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“Another one?” Jimmy laughed, smiling and brazenly resting his hands on Cold’s hips. “Don’t we have enough deals?”

“For the ring.” Cold pried Jimmy’s hands away. “What if I was to forgive your entire debt?”

Jimmy’s heart stopped on the spot, and he was horrified. No more debt meant no more arrangement, which meant no more nights together. “Why would you do that?”

“Is it not a generous offer?” Cold raised his brow.

Too softened by the alcohol to even pretend he wasn’t upset, Jimmy instantly felt stung. “And that’s it? One ring and it’s all over?”

“Didn’t realize the ring meant that much to you.”

“You mean that much to me,” Jimmy protested passionately, glaring at Cold even as his guts churned and his legs wobbled.

Cold looked surprised, and he placed his hands on Jimmy’s shoulders to steady him. His eyes narrowed, and then his expression darkened. “Mr. Poe, I think you’re forgetting what this is between us. This is business.”

“You’re so full of shit,” Jimmy challenged.

“Excuse me?” Cold flinched, squeezing Jimmy’s shoulders a little harder.

“You are full of shit,” Jimmy repeated without hesitation.

“Mr. Poe, you’re drunk.”

“And you’re an asshole!”

“Careful now. I’m willing to overlook your intoxicated behavior, but—”

“Why can’t you just say it?” Jimmy pleaded, his eyes tearing up. “Just admit you have feelings for me! Something! Anything!”

Hand snapping around Jimmy’s neck, Cold snapped furiously, “There is nothing to admit! You’re a warm body and a hot mouth. Nothing more. Take the deal.”

Jimmy scoffed and grabbed Cold’s wrist, nostrils flaring as he spat, “You’re a fucking asshole, and you’re a goddamn liar!”

Cold yanked Jimmy close, so close their breath mingled, and his icy eyes burned with rage.

But Jimmy refused to retreat, and he held Cold’s wrist tighter. “I don’t know why you keep trying to hurt me, you know I don’t believe a fucking word of it. Just because you’re too much of a coward, I don’t—”

“You stupid fucking kid,” Cold seethed as he gave Jimmy a rough shake. “Don’t you get it? You could have been killed tonight!”

Jimmy’s eyes widened. With the truth right there in front of him, there was no way it could be taken back. Cold did care. He cared so much that he was afraid for Jimmy. Jaw hanging open, Jimmy realized in horror that Cold was right.

The men who had assaulted him and Rowena could have done so much worse.

What if Tamerlane hadn’t been there?

What if the bouncers weren’t fast enough?

What if…

What if they’d had a gun?

Jimmy knew he should take the new deal and run as far away as he could. He would be a target as long as he stayed with Cold. He could keep the job at the club, sing for a few months, save up his money. He could get his life straightened out, work on getting his father freed, and never see the gangster again.

But he couldn’t.

It was stupid and dangerous but so was what he felt for Cold. The sensation was without compare, and it made his heart ache whenever the man was near. He couldn’t give him up.

Cold’s hand was still wrapped tight around Jimmy’s neck, his chest heaving as he fought to keep his emotions in check. His usually stoic face was raw and hurting. For the very first time, Jimmy saw Boss Cold look uncertain.