Page 39 of His Last Shot
Okay, that’s confusing. I take him by the arm and steer him away from the three men, out of earshot. “Why?”
“Is there somewhere we can talk? Privately.”
“Um, sure.” I untie the apron from my waist, the knot tight like my stomach, and place it on the counter below the bar. “Let me just get Eva to cover.” Thankfully, she agrees when I ask.
Grabbing Johnny by the arm, I lead him to the kitchen, glancing around to make sure that we are alone. “What do you mean, he came to your house?”
“He came to ask me what my intentions are toward you.”
I chuckle. “Oh, that’s no big deal. He has done that with every guy that has ever liked me.”
“No, Rachel. This was different.” He stops as he rubs the back of his neck, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. My amused chuckle dies in my throat with his noticeable distress.
Something’s wrong.
He turns to face me, his Adam’s apple bobbing, then hesitates, his mouth clamping shut. It’s almost as if he’s holding back. His voice, cracking slightly, breaks the silence. “He said that you and Drew were back together and that only Drew and him could take care of you.”
Oh, God! Did he tell Johnny about my RA?
“What else did he say?” I’m practically choking on the fear.
“He had me followed.”
Oh, thank God he didn’t—“Wait, what?” Uncle Dexter had him followed?
“He knew I spent time at my cousin’s last night and had dinner with them. Plus, he did a small background check on me. He knows my date of birth, my parents’ names. Obviously, he knows where I live.” One by one, he’s ticking off the accusations on his fingers. “Hell, he even knows about the incident in Daytona Beach.”
“You still never told me what happened in Daytona.”
He throws his hands in the air, exasperated. “That’s not the point!”
“Sorry.” I lower my head. But also make a mental note to circle back to that one. “So, what? He had you investigated? Why would he do that?”
He takes a deep breath and steps closer to me. “He said that he owns me. Because I am bringing in so much money for him.”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not naïve. I know my uncle is … well, shady. “Did he threaten you?”
“I mean no, not in so many words, but he knows about Scott, Laura, and the kids, Rachel! He even made a lewd comment about Laura.”
Well, that doesn’t surprise me.
He rests his hands on my shoulders, his voice softer, etched with the same concern that matches his face. “I am really worried about you. Forget about me. I can take care of myself, but he is weirdly protective and controlling of you.” He exhales. “I’m scared. For your safety.”
A feeling of defensiveness breathes fire into me. There are so many men in my life trying to tell me what’s best for me. I don’t need another one. No matter how hot he is.
I shove his arms off my shoulders. “Well, don’t be, okay? I can take care of myself. And Uncle Dexter wouldneverhurt me.” His eyes snap open, startled by my outburst.
Sometimes I get so sick and tired of people trying to protect me. And maybe I’m overreacting because, deep down, I know Johnny is right. Uncle Dexter is controlling and manipulative. He always has been with me. Plus, I have seen and heard how he can treat people who cross him.But me? Is he capable of hurting me?
“I know you can,” he says, his voice tight with a mixture of worry and barely suppressed anger.
He crosses his arms defensively over his chest, his posture stiff. “Your uncle seems to think Drew, that steady and reliable chap, is more than capable of taking care of you. Tell me, is that what you want?” This unexpected question pierces me with a jolt of adrenaline.
No. That’s not what I want. Not at all. What I want is this beautiful man standing right in front of me. But I can’t have him. Hethinkshe wants me now. But as soon as he finds out about my RA, he will run.
With a tilt of his head, Johnny continues his questioning, each query sharper than the last. “How was the wedding? You and Drew have a nice time?” I’m smacked out of my self-loathing.
I step back.Maybe this is the way out.The lie is easy, a simple fabrication to give him the false hope he’s asking for. Then avoiding the inevitable heartbreak when he discovers my secret and runs away.
