Page 37 of His Last Shot
“You don’t say.”
“And Micah. Plus, Drew. We are all that she needs.”
God, the nerve. I click my tongue. “I hate to be the one to tell you this. But you’re kinda creepy.” I shrug. “I’ve never been one to shy away from the truth, and I will not start today, so do you know what I see when I look at you …Dex?” I step into his space. “An insecure man-child who loves control. He enjoyswatching people he claims to love suffer because it makes him feel better about himself.”
“How dare you,” he seethes at me through gritted teeth. “You have been a thorn in my side since the day I met you! The only reason I am putting up with you is because of the amount of money you are making me. Word is getting out about your skill level, and people are coming in droves to watch you and bet on you.”
In a mock gesture, I place my hand over my heart. “I’m flattered. Truly. And you’re welcome.”
He grunts and turns to leave my garage but stops abruptly, pivoting towards me, his face splitting into the widest, most predatory grin I’ve ever witnessed. “I will tolerate your relationship with Rachel as long as you keep showing your face at the bar, playing and winning money for me.”
Frustration bubbling over, I let out a huff.He’ll tolerate it?Whatever. This man has no control over me, and he can’t keep me from his niece.
He has no power.
But still, he continues. “Just know that I own you now,” he pauses, “Johnson Michael Givens. Born January 25th, 1971.” My back snaps straight as a rod, a shiver tracing its icy path down my spine. “Parents Cynthia and Michael Givens. Family Scott, his wife and their kids, Jake and Mallory. You own Givens Construction with your cousin, but he has majority stake. You have a surprisingly squeaky-clean record … well, except for that speeding ticket you got last year and that incident in Daytona Beach when you were in your twenties. Now,thatsounded like a good time.” His amusement at my expense is clear as his lips crinkle into a snide smile.
“Last night, in fact, you ate dinner at your cousin’s. Isn’t that right? Did you have a nice time?”
What the…? He’s following me.
“They look like a sweet family. And that wife of your cousin’s. What’s her name?” He snaps his fingers as if he suddenly remembered. “Laura. That’s right!” He lets out a low whistle. “Now, that is one hot piece of—”
I charge for him, baring my teeth like an animal. He stepsback, hands up.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. No need for that. Just making an observation. Plus, you can’t tell me you’ve never looked.”
Lord help him if Scott was here.
Despite the rising anxiety, I remind myself to stay calm. I can’t give this guy any reason to retaliate despite my simmering anger. His veiled threats have targeted my family, instilling a sense of unease and fear straight to my heart.
“Like I said, I own you. Therefore, I can destroy you. Fall in line, play pool, win me some money, and I promise to not interfere with you and Rachel … deal?”
I’m trapped.
But I will do this … for Rachel. Because now, a sudden force and urge to protect her from this sick SOB wash over me.
I nod, sealing my fate. “Now, get the hell off of my property. You aren’t welcome here.”
“Careful, Givens …” He takes a once-over of my house. “I may own this someday, too. And don’t force my hand and cause me to visit again. I’ll bring friends next time. And you won’t be standing.”
With that, he taps the button to the garage door and walks away as he whistles. Freaking whistles.
As the door creaks and descends, suddenly, my sanctuary feels like a tomb. I brace myself against the pool table and lower my head. A deep, sickening intuition washes over me as I realize I’ve stepped into something. Something huge.
And the only thing I know for sure is that I need to go along with this. For Rachel.
She deserves better.
And I’m going to give it to her.
11
Did You Dance with Him?
Rachel
The bar has emptied on this dreary night, which I’m fine with. Well, except for Sam, Ricky, and Big C. Three regulars who have been coming to Dexter’s forever. It’s eleven, and the sweeping of my workstation is the only sound breaking the room’s lack of bar commotion. With my brother and Shelby on their honeymoon and the other bartenders gone for the night, it’s just little ole me here to fend for myself. Eva, the bar waitress, is still here, but I’ll send her home shortly since it’s slowing down.
