Page 11 of King

No.

How?

What the fuck is he doing here?

I turn around to see if I'm hallucinating. “Zane?”

He lifts his chin so I can get a better look at his face, confirming what I suspect. The man I’ve been trying to avoid stands in front of me, black hood over his olive face.

“Hey, Little Mama.” He takes a step further in his black Timberlands, red skinny jeans tucked inside. “We didn’t get a chance to say good-bye.”

“Well now’s not a good time.” I try to walk around him but he blocks me, his chest puffed.

I look up to meet his hazel eyes, something we have in common. “I thought we meant more to each other.” He’s taking another step, pushing me back with his broad build.

“Yeah, you have a funny way of showing it.” I push against his chest, standing tall in my boots. “How did you even know where to find me?"

He shrugs, “Willow’s been snapping some shots of her new uppity surroundings.”

I’ll have to talk to her about that. I wouldn’t mind if the rest of Zane’s crew paid me a visit but after what happened last month, Zane’s the last person I want to see.

“Well, I’m working."

“Speaking of work...” He takes another step forward, I take another step back. “Where’s the money, Jo?”

“Zane, you know I can’t—” The cold metal against my back startles me, so does Zane’s chest pressed against mine. This feeling I used to love from a guy I used to adore doesn’t feel the same. It feels as invasive as the end of our relationship.

“It’s cash or ass Little Mama.”

That nickname used to make me feel wanted, but I was stupid. As stupid as trusting Zane to see me for more than a quick buck. He’s like everyone else in my life, outside of Willow of course. He doesn’t care. I’m not sure if he ever did and I regret ever giving him my heart. Or my body.

I stand my ground. “Resorting to blackmail to get in my pants? That’s pathetic. Even for you.”

As soon as the last word escapes my lips there's a smack against my cheek before my skin erupts in a stinging burn. I bring my hand to my face, jaw open. “Did you just fucking hit me?”

It’s not a real question. He did just fucking hit me and I’m seeing red.

My hands fly to his chest and I’m pushing hard, anger fuelling my force.

I’m able to falter his footing a bit but in the next second, I’m on the ground, arm scraping across the concrete.

So this is what Kyle and Alex hinted at last Christmas.

Kyle’s voice plays in my mind, “When it comes to money, Zane’s fucking passionate.” But that was when we’d bought a whole roast and a case full of liquor after a big run. We were jovial. Happy. I was in love. Or so I thought.

I try to get up but he’s on top of me before I can. “I’m sorry.” He brings a thumb to my cheek before his face comes closer, moving the hood off his head. Zane’s toffee cheeks are narrower than I remember, big eyes looking desperate. “I miss you Little Mama. Fuck these rich assholes and come back to me. I’ll let everything go just…be mine again."

“Get the fuck off me!” I push against his chest. I want nothing more to do with Zane Khan.

His whole demeanour shifts, shoulders dropping, eyes becoming slits. But he gets off, only to thread his fingers through my curls and pull me up from my strands. He throws me, back hitting the dumpster, pain shooting up my spine. Zane’s in my face before I can move. He wraps my shirt around his fist and I’m too in shock to say anything.

All I can do is look at him, “Zane…” I don’t recognize this man or the madness in his eyes, but it looks like he’s out for blood.

Four

“What have we here?”

Another voice comes from behind him. It’s familiar. One from earlier. “Is there a problem?”

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