Page 69 of Boss Daddy

I chuckle, already planning how I might take all three of these pricks down. I’ve faced worse odds and won. Besides, I know James will jump in if it comes to that.

“You’re right, you can stand on any sidewalk you want.”

The smirk fades slightly, but he doesn’t back down. “Glad we understand each other.”

I step closer, my presence looming. “What you don’t get,” I say, my voice dropping, “is that I don’t give a shit about your sidewalk rights. What I care about is you harassing my customers. So I’m going to give you one chance—leave now, or this ends badly for you.”

They exchange glances, clearly sizing me up. I see the calculation in their leader’s eyes; he’s trying to figure out if he and hismuscle-bound friends can take James and me.

“Clock’s ticking,” I say. “Get. The fuck. Off my sidewalk.”

The leader smirks again, not moving. Instead, his gaze shifts to three young women in line, their excitement fading as his eyes rake over them.

“Hey, ladies,” he calls, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Careful in there. Lot of creeps. Better keep your drinks covered, you don’t want a roofie surprise. This place is known for them.”

The women stiffen, their smiles disappearing altogether. My blood surges as fury boils under my skin.

“Leave,” I snap. “Now.”

The leader doesn’t flinch. “Relax, boss man,” he says. “Just doing my civic duty. Heard some nasty rumors about this place. Bad shit happens to girls here. Isn’t that right?”

I’m done talking. I step toward him, my presence towering, but he holds his ground.

“Last chance,” I growl. “Walk, now, or you won’t leave here on your own two feet.”

He smirks again but it falters as I close the distance. “You’re bluff—”

I slam my open palm into his chest, cutting him off mid-sentence. He stumbles back, gasping as the air leaves his lungs. I grab him by the collar, yanking him forward and lowering him to the ground. He struggles, his eyes wide, but he knows he’s not getting up until I let him.

James and another bouncer step in, blocking the other two idiots from interfering. “Stay where you are,” James orders, his body infight mode.

I lean in close, pushing on the leader’s chest, my voice low and lethal. “You tell Misha to back the fuck off. Erin, her friends, my club—he stays the fuck away or he pays the price. Got it?”

The guy wheezes, nodding frantically, his earlier bravado gone. His eyes are filled with panic, and I hold him there a moment longer to make sure the message sinks in. Then I release him, stepping back as he collapses onto the pavement, coughing and clutching his chest.

The other two goons help him up and hurry out of there. First smart thing they’ve done all night. The three women are still standing nearby, their eyes wide with shock. Not one of them says a word.

“I’m sorry you had to deal with that. They were from another club trying to poach my business. None of what they said is true, I assure you,” I explain with what I hope is a disarming smile. “I run a clean establishment. Drinks are on me tonight.”

They nod excitedly, heading toward the entrance. The bouncer at the door glances at me and I jerk my chin toward the line.

“Keep it moving.”

James claps me on the shoulder as we head back inside. “You didn’t have to put him on the ground.”

“Yes, I did. Guys like him don’t listen to words. They need a reminder.”

James chuckles, his tone grim. “Well, he got the message.”

I nod. My fists stay clenched as we walk through the doors.

This isn’t over. Misha’s pushing, testing how far I’ll go.

He’ll find out soon enough.

Chapter 26

Erin

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