Page 36 of Say I Do

Tony grunted. “You listen to me while we’re out there.”

I rolled my eyes and stepped away from him. I wasn’t promising shit. “You’ll be lucky if I don’t kill people.”

Tony groaned. “This is a bad idea.”

He had no clue just how bad it was. I kept my face blank as Tony drove us through New York. The rain pelted down on the windshield. It seemed as if it would never let up. The lights blurred as I stared out the raindrop-covered window.

The car was filled with comfortable silence. Neither of us had anything to say to each other. My hostility was bottled up and placed on reserve for one man only.

“Quick in and out,” Tony said.

“Where the heck are we?”

“Away from prying eyes. I know the clerk here won’t say anything about seeing you.”

“Am I a fugitive now?” I joked.

Tony cocked a brow at me, and I grunted. I hated that we were in the news so much. Between Benito’s family history and mine, it felt like I was doomed to always be in the spotlight. I slipped out of the car, Tony right behind me as we made our way in.

I got the usual pack of cigarettes and some mint gum. Tony headed toward the car, but I moved toward the side of the store. I flicked the lighter as I cupped my hands around the cigarette, making sure the wind didn’t put out the flame.

Tony growled something under his breath, but he moved to stand next to me in the dank makeshift alley. It was between the corner store and some abandoned building. The first taste of smoke filled my lungs and eased some of the tension.

“Happy?” Tony asked. His gaze scouted the area for any potential threats.

I slipped behind Tony and jumped him. He grunted and slammed my back against the wall. My shirt rode up. Brick scraped over my exposed flesh as he tried to dislodge me. The pain sharpened my awareness, making everything clearer as my fingers wrapped around the butt of his gun.

I pulled it free and rammed it down on the back of Tony’s head three times. His legs caved, and we went down in a pile of limbs. The pavement hit me hard as my leg was pinned under his heavy as fuck body. I shoved him over and glanced around to make sure no one noticed. It was messy, but I had to do what I had to do.

His phone was easy to find, and a simple fingerprint opened it up. I dialed the one number I knew would come through. The phone rang three times before he picked up.

“Yeah?”

“Quincy, you busy?” My best friend was probably the only one I could say had an ounce of my trust.

“Yeah, I am, but I can send some guys your way. Your old man has people watching me like a hawk. Everyone is convinced you’re going to fuck this deal up.” Quincy was silent for a few heartbeats. “Har, are you fucking this up?”

I wanted to. “No, I’m fixing this shit show. Send some from my… my old division.”

“I got you. Shit, gotta go.” Quincy hung up. I knew he’d pull through. In the meantime, I needed to do something with Tony. I dragged him a bit down toward the car before I stopped and rested against the brick wall. The rain slowed down to a mist.

Harlow: Have them grab a suit

Quincy: slutty or bloody

I smirked at the screen.

Harlow: Both

I erased the messages and the call log. Tony was out cold even as two of my men showed up. The moment they saw me, they stood up straighter showing me the respect I’d earned.

“Tie him up and toss him in the trunk.” I snapped my fingers.

Nobu unzipped the bag holding my change of clothes. I stripped out of my plain outfit, not worried about what people would think when they spotted my crimson-colored panties and the dainty bows they were decorated with. I could more than handle myself.

Lucky for us, no one stepped down the otherwise deserted block. Tony grunted, and I glanced over to him as I slipped my pants on. Riku had just tied his arms behind him. He was working on securing the gag.

Tony blinked a few times, awareness slipping back into his eyes. He shook his head but stopped as another groan broke out. His gaze focused on me; his brows furrowed as he watched me get dressed.

---