Page 94 of Invisible String
“Tsk, tsk, Cano. Time’s up.” His lips curl into a smirk. “What’s it going to be? You fight another, let’s say, couple of rounds. You’re my bank, Cano, until I get someone to fill your spot. You’re coming back.”
“Fuck you,” I spit out.
The bastard laughs. He fixes his coat, dusting off unseen dust.
“You don’t own me.” Who in the hell does he think he’s talking to? I’m not one of his goons. He presses the gun harder.
“It’s funny how you think I don’t own you.” He pulls out a photo from his back pocket. My head spins, and I feel the blood leaving my face. “Who’s this beauty you were dancing with, Cano? She seems important to you.”
My face transforms into stone. “No one of importance,” I lie.
Daniel chuckles. “Seems like more to me.” Another photo of me at the café. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll leave your lady alone, only if you fight for me again. If you win, we are done. If you lose, you will keep fighting for me.”
I’d tell them to pull the trigger if Rainey weren’t in the picture. Being controlled by him or anyone is something I’d rather avoid—even if it means ending up six feet under. I’ll do anything for the woman I love.
“If you don’t oblige, I have some hungry men who’d love to play with her.” The guy who is holding me down licks his lips. I wrestle out of his hold to beat the asshole, but he hits me with the butt of the gun on the head. “Do we have a deal?” He shoves the pictures in my face. “Do we have a deal?” he repeats.
I grind my teeth. “We have a deal. You better not lay a hand on her. Or I will kill you and your men.”
Daniel is in his early thirties and has been known to be ruthless. When I found out, it was much too late. I was already involved, and the money I was making was what I needed to buy the things I required. I kept telling myself a little longer until I could buy a house and build a company. I never thought I would become an asset to his business. If I’d known it would involve Rainey, I wouldn’t have gotten myself involved.
A humorous laugh escapes them. “It’s funny you think you can. Because I can pull the trigger right now, blow your brains out. Then I’d find that beautiful woman and make her mine.” He bites his lips, and a rage of anger rises.
I shove his two men, and I can outweigh them both. I get in front of Daniel.
“Fuck you! Like I said, if you lay a hand on her, I’ll do something you’ll regret. I don’t mind wearing orange if it involves saving her.” I glare into his ruthless eyes. “I’ll be at the ring.”
He nods. “Good. I’m glad we agreed. I like you, Cano. You have fire under that ass of yours. You can always work for me.”
The fucker doesn’t know I own a company that can shut his organization down. I don’t give a shit what he does. It’s best that I don’t get any deeper in with them. I’ll fight this last fight. I know I’ll win. And cut ties.
I open the door to my truck and slam it in their face. Before I drive off, I ensure they leave and don’t mess with Mrs. Debbie.
Blindsided by Rainey’s beauty at the gala, I had completely forgotten that Daniel was there. It’s better to be safe than sorry. I dial Leo to find a bodyguard to stand outside Rainey’s bakery and follow her everywhere. She’s going to kill me if she finds out.
It’s Monday.I gave Rainey the weekend to cool off. Let’s see how it goes. I nod at Johnny and Gary, the guards she has no idea of. He sits outside, sipping on a cup of coffee. Gary will take the night shift at times.
Opening the door, I say “Good morning,” to Isabella as I maneuver through the women shopping for books.
“Buenos días,” Isabella responds, while making a coffee. She grins so wide it’s contagious.
I return it to her. I like her.
“Is Rainey here?” I know she is. I saw her car.
“She is.” She juts her head to the side. “In the back. We have two new employees. She is training them. Rainey should be done. Go ahead back there.”
The scents of baked bread and coffee linger in the air, getting stronger as I walk toward the back.
Her beauty is out of the ordinary. I’m intoxicated by her every move, laugh, smile, intelligence, and strength. Each minute without her is a torturous hell. Rainey stands talking to a woman and a man—her employees. The guy seems more interested in Rainey than in what she’s talking about.
Her head snaps so fast in my direction, I’m afraid she might have gotten whiplash. Now I’m unsure if the look on her face is “I’m happy to see you” or “I’m going to kill you.” No shame at all. I gaze at her body, at her gorgeous heart-shaped face. A heat of lust seeps into my bones. “Good morning, baby.”
Her lips roll into a tight line.
I brush my thumb to her cheek and tuck hair behind her ear. She shivers.
“If you guys could help Isabella out in the front…”
