Page 21 of Property of Big Daddy

“What do you want, Thad?”

He laughs dryly.“To go back in time and make a better choice.”

“There’s no way that was the first time you cheated on me.”

“I swear there was never anyone else.”

“It doesn’t matter if it was one or ten.I’m glad I know you aren’t the right man for me.”

“You can’t seriously be involving yourself with Big Daddy.The man is a criminal.”

“Maybe, but at least he’s honest about who he is.”

“He keeps women on a rotation.”

“I know.He told me.”

Thad snorts.“So he can fuck anything that walks, and it’s fine, but I make one mistake and I’m a piece of shit?Unbelievable.”

“Is this why you wanted to talk?To warn me about him?”

“I’m here because I want you back, Gwynee.I love you.”

“Don’t.I don’t want to hear it, Thad.If you loved me and I mean really loved me, you never would have fucked someone else.And if I truly loved you, I wouldn’t have gone to bed with another man the same night.”

“It doesn’t matter.We can move past it.”

“Maybe you can, but I can’t.I don’t want to be with you.Please let this be the last time you contact me.”

“We’ll never be over.I’ll win you back.”

“I promise you.I’ll never want to be with you again.Not now.Not in a month or a year.”

“You don’t mean that,” he says, his voice cracking.

“I mean every word.I don’t wish you anything but a good life.We’re not meant to be.I’ve got to get back to work.Don’t come to the salon again.”

“Gwynee,” he calls after me, but I keep walking away and though part of me wants to look back, I don’t.

As I go to cross the street, I spot a guy on a motorcycle watching me with a cell phone glued to his ear.A smile plays at my lips.Before he left, Big Daddy told me he’d make sure I felt safe even when he’s not here.

Chapter Eight

“BD.Welcometomyestate.”

I grunt at Hector Juarez.Coming to Mexico to discuss our business arrangement wasn’t part of our deal, but when a man that has more money than God calls on you, there’s no choice other than to answer.

The man loves to show off his wealth by dressing in fancy suits, driving expensive cars, and being surrounded by naked women who will do anything he orders them to.

“Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.”

Hero and I take our seats after being patted down for weapons by one of his guards.There’s seven of them surrounding us and who knows how many others are patrolling the property.All armed with assault rifles.

I don’t have a death wish and am well aware that I’m outnumbered.

He snaps his fingers and a gaggle of scantily clad women carrying trays of meat, veggies, fruits, and drinks descend upon us.

I know better than to refuse his hospitality.So does Hero.We accept the drinks with forced smiles and sample the food, both of us paying our compliments.

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