Page 14 of Perfectly Leashed
“I don’t play when it comes to my food.” Darcy stripped the bone clean. “These are incredible.”
Percy returned and set a glass of dark soda in front of Darcy. “Jamie, we need more wings. You have a line of hungry men salivating for them.”
“Okay!” Jamie hurried back to the stove, Cesar on his heels.
“He suffered brain damage from a lifetime of his brother knocking him around.” Percy’s jaw tightened. “If the bitch hadn’t been sent back to prison for breaking into Cesar’s house and trying to kill them, I would’ve knocked a shovel upside the guy’s head.” He blew out a breath and then another. “My father used to abuse my mom. I fucking hate bullies.”
Although Darcy had seen the bruises on Macey, he’d never known how she’d gotten them. “I’m so sorry that happened to your family, Percy.” Darcy placed a hand on the guy’s wrist. “Trust me, I know how men like Jamie’s brother and your father behave behind closed doors.” He squeezed Percy’s arm before returning to his chicken, feeling a bit awkward now.
Percy had shared something personal, and Darcy had injected his own family tragedy right into the man’s pain.
“Since I shared my nachos…” Percy grabbed a wing from the plate and took a bite. “Oh my god, Jamie! I’m having a food orgasm over here. Los patos conducen cemento!”
Beaming, Jamie glanced at Cesar.
“He said your wings are made by the gods.” Cesar kissed his partner’s nose.
Why did Darcy have a feeling that wasn’t what Percy said?
Checking his phone, Darcy’s shoulders slumped. Luca hadn’t texted him back. As good as the food and company was, Darcy was ready to head home. There was no use sticking around when it was clear Luca had changed his mind.
Chapter Four
Sunlight flashed off metal, a brief glint among the pines. Luca's instincts kicked in at the sight. He flung his arm out, shouting, “Chopper. Get down, now!”
They scrambled, boots skidding on gravel as they dove behind the Camry. A shot sliced through the air, slamming into the tow truck. The front tire began to hiss as it deflated.
“¡Mierda!” Luca snarled. “I just replaced that tire!”
Chopper glanced up briefly, then ducked back down as a bullet sprayed gravel over their boots. “We’re pinned, hermano.”
“Hopefully not for long.” Luca wiped sweat from his forehead with his wrist. His shoulder ached from bracing tightly against the car, but he forced himself to calm down, slowing his breathing by counting each breath.
Chopper crawled beside him, scanning the trees with his gun at the ready, careful to stay below the back passenger window. “You see how many?”
Luca shook his head, eyes sliding along the line of trees. Whoever was out there had corrected their mistake, keeping their weapon’s metal out of the sunlight.
Another bullet struck the Camry, too close for comfort. Luca ducked lower, knees pressing into small pebbles and something sticky he preferred not to think about.
Gesturing with two fingers, Chopper mouthed, “Right. Two.”
When Luca risked a look, he saw one figure moving behind a decayed stump, another barely visible farther away. A third shot hit the side mirror, spraying glass shards against his cheek.
He tapped Chopper’s boot. “We get low and crawl.”
They flattened themselves against the ground, elbows and knees scraping against the rough pavement and scattered rocks.
A flicker of movement appeared on the right, a brief glint of gunmetal. Clearly, he’d been wrong. They hadn’t learned their lesson. Luca aimed and squeezed the trigger. His shot struck the ankle of the nearest guy, eliciting a shout and a stumble, but the bastard stayed on their feet. Damn it.
Chopper took aim at the second silhouette and fired two shots. The person grunted loudly and cursed but didn’t go down. Instead, one fired back, bullets slamming into the car’s front panel. Luca gritted his teeth, hoping backup would arrive soon.
For a split second, he considered moving behind his tow truck. It would provide better protection, but he didn’t want it riddled with bullet holes. The tire alone would be costly to replace. He didn't want to add bodywork expenses to the list. You’re being shot at and the cost of repairs is your immediate concern?
“Sons of bitches just don’t let up.” Chopper reloaded, jaw tight.
“Then we don’t either,” Luca said. “We just need to hold them off until our pack gets here.”
“Who’d you text?” Chopper asked.
