Page 83 of Witness Protection

Normally he couldn’t stand pretty boys. Hawk was an odd contradiction. A brutal killer wearing a Rolex and trained in the social graces. Cayden couldn’t give a fuck about brand names, high priced trinkets, or kissing ass.

Sophia was part of that world of privilege.

Nausea hit him like a punch to the gut, so he stopped thinking about the happy couple. They were too perfect together. It wasn’t resentment he felt, but raw jealousy.

He wished he could be a better man, be what she needed—like Hawk.

They took a booth, and he grabbed a laminated menu from the end of the table, even though he already knew what he was ordering.

“Did you know Sophia hates coffee?” asked Hawk.

Cayden glared at him over the top of his menu.

“And she hates cigarette smoke.”

He tensed. “I thought I told you I could quit if I wanted to. I’m not a slave.”

Hawk toyed with the sugar packets. “So, you do love her. You’re ready to change to be what she wants.”

Cayden slapped his hand on the table. The people at a neighboring booth looked their way. “Again, she’s supposed to be off-topic. Stop playing games.”

“How can she be off-topic? You care, or why would you be doing this? She’s not your fucking problem. You can walk and forget about everything.”

“And you can handle this rescue yourself?”

Hawk stared at him. “If I have to, sure. I’d go to hell for her.”

So would I.

The tension grew thick, and it was because of the woman between them. The waitress came up and took their orders. He welcomed the distraction. She flirted with both of them, plumping up her cleavage and trying to be cute. Unlike most men, he didn’t think with his dick, and was rarely impressed.

When she left, he leaned over on his forearms. “She likes you, Hawk. You should give her your number. I’ll bet she puts out on the first date.”

“You’re funny.”

Cayden leaned back and shrugged.

“I think she’s more your type. Like you said, this is your neighborhood. Perfect fit.”

“Fuck that. My dick is clean. Just because I live here doesn’t mean I’m ready to go dumpster diving. I happen to be very particular when it comes to women.”

“So am I. There’s only one for me.”

He took a breath, trying to behave like a normal human being and push down the monster growing inside. “I know. Sophia. You enjoy mentioning it.”

They faced off, having some kind of staring contest fit for grade school.

“It was her birthday last week.” Hawk smirked, an evil fucking smirk.

Cayden leapt up, one knee on the table as he reached for Hawk’s throat. Cutlery fell to the ground, and people gasped and screamed. As fast as his rage took over, it faded, and he sat back down realizing he’d made a scene.

Calm the fuck down, Cayden. You’re walking away once she’s free.

The waitress came up to them, keeping farther back this time. “My manager says you should probably leave.”

“Yeah, we’re not fucking leaving. I was defending your honor, sweetheart,” said Cayden. My buddy told me he wanted your lips wrapped around his cock.”

She blushed.

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