around, startled, then pointed a finger at Hannah. “Why don’t you tell him?”

Hannah took a shaky step forward, her eyes wide and pleading. “Nikko, please⁠—”

“What is going on?” I asked.

I stepped closer to Hannah. Whatever was happening, Hannah was upset. I didn’t like that.

“Tell him!” Jess shouted.

“Back off,” I growled.

“Nikko, you have to understand,” Hannah said.

“Understand what?”

“She came back to get her tattoo fixed and to get revenge,” Jessie said, her voice dripping with venom. “She wanted to make you fall for her so she could bail and leave you in the dust. That was her plan all along. She doesn’t like you. She only wanted to fuck with your emotions!”