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Ember
Cruz and Alex both give me a quick kiss before leaving on their weekend getaway to visit Alex’s parents. As soon as they drive out of the store parking lot, I grab the Dade phone. There are no messages, but it’s already four-thirty and it’s been a little over a week since Dade gave me my first deadline.
The envelope of money in my purse taunts me, so I thumb through counting it again. Six thousand dollars even. The bell rings, and I suck in a breath when the creepy, stalker man walks through, grinning at me.
“Hey, sweet cheeks.”
“Ugh, don’t call me that. Are you here for the money?”
He grins wider. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here for more information on renting tuxedoes.”
“Cut the shit. I know all about you. Was it you that set the fire?”
“You’re full of questions today.”
“I’m fucking pissed. Do you know what your boss and my sister have done? They’ve put me in a position to lie to those I love. And you are super fucking creepy! Have you been following me everywhere?”
“Did what I was told.”
“That sucks. I’ll give you the money as soon as you get Dade on the phone. We need to talk.”
He crosses his arms over his bulging stomach and leans back, roaring with laughter. The more he laughs, the madder I get.
“You’re an asshole!”
He pulls out his phone and sends a text, and in seconds, my phone starts ringing.
“Dade,” I seethe.
“My name sounds good coming out of your mouth. Maybe one day I can hear it in person. You have the money ready?”
“Yes, and I’m not letting this guy walk out of here with it without discussing some options. You did a great job of scaring me senseless, but I’ve gotten smarter. I went to see Natalie yesterday. She’s responsible for this money. I have absolutely no loyalty to her. After today, you need to find a way for her to pay you.”
“I know all about your meeting, and she’s being dealt with. Hand over the money, and I’ll call in an hour to discuss the rest. Stay smart and no one will get hurt. Just so you know, you’re not in a position to negotiate, but some things have been brought to my attention.”
“What kind of things?” Dread fills me, thinking he knows about Raven.
“One hour.” The line goes dead, so I drop the phone on the counter.
The man in front of me sticks out his hand, and I reluctantly slap the envelope in it.
“You know, not that you care, because you’re a criminal, but this really sucks. Twenty-four years I’ve wanted this life, and somehow, my worthless, piece- of- shit sister finds a way to screw with me. This money should be going to decorating a house with my boyfriend, a man that treats me like I never knew possible. Instead, here we are on a Friday afternoon, doing a highly illegal deal, so my protected sister can relish in the luxuries of a lush rehab and blame her troubles on other people.”
My mouth won’t stop even though my head is screaming to shut up. It’s been too many years that I’ve stayed silent, and now I’m spilling my guts to the dickhead standing in front of me.
“I’ve worked most my life, watched my dad go to prison, and lived in hell. For what? To have her accept me? Well, no more. You can have her. Whatever she told you about me is bullshit. There’s no gravy train here. Each dollar you have in your hand came from me working my ass off. So I’ll talk to Dade in an hour, but I’m pretty sure this is the last time I’ll see you! Stop following me, stop following my family, and stop threatening me!” I’m screaming at this point, and the man’s expression changes. He looks at me with pride.
“Weakest fucking link, my ass.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you’re mouthy, and I like it. Gotta admit, the first time I walked in here, you were a prime target- nervous, sweet, easily riled. I knew you’d pay. Natalie didn’t only tell us about you, she offered you up.”
“Obviously,” I mutter, completely deflated.
“I’m no shrink, but your man treats you like that because you deserve it. We know all about Natalie’s tactics and her blaming you. She’s a bitch.”
“Completely.”
