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Well, if this isn’t my lucky day. I sign up for the tournament against hunters and gun owners who shoot for fun. Everyone in the state pretty much has a gun on his or her property, but they’ve never had to use it like I have. I’m feeling confident I can win this contest. Billy was taken out in the second round of the previous bracket, leaving me with a warning about the competition.
I’m not intimidated. Shooting isn’t only about hitting the targets. It’s about accuracy. When I see Cole Cutler hanging out at the judge’s table, laughing and working them over, it’s no longer about the money for me. It’s about dominance and instilling fear in him. Delilah isn’t his, and he needs to learn boundaries. Damn do I hope I’m put up against him.
When I spot Delilah, I stop to watch the show. Holy. Fuck. Her tongue dips out, whipping some of the spun sugar into her mouth before she licks her lips. Her eyes dip closed as the sweet confection coats her mouth. I’m on the move. She smiles when she sees me. “Are you signed—”
Interrupting her question, I kiss her. I take possession of that sweet mouth and when her lips part, our tongues dance among the sugar, savoring her. quick to grab her to steady her wobbling legs. Her eyes slowly open, her lips still parted. “Oh my,” she says breathlessly.
“That’s for teasing me.”
“If I get kissed like that for teasing, expect a lot more of it. Just saying.” She giggles as her free hand finds mine. Her eyes dart to the gathering crowd, and she adds, “When I said I wanted a big prize, it doesn’t have to be this one.”
“I’m all signed up. I’m in it to win it, baby.”
She lifts up and steals a kiss. “For the record, you’re pretty sexy yourself.” When she lowers back down, her smile is wiped clear from her face and the laughter stops. I know what’s changed her disposition. Cutler.
He makes a show of his presence, strutting around the place like the reigning king of the county. Fuck him. He’s so fucking cocky. I can’t wait to knock that chip right off his fucking shoulder. As if my wish was a command, an announcement blasts through the speakers. “Bracket Four report to the stage. We’ve got our very own hometown hero, Jason Koster. Former Freeland County quarterback and homecoming king.”
I hear the laughter. A lame title is better than none, so what-the fuck-ever. A gentle squeeze to my bicep causes me to flex, and she gets the full strength of what lies under this T-shirt.
Delilah stands behind me, and with a seductive whisper, she says, “I should call you king.”
The life I left behind comes racing back, and I duck my head, squeezing my eyes. They aren’t bad memories on the whole, but some, like the restless nights, were the worst. I’d like to forget those forever . . .
I know how to protect someone, how to risk my life for theirs for money, but this penthouse is secure. My mind allowed to wander back to a time that was simpler.
King and Cruise don’t know what to make of me, but they need me and know it. What started out as a job has become more. I care about these people, and Ali—I don’t let my mind go there.
It’s a job.
That’s all, I tell myself and attempt to fall asleep again.
When that doesn’t work, I get up and head down the hall. I click on the coffeemaker and start snacking on Oreos left on the counter. As I stare through the large windows, my head begins to clear as the sun rises. It’s always easier in the daytime to handle the dark crimes I’ve committed.
My mom would be devastated by the choices I’ve made, and I wonder what Delilah would think of me?
Turning to my side, I say, “Nah, I don’t need the trouble that comes along with a name like that.”
My ass is slapped. “Okay, Cuddle Bear.”
Chuckling, I roll my eyes. “Shh. We’ll keep that one between us.”
Although the humor still lingers in the air, worry starts to darken her irises when she glances toward the stage at Cutler’s name being called. “Cole Cutler, owner of Cutler Cabling and former running back for Freeland County High School.”
“You forgot to add the one who got the girl!” Cole shouts.
I glance over my shoulder as he approaches. He’s such an asshole. I want to add, the one who lost the girl, but it’s best if I keep quiet. My shoulder is shoved, and I turn, his throat in my hand within seconds. “Don’t fuck with me, Cutler, or you’ll get a repeat of what happened outside Red River.” I shove him back to the sound of Delilah gasping.
