Page 46 of Revenge

“You sure? I can always wait here in case you need any help.” Axel’s footsteps only make it past the threshold before Asher’s voice stops him.

“Ax.” He doesn’t find his brother anywhere near as amusing as I do.

“I’m going.” Axel puts his hands up and heads back the way he came.

Asher pushes off of me to a standing position and holds his hand out to me. “Come with me?” For the first time since I’ve been here, he gives me a question and not an order. That’s the only reason I curl my fingers around his and allow him to lead the way. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Asher

The second we enter the dining room and see them sitting at the wooden table, Charlee’s steps stop. She studies the newcomer in the room, Carl, with rapt attention, and I know what she sees.

His dreads hang down to his shoulders touching the top of his white t-shirt. The snake tattoo that’s embedded in his dark skin is the next thing that usually catches attention, and judging by the way her eyes are going right to it, I’m right with that assumption. It’s something I’ve picked up on that she tends to do in new environments. Diego taught her well. She pulls on my hand to let her go and fade into the background, but that’s not going to happen.

Her weight shifts from one foot to the other as she hesitates, so I make the decision for her again. I sit and pull her down into my lap, bringing my hand down to rest against her thigh. Her body stiffens at the movement but quickly relaxes when my thumb starts rubbing small circles against her. She squirms and I realize what a mistake this was. Having the heat of her body so close to my dick has it once again taking notice and standing up in appreciation. I force all thoughts of her perfect ass and what I’d like to do to it out of my head and focus my attention on Carl.

“Glad you made it.” I keep my conversation light and ominous because I’m not sure if I want Charlee to hear what he’s found out. It’s best to vet the information myself and decide from there.

“Sure thing.” He nods, not paying me the least bit of attention. His gaze is solely focused on Charlee, trailing down her body to that tight as fuck white tank top that’s doing nothing to hide the black lace bra underneath. This lasts a second too long for my liking and I’m suddenly wishing I’d just given her another of my shirts to wear. I lift my hand higher and wrap it around her neck, pulling her back up against my chest. This earns me a laugh from both him and Axel. If Zane has an opinion on this pissing contest, he’s keeping it to himself.

At least Charlee doesn’t stiffen under my touch anymore, and it’s a good thing because I can’t keep my fucking hands off of her right now. It’s like she’s the beacon keeping me grounded. I don’t want to think what that means just yet and squash this feeling from going any further.

“How’s hunting season?” Carl props his elbows on the table and leans against them, but doesn’t drop the shit-eating grin he’s sporting. Even though I’m irritated, I don’t miss that he’s testing me to see how much Charlee knows and what he can mention in front of her.

“It’s good. Only need one, maybe two more and I’m all set.” I look him dead in the eyes and he catches on to what I’m saying.

“Well, it is fall. Most of the big game is indoors.” I pick up on his clue immediately. The next piece of shit on my list is hitting the Viper’s Den tonight. After that tidbit, we shoot the shit about nothing at all until I manage to get Axel’s attention from over the top of Charlee’s head. His head cocks to the side, pretending he doesn’t understand the signal I’m giving him. He’s a serious pain in the ass. My eyes narrow, the more tired of his bullshit I become until he finally does what I ask.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m starving. Lunch? Hellcat, why don’t you come help me whip up some of that fancy Mexican cuisine?” Axel tilts his head for her to follow and I jerk mine back in appreciation. Sometimes he’s not a complete dumbass.

When they’re in the kitchen and out of earshot, I lean in to ask, “Were you able to get what I need?”

He nods. “You’d be amazed how easily people talk with the right motivation. He was executed with a single gunshot to the head and had the word ‘venganza’ carved into his chest.”

“Shit.” Zane grinds his teeth so hard I’m surprised they haven’t turned to dust. He knows this doesn’t bode well for us.

“That mean somethin’ to you?” Carl’s eyebrows pinch together.

“It does. It’s Spanish for ‘revenge’ or for all intents and purposes, payback.” Which means it was a message for me, not Charlee. If that’s the case, why don’t I feel a sense of relief at hearing this?

“Fuck.” Carl’s shoulders tense. “That means someone has cottoned on to what you’re doin’. Maybe you should quit now? No one would blame you if you did.” His black eyes shoot to Charlee and back to me.

“Not an option.” My voice brooks no further argument. What happened sucks and has fucked with what I had planned, but it’s not stopping me. I’ve come too far to give up now. It’s a good thing I’m adaptable.

“Ash, man, think ab—”

“I appreciate the concern, brother, but it’s not happening.”

His mouth closes. He knows there’s no use trying to persuade me because once my mind’s made up, there’s no changing it. “You’ve got another problem.”

“What’s that?” Something about the way his voice lowers has my teeth on edge.

“Cops have been asking around about you. Sooner or later that shit’s gonna get back to the wrong people.”

“Rosenberg won’t find me.”

“The district attorney?” A vein in the side of Zane’s neck pulses.

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