Page 63 of Just Another Chance

“That’s better, honey. Just relax and we can handle business without anyone getting hurt.”

The nickname makes my skin crawl. “You never showed up at my apartment like you said you would,” I remind him.

“Do you think I’m stupid?” he asks, voice sharp. “I knew all about that little sting operation you two set up with the police and Detective Freeman.”

“How?” I ask as a wave of defeat washes over me.

“That department is full of rats and for the right amount of cheese, they will always squeal.”

“Just give her the baby and I’ll give you the $20 grand,” Tanner says evenly. “Right here, right now. It’s in my safe.”

Dragari scoffs and then laughs. “I did a little digging into you, Tanner Beckett, and if you think I’m going to walk out of here with a measly 20K, you’re crazy. The price just went up.”

“However much you want then,” Tanner says, arm tightening around me.

“One million dollars, Beckett,” he says, eyes dark with greed.

“Whatever you want,” Tanner replies evenly.

“How accommodating of you. Then let’s up the ante, shall we? Five million dollars deposited in my account.”

Tanner gives a sharp nod and I focus on Owen who smiles happily even though he’s still sleepy. My son is a part of me, a part of Tanner– the best parts of us– and I’ll die if this thug destroys that. I can’t let it happen and the fact that Tanner is willing to do anything– even hand this asshole a fortune to save the son he barely knows– makes my chest constrict painfully.

I’ve never loved them more than I do at this moment when I’m faced with possibly losing them both– the two most important human beings in my life.

“Here’s what we’re going to do. First, I don’t like being set up and that’s what you both tried to do. That little stunt won’t go unpunished.” His eyes narrow and retribution flares in his beady eyes.

“Please,” I beg him.

“You’re going to make amends for that mistake, Ms. Hayes. So, think about whatyoucan do to makemefeel better after trying to throw my ass to the cops. And I should clarify that I want it to be something mind-blowing. Preferably involving that pouty little mouth of yours.”

His sexual insinuation makes my stomach curl and Tanner growls. I don’t want to touch the creep, but if it means getting Owen away from him then I’ll do anything. Despite how revolting or invasive it will be to me.

For Owen, I will sacrifice anything, including my very life.

“How did you get in here?” Tanner asks, looking around the bedroom.

I get the feeling he’s stalling for time. Maybe he has a plan. I don’t know and I don’t want this to drag out any longer than it has to because I want Owen out of his slimy hands. Pulling in a deep breath, I force myself to calm down, think rationally and trust Tanner.

I know he won’t let me or Owen down.

“You have a wireless system and, FYI, that makes it very easy to be hacked,” Dragari brags. “The signal to the police and alarm company has been jammed so no one is coming to your rescue.”

My heart sinks and Tanner gives my back hip a light squeeze. What does that mean? He must have a plan because he’s very calm while I feel like a crazy person on the verge of having a total meltdown.

“Alright, you rich asshole, enough conversation,” Dragari says. “Let’s get the money transferred to this account right now.”

Dragari holds a piece of paper out to Tanner with an account number and a bank routing number. My heart thunders when we move closer, and it takes everything within me not to grab Owen away from him. But Tanner holds me close and hard; he reaches for the paper and murmurs in a low voice to me. “Wait.”

A frustrated sigh quivers past my lips and I squeeze my hands into fists, determined not to do anything stupid or reckless.

“I’m going to need to call my accountant to take care of this,” Tanner says smoothly. “Unfortunately, I don’t keep that kind of money in the house.”

“Do what you need to do,” Dragari says and waves the knife. “In the meantime, I’ll just wait over here and get to know this kid a little better.”

His words make my skin prickle in goosebumps.

“My phone is downstairs,” Tanner says.

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