Page 88 of Ready to Cash Out

But seriously, who the fuck was this guy?

Cold’s pinpoint analysis was even more accurate than any of Jupiter’s observations had been, and oh, great, now Trev was thinking about Jupiter.

Which did present another question.

Cold was busy looking smug, and Trev decided to ignore everything he said by asking, “Hey, what about Jupiter?”

“Prospero? Didn’t he chain?—”

“Chain me to the wall. Yes. We’re past that. Moving on.” Trev sat on the edge of the chair. “Is there anything you can do to get him out of there?”

“There being with the Luchesi family?” Cold made a face.

“You were willing to get me out without even knowing who I was,” Trev said firmly. “So, what about him? Can you?”

“Can I and will I are two very different things.” Cold narrowed his eyes. “You were being used as a pawn by the Luchesis to manipulate me. Taking you from right under their noses reminded them of my power and reach.”

“Wow. I feel so loved.”

“I barely know you. But appearances are important. Letting the Luchesis know that I will not play their silly little games is important.” Cold arched a brow. “Risking my resources to save your beau? Not very important.”

“But he saved me,” Trev insisted. “He was helping me?—”

“To help himself,” Cold pointed out. “I know Mr. Prospero is not in a good position and wishes to leave?—”

“Yeah! Because they’re probably gonna kill him. If he’s not already dead.” Trev tried not to think about that, but he knew it was a possibility he had to consider.

Cold said nothing.

“Okay. Right. Great talk.” Trev stood up. “Consider the terms of my release settled.”

“Where are you going?”

“To get my shit, pack up, and head back to fucking Perry City. If you won’t help Jupiter, then I will.” Trev flashed a sweet smile. “Probably gonna get myself kidnapped again, just so you know!”

“Sit back down,” Cold ordered.

“Sorry, bro. Gotta go.”

“Hey!” There was a loud clacking of heels accompanied by a softer set of footsteps, and Rowena burst into the parlor with a scowl. “What did you do, Roddy? Why is he saying he’s leaving?”

There was a beautiful young man with Rowena who didn’t appear to be much older than Trev was. He had a youthful face with fair skin, bright eyes, wavy brown hair, and a dazzling smile. That smile faded, however, as he joined Rowena’s accusations by snapping, “Rod! We talked about this.”

Cold was unmoved, saying, “Before you go, Trev, please allow me to introduce my husband, Jimmy Poe, who loves to eavesdrop with Rowena.”

“Hi! Jimmy! Nice to meet you.” Jimmy glared daggers at Cold, even as he asked Trev, “You’re not really going, are you? You just got here!”

“Afraid so.” Trev shook the hand Jimmy held out. “Been a real delight, but I’ve got to get going. Long walk back to Perry City.”

“What?” Jimmy blinked. “You’re not serious.”

“Let’s go then.” Rowena held her head high. “Maybe a little road trip is what we need, huh?”

“No,” Cold said flatly.

Rowena ignored him. “I’ll drive. Maybe we can go get some of your stuff, right? And then we can rescue your man meat.”

“No one is going anywhere,” Cold argued.

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