Page 23 of Ruthless Passion

"I would say yes if things weren't going so well. Mom says it's a fact of life that you never get something for nothing. You've given up a lot so when you have thirty-six hours of good luck, sit in it." She chuckles. "Seriously, as long as it's safe and consensual, it's no one's business. Nothing lasts and everything changes. That goes for the good and the bad."

"Fine, I'll let the most handsome man I've ever met do nice things for me?—"

She cuts me off. "He's a handsome and wealthy man who does nice things for you, but also lets you let loose on him. It's not like you're going to marry the guy and move him into the garage."

"He can't move in there even if he didn't own a phenomenal mansion on the cliffs. Collin's moving back for two weeks and then all of next semester for fighting."

"Shit, what happened?" The concern from Mojo is normal when it comes to Collin. We've been keeping him out of trouble for as long as either of us can remember. When I got pregnant, Mojo really stepped in to help me out when my parents were ready to let me live with my choices. She's been a pseudo part of our family for at least two decades.

I sigh, telling her, "He let Jett borrow his lucky socks."

We laugh and talk, finishing up lunch, when a weird sensation ripples down my body. My skin tingles as if someone's watching me, reaching out and tickling me with the tip of a feather. Scanning the somewhat crowded parking lot to the waterfront shops and restaurants, I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Yet, something feels off.

Finally, the reason behind the feeling of dread lingering over me like a dark cloud reveals itself.

"Fucking Christ, look who's coming. Let's go." Mojo groans as Duke casually walks over toward us as we make our way to Luca's car.

I try to get inside, desperate to avoid any interaction with Duke because, unlike Luca, anything can set Duke off. One man let me slap him to my heart's content while the other seemed to get upset with me simply breathing. Still, in my nervousness to not engage in the oncoming argument, the car's door won't open.

I don't want to do something as clumsy as hop into it since the top is down. Convertible or not, my 5'4 height doesn't leave me a lot of room to successfully attempt that.

"You can't get inside that car without this." Duke holds up the key fob I unintentionally left on the table beside our food.

Fuck.

"Great." Mojo huffs with a snarl. "I spoke him into being like the boogeyman."

"Give it to me so we can go," I tell him, holding my hand out, and stepping closer to Mojo.

"Sure thing, but only when you tell me how you were able to get your hands on this fucking car. I've been paying child support, but not enough for you to afford this." Duke's eyes hold genuine curiosity. The way he slides his hand across the trunk makes me cringe.

My anger pushes frustration through my words as I tell him, "None of your fucking business. Now, give me the keys before I call?—"

"Who are you going to call, cunt? Your boyfriend the bodyguard?" Duke chuckles with a roll of his eyes.

"No, the police you idiot," Mojo interjects to my relief and dismay. I don't want Duke attacking her either, but Monique Shewster is no pushover and never has been. She's always there for me. Even now, she rounds the car, moving closer to Duke as if she's ready to attack him.

"What do you think you're about to do?" Duke challenges Mojo.

I step forward, ready to work with Mojo for whatever we need to do to get the keys away from Duke.

"You back up," Duke turns and points at me. He continues to demand answers. "Josephine. Where the hell did you get this car?"

"Give up the keys, creep." Mojo's tone is firm as she pulls out her phone to most likely call the police.

"Why do you care, Duke? You literally handed me your walking papers this morning. You don't want to have anything to do with me."

"You could have told me things were changing for us financially. You know, before you let that gorilla put his hands all over me."

I cut him off with a laugh. "You have a lot of fucking nerve. Jett is only worthy of having you as a father if I'm footing the bill for you?"

"You should pay me! I never wanted that kid in the first place. You promised me, Jo. Promised! Now, I walk and you pull this shit out of your ass like a fucking magician. Is this that guy's car? Is that old fuck footing the bill?"

"Luca's not old, and my life is not and never will be any of your business," I fire back.

Mojo's pissed. Her lavender mohawk goes up into a ponytail as she readies to attack him. "The cops are on their way, shithead. Give up the keys."

"Or what?" Duke scoffs. "I'm sure the police would love to hear your explanation about this car. You probably stole it or sucked that guy's cock?—"

---