Page 110 of Witness Protection

Chapter Twenty-Two

At least it wasn’t a monstrosity like the Morenov mansion. It was small, simple, and relatively private. Cayden could deal with it.

When he saw the happiness in Sophia’s eyes, every sacrifice he’d make in the future was already paid in full.

Cayden and Hawk were going to have to put their pasts behind them and become the typical men next door. Normal. Do domestic shit around the house. Maybe they’d build a fucking shed.

He was feeling slightly overwhelmed by everything until Sophia suggested they christen the house. She was exactly what he needed to clear his head and make everything better.

“Truth or dare, Sophia,” Cayden said.

She tried to hide her smirk. “Dare.”

“Show me your tits.”

This time she pulled her shirt right off and unfastened her bra, letting it fall to the tiled floor. She ran her hands over her breasts, teasing and taunting.

“Stunning,” said Hawk. “Turn around. Let me see you.”

She spread her arms to the side and spun around slowly. When she faced them again, she slapped her hands over her breasts and gasped.

“What is it?” asked Hawk.

Cayden turned to the door.

His old friend, Randy, was standing in the foyer.

He got to his feet and pointed to Sophia. “Hawk, get her covered.” Then he turned to Randy. “What the fuck are you doing here? How the hell did you find me?”

“Your keys.”

Randy had brought him his Harley, clothes, and keys when they were staying at the hotel. Why would he try to trace him? Cayden tried to think of all the best intentions. Randy was his childhood friend, after all. But his instincts screamed at him that this was too fucked up.

They’d been clashing ever since he took Sophia.

“We’re not around the corner. We’ve been driving for almost twenty-fours straight.”

“No shit,” said Randy.

His expression said it all. This wasn’t a housewarming visit.

“Stop playing games. What do you want?”

“You were the best, Cayden. You were going places. I swear you could have owned the city, if you wanted it, but ever since she showed up in your life, you turned soft.”

“Doing the right thing is soft?”

“I don’t even recognize you. You gave up three million. Three million! At least I can probably get something if I return her to Antonio Jr. It’s better than nothing.”

“Did he send you?” asked Cayden.

“No, this is all me. I know what I’m doing.”

“Antonio’s father already nixed the wedding plans, buddy. There’s no bounty to collect. It’s over.” Cayden felt the betrayal all the way to his bones. He tasted the bitterness on his tongue. “I love her, and you’d try to sell her to my enemy?”

“You’re brainwashed, and apparently jumped ship without a word to me. I’ve been your errand boy for over a decade, and not even a good-bye.”

“It doesn’t have to be like this, Randy. We’ve been friends since—”

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