Page 78 of Biker's Tribute: Property of Bear

"Our father died," the leader says. "We only need you to split his inheritance. The lawyer won't do it unless you come back."

"I have a job. I don't need that old bastard's money."

"How much money?" I ask, earning a glare from the women in the room, but sufficient interest from the mobsters. I need to buy us time…

"Millions," the leader says. He eyes me and then gestures to his men, who all lower their weapons.

"I'm Dario Corsini. This is my brother, Vito and my cousins, who are also in the family."

"Who gives a fuck?" Mallory mutters. Her brother glares at her, but turns his attention back towards me. I'm a lot more calm now that the black-haired one has his hand away from Amanda's mouth. She won't stop glaring at me, even if I would trade my own brother to get her out of this mess. My brother could handle himself -- and so can Mallory. Amanda deserves protection. She deserves the life she wants... and I might not be the perfect guy or even a good one, but I can do this one thing for her.

I can keep her safe.

"Bear," I say, sticking my hand out to shake their leader's. He has a strong, firm handshake. Amanda makes a disapproving huffy noise, which I ignore.

"The black woman is yours?"

"She's my fiancee."

"Since when?" Amanda mutters, then seems to realize that I'm simply saying what I need to assure her freedom. But also, I plan on marrying her. Perhaps not now but soon enough.

"Okay," the leader says. "Your fiancee is best friends with Emilia Corsini, which means she holds some influence. Convince my sister to come back with us."

I shrug, playing their game until I have a better read on the situation. "There are plenty of us. We can throw her in those cars you have parked outside. Good luck not getting a ticket."

"We aren't worried about that," the black-haired one, Vito, says.

Perhaps they should be considering how easy it was for me to sneak in here, but the leader throws him a glare. They have no experience with this type of work. I remember being that age and forced to rob a pawn shop in Utica with dad. I didn't have a fucking clue what I was doing. But we got that knife he pawned at Tioga Downs back... and he was so fucking proud of me.

"We can't throw her in the car," Dario says. "My brother says she needs to trust us and we can't harm her."

"She'll only be harmed if she fights."

"ETHAN!" Amanda hisses, glaring at me.

I ignore her. I'm not here to save Mallory's life. I'm here for hers.

"What happens if you fail? What will your brother do?"

The leader puffs out his chest. He seems nervous.

"Something fucked up."

"But he won't hurt her?"

"He's a complicated person," Dario says. There's just a flicker of fear in his eyes.

"Do you gamble?"

"Oh my God... "Amanda mutters. "He is not about to do this..."

The leader laughs. "Of course."

"Blackjack? Poker?"

"I'll gamble on anything."

And so will I. My body anticipates the rush. I tell myself that I'm just doing it to waste time. My phone has been vibrating like crazy in my back pocket.

---