Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 227(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
“Y-yes.”
While I’m here, I might as well try to make the city a better place. Kneeling, I push the barrel of the gun against his head. Tears slide sideways down his cheeks as he lies back. Jackal’s teeth are fully bared now, a rare sight, and amid the mayhem, I feel pride in their whiteness. Then, even weirder, I imagine talking with Katy about it.
“I know about the nasty shit you’re doing,” I snarl. “The women. The innocent civilians.”
This is vague, and I’ve got no clue exactly what the Bratva are up to, but it’s always something. There’s always a fresh slice of hell.
“Keep it going. See what happens.”
The man is outright weeping now. Few people understand how threatening a dog can be in this modern era. It’s not until you truly feel what sixty-five pounds of muscle and intent is, with violence radiating from him, that you get an idea.
“Remember, nobody else saw this. Go inside. Behave normally. There was no bullshit Bratva honor lost here.”
“Yes, yes.”
“Retaliate and…”
“Never, never.”
Turning, I stalk across the street, climbing into the driver’s seat. Jackal stays perched on the man’s chest until I bring the car around and click my tongue. He springs from the man, darts through the darkness, and slinks in through the window.
As we drive away, I think of Katy and her mother. I’m almost certain the Bratva are going to leave her alone. Almost, but not enough to be completely sure. I know one thing, though. If I see her in the flesh, I won’t be able to stop myself.
All that stuff that I almost texted her about how she’s mine and having my babies… It will come spilling out, like my seed into her body, filling her up. What’s the matter with me? The job’s not over yet.
What if that man gets pissed at the humiliation, takes more drugs, snaps, and goes to find my woman and her mother? Should I have killed him right then and there?
At home, I grab the burner cell and send a text. It’s four a.m., but I don’t care.
It’s done. The Bratva should leave you alone now.
I don’t expect a response immediately, but it’s been a stressful night for Katy. She probably can’t sleep, thinking about everything that’s happened or that could happen.
A moment later, the cell phone buzzes as Jackal destroys a brand-new toy. I’ve always got a few around when he needs to blow off steam.
So we’re safe?
If this were a regular client, I’d tell them they’re almost certainly never going to experience any problems again. I’d outline the potential risks but leave it at that. I wouldn’t feel this thunder clashing inside me at the thought of something happening to her.
I don’t know how he’s going to react. I scared him badly, Katy, but he might get angry. He might try to collect the debt anyway. The only option is for you to move into one of my safe houses.
I click send before I can think about the repercussions, what it will mean to be close to her—not just her but her mom, too. These aren’t the circumstances in which romances usually begin, but what would I know about that?
This is all moving so fast, she replies. Do you really think that’s the best option?
For a few days, I type, walking it back a little. I want to tell her she’s going to stay with me, not for a few days, not until the danger has passed, but forever and always. I can monitor your apartment. If there’s no sign of the Bratva, it means you’re safe.
I still don’t understand why you’re doing this for a stranger.
I told you. I’m trying to do the right thing.
That’s part of the truth. I’ve done good deeds for strangers before. I’ve even put down-on-their-luck folks up in safe houses before, but it never felt like this, never personal. The truth is, if it were a choice between those folks and Jackal, I’d pick my dog every time, but with my woman, she’s already making that choice difficult. That should be impossible.
Jackal growls as he tears the toy’s head off. By chance, it just so happens to be a white bear.
Don’t you need to make a living?
I’ve got enough money, Katy. I’ve had long, long, long years to earn it.
You’re not old, Sam.
Tell that to my hair.
LOL. I imagine her laughing and wonder how she sounds, probably as beautiful as she looks. Some people like the silver fox look. So, how would this work?
I want to ask if she’s one of those people, but she’s right. We need to handle logistics, but I honestly don’t think I can see her.
Do you have a license? I text.
Yes. I got one as soon as I could because of Mom. She doesn’t drive. I’ve never had a car, though.