Page 161 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

That name rolls around in my brain for a few moments, but I have nothing. I’ve never heard of that person.

“Even if that’s true, what does that have to do with Victor? Has your brother suddenly decided to take on other bosses’ problems?”

Ryker nods, which surprises me. That’s not like Victor. He’s always been a lone wolf to his core. He doesn’t even like sharing power with his own brother.

“Michner and Victor worked together on a few deals. It seems as a partner, Michner wasn’t too great because Victor had him killed. Now he’s looking to get all he can out of the people who owed his old partner. I don’t know if he’s made the connection between you and Tia and her father, but if he does, I’m worried she’s in as much danger as her father is.”

With every word, my blood runs cold. I walked away from Tia and all the happiness she brought me for this very goddamned reason. I never wanted her to suffer because of what I do for a living. I thought I made sure she’d be protected when I broke it off with her. Now I hear that I missed having an entire year of utter bliss with the woman I love and still she’s not safe?

I turn to face Dash and ask, “What did Victor say? I want to hear every fucking word exactly as he said it.”

He looks over at Ryker, but before he can say a word, I snap, “Don’t look at him. Look at me, asshole. You heard Victor say the words, so I want to hear what he’s planning.”

The room feels like everyone has suddenly become frozen in place except for me. I jump up, ready to shake the hell out of this Dash guy to find out what I need to know, but Cason stops me before I can make a move.

“Calm down, Jaxon. We’re not going to let anyone hurt Tia or her family. You know that.”

I look at him and see a smile. “What the fuck is good about this that you’re fucking grinning? The woman I love might be in danger, even though I’ve forced myself to live without her to make sure she didn’t get sucked into my life and get hurt, and her father has a target on his goddamned back. None of that seems like it warrants a fucking smile, man.”

He frowns like he wants to make sure I know he’s on my side. “I was just trying to make you see it’s going to be okay.”

Ryker stands up and walks over to join us. “We won’t let anything or anyone hurt her, Jaxon. Give Cason a break. He’s trying to keep you calm so you don’t go off half-cocked.”

“Then how about I go off all-cocked? I’m not feeling this get together and chat about shit vibe you all have this morning now that I know Tia might get hurt.”

Turning to look at Cason, I push him away from me. “And fuck that calm shit you’re giving me. I don’t need to be calm. I need to make sure she’s safe and handle things so she doesn’t lose her father.”

“That’s exactly what we’re going to help you do. Sit down so we can plan things out,” Ryker says behind me.

Unsure I want to sit down when all I want to do is rush to where Tia is to protect her, I stand firm for a long moment before deciding that having my family’s help is a good thing. As we all take our seats again, I have only one question.

“Tell me again why we haven’t killed this motherfucker yet?”

Ryker smiles like I said something funny. “Strange that you should ask that today since that’s exactly what I’ve been thinking myself. My brother is out of control. I’ve waited in the hope that he would settle down, but I see now that isn’t going to happen.”

“So why the hell aren’t we striking this morning? You’ve had Dash over there spying for you for months. What’s the hold up?”

“Timing is important, Jaxon. I have everyone to consider, and until now, I haven’t wanted to put a bullet in my own brother’s head.”

His answer doesn’t jibe with me. “Sentimental now? Is this what happens when a guy settles down?”

Rage fills my uncle’s eyes, and he snaps, “There are parts of my life you don’t get to comment on. Don’t make the mistake again, or you’ll find out what happens when you step over the line. We’re family, but that will only take you so far. Ask my brother about that.”

“The fact that I can still ask him anything fucking baffles me,” I say, not giving a damn about Ryker’s feelings on the matter at this moment. “If he was dead, Tia and her father wouldn’t be in danger.”

“About that. I don’t know if you’ll be able to save Tia’s father. Tia we can protect, but if Victor sees any of us around him, that may tip our hand.”

Most of the time, I appreciate Ryker’s ability to calmly judge a situation and not let emotions get in the way. This isn’t one of those times.

Sick of everything I’ve heard at this meeting, I stand up, shaking my head. “Then I’ll protect them. I can’t let Tia lose her father because we’re too chickenshit to move on Victor. You do what you have to, Ryker. I’m going to make sure she and her father stay alive.”

The room falls silent, and I snap my head to look at Dash. “Don’t even think about Tia or her father. Do you hear me? I see you anywhere near either of them and I’ll put a bullet in your fucking head.”

I don’t wait around for anyone’s comment on my threat, and nobody tries to stop me as I march out of Ryker’s office. Good. I don’t want to have to fuck up anyone in my family today.

Except Victor.

Two

---