Page 32 of Saber's Surrender

“I think you’re bullshitting me,” he counters before issuing a warning, “I don’t like to be ignored, bad things tend to happen to people when I am.” The calculated way he says this has cold shivers volleying through me.

“I’ll talk to him, Miranda. Thank you for the escort. I’ll see you Tuesday,” I tell her, wanting to get her as far away from him as humanly possible.

“Are you sure?” she skeptically questions.

“I’m sure. See you later.” I’m hoping she’ll get the hint and skedaddle before she piques his interest. Jiovanni isn’t a good man—he’s into some shady things and rumor has it he’s dipped his hand into human trafficking.

Miranda reaches out and squeezes my hand, making sure I see her phone in her hand as she hesitantly leaves me alone with him. I hope she calls Weston once she’s safely in her vehicle.

“Well, that was fun,” Jiovanni jeers, clapping his hands.

“If you say so,” I rebuff. “What are you doing here?”

“What?” he asks, acting offended by clutching his fist over his chest. “Can’t a man come by to see his cousin?”

“Not when that cousin is you,” I counter, taking a step back to put some distance between us. “What do you want, Ji?”

“Finally!” he whisper-shouts. “It’s about time you remembered who I am to you, isn’t it? There’s so much power in a name, wouldn’t you agree?”

There is, which is the reason why I shortened his. It was my way of reminding him that we’re family while hoping that it’ll keep him from doing anything that could hurt me. When I hear the roar of motorcycle engines rounding the corner, I breathe a little easier. Thankfully, the guys were working at the community outreach center today, which is in the nucleus of town, helping out a few families in town who needed some help catching up their bills and learning how to balance numbers and making funds stretch. Lucky for me, it’s only two minutes from the medical facility.

“Looks like your little friend called in the cavalry. That’s a shame, I was looking forward to catching up with you, Roxanne.” I flinch when he says my name, he only uses it in its entirety when he’s displeased and gearing up to lash out. “We’ll have to get together…soon.”

I don’t like the threatening tone he’s using at all. Somehow, him showing up is going to fuck with our lives somehow. That’s what’s happened in the past so I don’t expect any different this time.

“Not too soon,” I counter, dodging his outstretched hand as he reaches out for me. I can’t let him touch me or it could be detrimental to my health. Now to figure out what happened to Frank, because I’m positive Jiovanni is the reason he’s not at his normal post.

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

Saber

RiffRaff broughtall of the kids with him today to give Jillian a break. Spending some extra time outside of our scheduled visits with them has been uplifting. Egypt is helping me stock the shelves with things that’ve been donated and Canyon is over to the side, unboxing the donations and adding them to the inventory sheet.

Getting to know my daughter-to-be has been a sobering enlightenment, and I’m not sure if I like the fact that she’s already interested in boys and makeup at her age. “Boys have cooties,” I state, my face serious. “Their germs should be avoided at all times.”

“You’re silly,” she claims, shaking her head. “Dad used to tell me that he wanted me to play Barbies and still have tea parties until I was old enough to vote.”

“Smart man,” I mumble, barely holding back my snicker. “As a matter of fact, let’s go with that. I’ll take you shopping when we’re done here and stock you up on dolls and a kitchen set.”

“I’m not interested in any of those things,” she argues, looking up at me as if I’ve disappointed her. “If we’re going to the mall after this, I’d rather check out one of the beauty supply stores.”

I hear sidesplitting snickering off to the side and glance at Canyon, shaking my head. “Do you seriously support this? You’re her big brother; you’re going to be the one who has to chase off all the boys.”

“There won’t be any boys,” he tells me. “I’ll kick all their asses.”

“I’ll help!” Callum exclaims. “Because Kimber and her friend Katie are all gooey eyed about boys too!”

Canyon high-fives the little boy who breaks out in giggles. “We gotta stick together, little man,” Canyon tells him, crouching down as if he’s imparting a state secret. “Sisters should be protected, so I’ll help you until you’re old enough to handle it by yourself, how’s that?”

“Thanks, Canyon,” Callum replies, his voice now serious. “Daddy says Kimber can’t date until she’s forty, I think.”

I lose the battle with my mirth and turn away, my shoulders shaking as I muffle the sounds trying to explode from my gut. Who knew kids could be so fucking funny? I honestly had no clue because Roxy and I were so focused on surviving the hell we were in, there wasn’t much time for joy.

“Canyon,” Egypt whines. “You’re supposed to be on my side. You have girlfriends.”

“You little tattle tale,” Canyon hisses, his eyes narrowing into threatening slits. “Anyway, it’s different with me.”

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