Page 4 of Operation Wolf: Eli
Since Gunner had now married into the Cooper family, it meant he had access to a shit-ton of money. Money I might have considered borrowing to pay off Ian’s debt if I’d thought it would help. But I knew I couldn’t simply buy my way out of my contract, not after being more than a year into it already. The Outfit had me right where they wanted me, and if they had anything to say about it, I would stay there for the rest of my life.
No, I couldn’t involve Gunner or anyone else in this mess. It was something I was going to have to solve on my own.
“What do you mean?” Gunner asked.
“Nothing. It’s just . . . I’m helping out an old friend.” I sighed. “I really appreciate your concern, but this is something I’m dealing with on my own.”
“All right,” Gunner conceded. “I respect that. But, really, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. You can call me anytime.”
I smiled. “You’re a good friend, Gunner.”
Gunner chuckled. “I’d do anything for you, man. You know that. Anyway, I’m going to go steal my bride back from my father-in-law,” he boomed, moving off toward the dance floor. “Try to have a good time, okay? Leave the worries for another day.” Gunner paused, winking. “And there are plenty of women here to help distract you.”
I forced a smile as Gunner turned and walked toward Celine. It was true that a lot of women were available tonight and equally true that, at this rate, I was going to be the only man in the wedding party not getting laid tonight, but I felt no shame about it. If I could, I’d gladly bury myself between a woman’s legs to forget my troubles for a while . . . But every time I looked at one that way, I couldn’t help but see Olivia’s auburn locks and beautiful, sparkling eyes or remember the feel of her smooth skin beneath my fingers or see just how damn cute she was when she smiled, her dimples indenting her perfectly oval face.
No, going to bed with another woman wouldn’t help me forget my problems. It would only serve to remind me of everything I’d truly lost.
