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“The check is just a formality. The actual amount has already been deposited into the foundation’s account.”
“This is too much.”
“Now, you can update your house and make it easier for Achilles to get around,” Cobra continued like she hadn’t spoken. “Buy him a new wheelchair and help out with the medical costs.”
“Did you hear anything I said?”
“Today’s the last day of the carnival, so there will be more money deposited tomorrow, and then every year, different organizations will add to it. Probably won’t be as much as this, but it’ll be enough that maybe your mother won’t have to work so much.”
“It’s a wonderful gesture, but I can’t—”
“I’ll text you all the bank information and how you can access the transfer of funds.”
Mamba had mentioned Cobra’s one-mindedness, but this was craziness.
“Please just listen to me. I can’t—”
Cobra hit her with those ice-blue eyes. “The foundation is in order, the bank account is valid, and all you have to do is manage it as you see fit.” Cobra rose from the chair. “It’s already a done deal.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t have to say anything.”
He might’ve smiled before he left the trailer, Mandy wasn’t sure. She stared at the check, glued to the chair, transfixed by the amount.
A door opened behind her, and she turned, expecting to see Cobra.
Not Mamba.
They stared at each other for a few long minutes. He looked amazing. His black t-shirt outlined every tendon, every muscle of his sculpted biceps. Low-rider jeans hugged his hips, the ragged hem falling over his scuffed lace-up boots. Mamba’s face was hard and serious, his eyes covered by dark aviator shades.
“Cobra gave you the check?”
“Yes, it’s too much. It’s unbelievable,” she repeated because it was the only way to express her feelings.
“I just wanted to see that you’re all right. That you’re doin’ okay.”
“I’m good.”
Except for the hollow feeling in her chest and the ache in her stomach whenever she thought of her roughed-up cage fighter. But he wasn’t hers, was he?
“He probably told you every year we do a fundraiser.”
“He mentioned that, although I was so shocked, I didn’t hear everything he said. I think I forgot to thank him.”
“I want you to know this was all Cobra’s idea, and the Serpents took a vote.”
“So very generous.”
“I just didn’t want you thinking this was about me wanting to get back with you. In the old days, I would’ve popped off and acted out after it didn’t work out between us, but I’m trying to do better, and that’s because of you.”
His words came out in logical, clear sentences, void of Mamba’s usual passion like he was holding himself back, measuring every word for fear of letting his true feelings spill over, and her heart cracked a little.
Being this close to him again tortured every part of Mandy, a physical pain with no cure. She longed to reach out to him, to touch him, hug him, but that would only prolong the inevitable.
He removed his sunglasses, and his lips quirked up. “You look fantastic.”
Her cheeks heated under his compliment, and she fussed with the ends of her hair. “Thank you.”
