Page 112 of Rigger's Mistake

Ray’s smug-ass smile beams back at me. “No can do, son. My employer has requested that I keep their high rollers safe, and they’re booked for a stay here.”

My conversation with Mary and Navy about the new packages they’re offering comes back to me. Goddamn it, I should’ve known that would bite us in the ass. Not to mention, how is this old, out-of-shape prick supposed to protect anyone? No, this is the Costas fucking with me.

“They can stay. You can’t.”

“That’s gonna be a problem because my employers, who have a financial stake here, specifically said I’m to stay nearby. You can call them if you want.” He holds out his phone. “I have them on speed dial.”

His cocky attitude has my molars grinding together in an attempt to think clearly. Except I can’t. Because Navy just gave herself to me after what this asshole did to her, and that’s all I can think about. How he thought it was okay to take a sweet, trusting little girl and abuse her in the worst way possible.

Now he’s here, flaunting how he got away with it?

No. Fuck that.

“What’s going on here?” Navy’s frightened voice sounds from behind me.

I whirl around. “I told you to stay put.”

“Rigg, man, I’m sorry. She pushed her way past me, and I knew you wouldn’t want me to put hands on her,” Tigger explains.

“I’ll fuckin’ deal with your ass later,” I growl. “Get her out of here.”

“No!” Navy bats at Tigger, who tries to grab her arms. “I’m not a child, and I’m in charge of this place, at least partly. So, I’m asking again, what is going on? Why is he here?”

“I brought you some customers,” Ray chimes in.

I get in Ray’s face. “Don’t fuckin’ talk to her. Don’t even look at her, you piece of shit.”

One of the businessman types steps in. “Listen, we didn’t know there was history here. We don’t need to stay.”

“No, that’s ridiculous,” Navy says. “I’m sure these two men can control themselves while we get you settled.”

“Navy,” I warn.

“Mary, do you want to call a line-up? I’ll take Rigger to my room.”

“Sure, hun. That sounds good,” she says gratefully.

Navy steps between Ray and me, putting her trembling hand in mine. “Come on.”

“Don’t ask me to do this,” I beg. My insides are being torn in two, part of me wanting to kill him right here and now, the other part wanting to get her the hell away from her abuser because she’s being so fucking brave.

“Please. I need you.” Her eyes turn glassy, and I know she’s going to lose it if I don’t go, so I choose her. Later, when she’s not around, I’ll choose him.

I point at Satyr and Dutch. “Keep an eye on him. I don’t want him leaving the parlor for any reason.”

“We got this,” Dutch says, cracking his knuckles.

Taking her hand, we head down the hall, but I stop short at Ray’s parting words.

“Oh, I see. He’s fuckin’ her. She must’ve picked up some skills from this place because I can say from personal experience that she’s nothing special.”

Dropping Navy’s hand, I rush back into the parlor and punch him in the fucking face so hard, he drops like a sack of potatoes. Ignoring the fallout, I return to Navy’s side. She’s full-on crying now, her arms wrapped around herself, trying to disappear.

“Come on, babe.” With one hand at her back, I lead her to her room, locking the door behind us.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” she says, wiping away her tears.

“He doesn’t get to come here, throwing the fact that he’s still alive in your face.”

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