Page 49 of Recklessly You
“Hey, man,” he says when he answers, “I was about to call you. How are you doing?”
I swallow the lump blocking my airway. “Hanging by a thread, bro,” I say honestly.
Today marks eighteen years since my father passed away. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about how I lost so much in the span of a second. I spent years telling everyone I didn’t remember much of that night. I lied. I remember it all. I relive it every fucking night. Dominic is the only one who knows the story. I shared it with him when we were kids.
“Come on over to the restaurant. I’m about to have lunch. It will help you get away for a bit.”
“All right, I’ll be right there. Thanks.”
“No problem, brother. I’m always here for you.”
Hanging up, I shove the phone in my pocket, then drive off to Dominic’s restaurant. He’s a chef—and a hell of a good one.
Delgado’s Steakhouse is booming with people. It’s lunch rush, and Dominic’s place is very popular.
I walk into Dominic’s office, where he sits, cursing under his breath at a stack of papers. “Hey, brother.”
He looks up from the mountain of paperwork. “Hey, glad you made it.” He stands and gives me a bro hug. We walk into his private dining space reserved for family and special occasions. “How’s your mom doing? I know it’s so damned hard for her, especially during this time.”
“I stopped by her house this morning. She was leaving for the cemetery. She wanted me to come with her, but I said no. I haven’t been there in years. I just can’t fucking do it, bro. It’s too much for me. My conscience is heavy with the knowledge that if I hadn’t been present, he would have reached for his firearm in a matter of moments.”
“Liam, you don’t fucking know that. You were just a kid and did everything you could that night at such a young age. Don’t put this on you. I might not know what it’s like to have a father, but I know for sure that your dad would not want you to live with this guilt. You did what he told you to do that night, Liam, and you are still going after the men who did this to you guys. I’m so damned proud of you.”
I slump in my chair just as Mario, his head chef, walks in with drinks.
“Thanks, man,” I say.
“What can I get you?” Mario asks.
“A burger of any kind. Surprise me,” I say.
He nods and walks off.
I sigh, frustrated and pissed about Pablo, and answer Dominic’s question.
“Next week, we have a mission in Long Beach. There’s a shipment coming in. I have a good feeling about this. I know bringing them down won’t bring my dad back, but I need this for my mom and me.”
Dominic is watching me, slumped back in his chair. “Do you remember in first grade when we first met? You were sitting under a tree, and I went and sat next to you. It was your first day.”
I laugh. It was such a long time ago. We had moved to an apartment because my mom couldn’t afford the house. I had just started a new school. I was so fucked up in the head, after going through so much. Dominic was my only friend. His friendship saved me. I was in a dark place, not that I’m not now. I’ve just learned to live with it.
“Yeah, I remember. You helped me get through a lot of shit. I’m grateful to have you as a friend.” I sip my Dr. Pepper and slump back in my chair.
“How are things going? Hooking up with any chicks?”
He raises his brow inquisitively; clearly, he hasn’t heard about what went down at the gym yesterday. It’s hard to keep this much of a lie from him, and I wish I could just tell him the truth: that I’m absolutely infatuated with Sophie. Dominic is the kind of guy who values relationships. He’s made mistakes, but his heart was always for Mila.
“Nah, I’m taking a break from chicks,” I say just as Mario arrives with burgers.
Dominic bursts into a fit of laughter. “You taking a break? I fucking don’t believe that shit. Is there something going on with your dick?”
If only he knew how fucking alive my dick has been. Just the thought of Sophie’s cream-toned skin, her full breasts, and her warm liquid tone have me swelling in my slacks. Her voice was heavy with lust as she moaned my name right there in the alley. Sophie arched her body up against the wall, ready for me. I slid into her, desperate to be inside her. The soft, lilting tones of her voice filled my ears, and I felt transported to another world. I forgot about our surroundings as I stared into her eyes, mesmerized by the exotic cadence of her accent. It was my first time having sex in such a public place. As an officer, I knew it was illegal. Breaking the rules to give Sophie what she wanted was worth it.
“My dick works just fine. I’m just tired of the random chicks. It’s getting old.”
He takes a bite of his bacon burger and shakes his head. Once he swallows, he says, “Take it as a sign. This usually means you’re ready to settle down.”
“Hell, no, I’m not ready for that, nor will I ever. You’re a family man. Shit, you have baby number two on the way. I’m not meant for the life of a family man—wife, kids, all that.”
