Page 37 of Bad Business

“I’m sorry… I won’t play a part in your deprived world.”

“Please don’t do this,” I beg. “I’ll do whatever you want. This has nothing to do with him.”

“Unfortunately, the moment he showed up to this meeting,”—he spits on the ground—“he made it about him.” He shoves Dallas to his knees, the metal barrel pressed to the back of his head. “And now you will have to make a choice.”

“I don’t understand.” I clutch Juniper to my body. “A choice?”

He tips his chin to the man standing beside me, who promptly pulls Juniper from my arms. She immediately starts to cry.

“Wiwwow… wiwwo.”

“Stop, you’re hurting her.” I turn to face the man responsible for my nightmare. “I don’t even know who you are… Why are you doing this?”

“My name seems unimportant right now. What is important is what you decide to do.”

I blink, confusion filling my entire being.

“Only one may live.” He flicks his hand toward Juniper, then back to Dallas. “It’s the only way I can guarantee your silence. His life… or hers.”

A wave of horror crashes over me, leaving me momentarily paralyzed. The air seems to thicken around me, making it hard to breathe. Juniper's small arms reach out for me, her innocent eyes looking up with nearly gut me. Dallas kneels motionless, his eyes locked onto mine, silently telling me it’s going to be fine. My heart races, pounding so loudly in my ears that I can barely think.

16

DALLAS

Getting into the car is nearly impossible. Being separated from her right now is like losing an appendage—one I can’t possibly live without. Lorenzo’s men have explained numerous times how this will play out. I’m to wait in the car while they get into position. Once the scene is secure, I’ll be summoned. I hate every second of this nightmare. I’m a fucking billionaire for what? I can’t even buy her freedom from the asshole holding Juniper.

The worst part is the money I want to use is likely from dirty hands—knowing my father was wrapped up in a similar lifestyle. Fear washes over me at the thought of losing her and Juniper, or worse, her losing me. Slipping my phone from my pocket, I dial my brother, Griffyn.

“Is it over?” His gruff voice fills the line.

“We haven’t even made it there yet.” I sigh, anxious to get there and get this shit over. “They’re making me sit in the car, Griff.”

“As they should. I hate you even went.” He grumbles, reminding me of his disdain for even getting in the car this morning.

I sigh. “You know why I did.”

“Yeah, I do. I just wish for once we could go about finding a woman in a normal way.”

I chuckle. “Nah… where would be the fun in that? Look,” I shift in my seat. “The reason I called is I need you to do something for me.”

“Not sure I like the sound of your voice.”

He’s going to hate everything and probably resist as soon as I stop talking, but I need to do this. I need to ensure if shit goes sideways, Willow and Juniper are taken care of.

“You’re probably going to hate this, but I need you to promise me you’ll take care of it.”

“Promise what exactly? Jesus fuck, Dallas. You act like you are driving to your death.”

“And I might be.” I swallow, “I need you to make sure the woman I love is taken care of if something happens to me.”

“Fuck off, Dallas. You’re sitting in the car. You’ll be fine.”

“Griffyn… promise me. She gets everything of mine. The money, the house… all of it. I want her and Juniper set up for life if I don’t come home.”

He’s silent for a moment before I hear his deep breath.

“Fine. But how about you just sit your pretty ass in that car and not try to be the hero? Let the goons you’re with handle the muscle if needed.”

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