Page 37 of The Reluctant Hero

Amanda

I’m wallowing. I hate it as much as I enjoy it. It’s nice to sit around and do nothing for a little while. It also stresses me out because I need to be earning money. This is not me getting a divorce. I need out of this mental slump. The thought of distracting myself with the Muay Thai class got shot down in flames for obvious reasons.

My eyes go to the kitchen drawer again, and I force them away.

“No mysteries allowed. Get a job and money, then a divorce.”

I wonder what my credit looks like. Can you take out a loan for legal proceedings?

Three heavy knocks hit the door, shaking it in its frame.

I frown at the portal, startled out of my moping. The knock comes again, harder.

It can only be one person.

“Deal with it on your own today, Manny!”

How can he be afraid of that old woman? Yeah, she’s mean, but it’s not like he can’t outrun her. I’ve started keeping a stash of sodas and snacks that he likes because he stays with me so often.

The knock becomes an ominous three slow hits with a fist.

I’m tempted to turn my music on so I don’t have to hear it, but I know he won’t stop. I can just take this mood out on Mrs. Danvers and call it good.

I stomp to the door and fling it open. I like the kid, but enough is enough.

“Damn it, Manny!”

As soon as I take in the fact that whoever was trying to break down my door is not Manny, my mouth firms. I’ve been face-to-chest with this guy before. I recognize him from his soap. That should be gross, but at least he smells good.

My eyes warily trail up to the scruffy guy’s face, and I wince. His cheeks are flushed, and the scowl he’s wearing looks like a permanent fixture. It’s obvious he’s extremely pissed, and I’m the chosen outlet.

“Who is Manny?” He asks in a low, deadly tone. There isn’t a trace of his accent either. Is that bad?

He brushes past me and enters the apartment, making my jaw drop. Mr. Matthias, in all his suited glory, and his giant guard are right behind him. They look just as mad as the scruffy guy.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I demand belatedly. I hurry to slam the door in Mr. Matthias’ face when he takes a step forward. I can’t help the smug smile I get before it closes. His eyes widened when he realized I was shutting him out. It gives me a little jolt of pleasure.

The scruffy guy looks through the apartment thoroughly, not that there’s anything to really look at. I prefer groceries over furniture. I do have a mattress on the floor, and he actually lifts it to check under it, knocking my blanket onto the floor. Where was he when I hauled this in here?

“What are you looking for?” I ask, bewildered at his angry search. He’s acting like a dog looking for a bone.

The door opens again and I curse myself for not locking it.

“No!” I point my finger in Mr. Matthias’ face and try to close the door again. Even though it doesn’t budge because ofthe slick-toed shoe blocking it, the guard slams a hand on the portal to keep it open. And cracks the panel.

“Are youkiddingme?” I glare at him. He has the balls to look completely unrepentant. “Did it feel good to abuse an innocent door? Goodbye, deposit.”

The hissed words make him cringe a little. It’s a little satisfying for a guy that big to show some weakness.

“Who is Manny, darlin’?” Scruffy guy’s voice is still quiet and dangerous as he prowls around, opening the bathroom door and then the kitchen cabinets above the stove.

I step away from the door, letting the other two assholes prowl inside before they walk over me. My confused stare bounces between their angry faces before I snap out of it.

“Why did the three of you just break into my apartment?” I demand, crossing my arms angrily.

“A wellness check. You were supposed to be at work yesterday.” Mr. Matthias slides his hands into the pockets of his slacks. The move is casual, but his hands ball into fists, making it a lie. He takes in my faded, thrift store flannel pajamas with a raised brow that irritates me. It’s not like I invited him in here to judge me.

“Ten o’clock,” Scruffy guy reminds me darkly.

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