Page 244 of Rival Hero

My cocky attitude must piss him off. He suddenly looks disgusted, with his pouty lips and flared nostrils.

“She’s not capable of love,” he forces out through gritted teeth. “She had me fooled too, man. Then I found out how damn dirty she is. She’ll sell you out too.”

I hate admitting it, but his words give me pause for just long enough to let doubt creep in. Am I an ass to trust Mia? Did this fucker trust her and get burned? Enough to threaten her life and the life of her family?

No. That doesn’t make sense.

I know Mia.

I saw her fear when she realized who was after her. I felt her panic as acutely as I felt my own. And our love is real. More genuine than anything I’ve ever known.

Confidence quickly returning, I grumble, “That’s not going to work on me.”

“How did she get to you? Aren’t you the one working with Mia? What are you? A double agent?”

His words make less sense by the moment.

Sawyer forces him onto his stomach to restrain his hands. I stand to gather my thoughts before they careen out of control.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I didn’t leave it with anyone this time since this isn’t exactly the same risk level as raiding a trafficking house. I let the call roll to voice mail.

“Mia, you getting this?” I ask, desperate for her reassurance. “What’s he talking about?”

No response.

Jonesy and I catch eyes.

My phone buzzes again. Another call?

Son of a bitch.

I pull out my phone. It’s my mother. My stomach sinks.

A second later, the panic alarm on my phone signals. Someone tripped the damn panic button at Ma’s house.

Shit, shit, shit.

“I have to take this,” I whisper to Jonesy, flashing him the phone so he can see the caller ID.

He tips his head toward the other side of the room.

While I shuffle away, I see Sawyer binding Tony’s wrists, knees, and ankles with an assist from Aaron.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” I whisper into the receiver.

“Jenna was here, but now she’s gone,” Ma says, sounding agitated and panicked.

Perfect. Exactly what this day needs. Should I correct her and remind her that Mia is there watching her or play along?

“Does Jenna have red hair?” I ask, trying to shift her focus somewhat.

“Uh… I think she did today.”

“Okay, that’s good. Give her the phone.”

Why the hell is Mia letting her on the phone, anyhow?

“I can’t. I’m trying to te— that’s what I’m—”

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