Page 108 of Silent Damage

“I wanted you to win, and you did. I’m proud of you, Jason.”

His words hit me right in the chest, and a tingly sensation travels through my body.

My voice cracks in the most humiliating way as I say, “That means a lot to me.”

“I’ve been thinking about where to place you and landed on theft. You’re tough and quick. Theft can be dangerous, and you need to be light on your feet and ready to fight if need be.”

I nod vigorously. “That sounds like me, alright.”

Tobias smirks, a devilish glint in his eyes. “I thought you might agree. We actually have a job coming up soon, and I want you to be ready for it. We have a training facility on the outskirts of town, and I’d like you to report there every day starting on Monday.”

“Absolutely,” I exclaim.

“It’s a team operation, and I’ll be there, too. You’ll be with four other Hellcats who’ll have your back, but you need to have theirs, too. It’s a big job, but I trust you can rise to the occasion.”

“I won’t be dead weight,” I assure him.

Tobias smiles. “I have faith in you, little pup.”

I really hope that’s not my nickname now. “May I ask what the job is?”

Tobias rises from his seat and walks to the only photograph hanging on the wall. It’s a picture of two boys, and I’m almost positive it's him and Torren as teenagers.

His finger trails over the frame as he speaks. “I don’t believe in a lot of things, Jason, but I do believe in vengeance. My brother and I—” his voice stops, and he turns to me.

The look on his face makes me shiver. “Our foster parents used us in their child sex trafficking operation. A lot of people did things to my brother and me that they needed to pay for. And they did. Every single one of them.”

His eyes darken, and the air in the room feels colder somehow. “Except Roger Parker. His brother, Rhett, is the leader of a rival gang called the Black Hearts, and he protected Roger.” Tobias smiles, but his eyes look deadly. “But nothing could stop me. I got him and kept something that I knew he loved. It was a teal sapphire necklace—a symbol of my victory.” His face turns crimson, and I swallow. “His brother stole it from me. I want it back, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.”

My heart pounds in my chest as cold sweat drips down my back.

“This job is very important to me, Jason.”

“I-I won’t let you down,” I stutter.

“Promise?” he asks.

“Promise.”

He smiles. “Good boy.”

Forgive the smell; that was me shitting my pants.

“Run along, little pup. One of my men will give you the address of the training grounds.”

“Yes, sir. I mean—Jesus Christ, fuck me sideways—”

Tobias huffs a laugh. “If I can’t fuck you sideways, neither can Jesus. That treat is apparently reserved for my brother's little mute friend,” he says with an arched brow.

“Sorry, Tobias.”

“Don’t be. It’s endearing.” Then his face shifts, the emotion leaving entirely. “Don’t be endearing when you’re on the job. Be lethal. Training starts tomorrow.”

He waves his hand, dismissing me, and takes a seat at his desk.

I hurry to leave and, when the door shuts, I lean against it and take a long, deep breath.

Chapter 25