Page 45 of Shatterproof

“Shebeggedme to go get her something from the gift shop but-”

“Don’t. Even.Think.About leavin’ that room before I get back, Blu.”

“I’m not.”

“Tell her I’m around the corner and will swing by the giftshop on my way back.”

“Roger that.”

I immediately end the call, slide out of the front seat, and stroll to the situation it’s time to end. “How do you feel, Messina?” My face cranes a little closer to his. “Scared?”

Instead of words, I simply receive choked sobs.

“Perfect.” An undeniable vile smile spreads from ear to ear at the same time I state, “Now, you know how she fuckin’ felt.” Grabbing his damp face allows me to snap it my direction to maintain eye contact. “Come near my woman again –in any way –and I’ll line your body bag with that same twenty k that got you into this shit. Clear?”

“Cl-cl-clear.”

“Word of advice?”

“O-o-okay.”

“You might wanna change careers. You’re clearly not cut out for this shit.” The condescending cheek pat he’s presented is followed by me redirecting my stare to Reynolds. “Leave him here. Let him wonder if he’s gonna live or die the same way Arley did. ”

He nods his understanding and begins backing up to his vehicle. “We square?”

“We’re square.”

Just like Yi is for finding this motherfucker so fast for me.

Henevershould’ve let Arley walk alone, late at night, by herself to her car.His jobis to keep her ass safe especially when I can’t. He fucked up and had he not found this blockheaded idiot for hire in record time his slate would still be stained.

The thing is…I’m not really one for grudges.

They’re a waste of time and resources to me.

You have an issue?

Address it.

Correct it.

Do whatever it takes to fix it before the shit can spiral out of control and become something bigger.

Uglier.

Deadlier.

However, with that said, when I finally figure out exactly who made the grave mistake of coming after my heart, I still won’t hold a grudge.

Just a loaded weapon.

Aimed right between their eyes.

Chapter 7

Arley

I’ve never been more convinced than I amright nowthat all the men in my life are completely clueless when it comes to fashion.

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