LOREN
The earlier fog of grief fell away as I walked toward the man who thought he could play with our lives like we were chess pieces.
“Well, if it isn’t my former client. How are you, Dayton?”
He smirked, rubbing his chin as he took me in. Since it was lunch, I’d dressed in some black skinny jeans, black boots, and a red sweater that had a deep V that showed off the top of my black lace bra. Dayton’s eyes trailed up my body, and I held back the shiver of disgust that wanted to take over me. When his eyes landed on my hand, his face shot up, looking at me differently, a question in his gaze.
“Mrs. Carter, how nice to bump into you here. It looks like congratulations are in order. Might I ask who the lucky man is?”
I felt Topher at my back, letting me know the cavalry would arrive soon. It bolstered my confidence, and I knew my time was limited before Atticus swooped in, attempting to rescue me. This was one time I didn’t need to be.
I smiled darkly, shielding myself from allowing my anxiety to take root. Crossing my arms, my hip jutted out, my heeled boots giving me a great silhouette as I stood across from him, power pose on display. He watched me, looking for any sign of weakness to strike out against.
“I think the better question, Dayton, is how your son is such a better man than you? He seems to have managed what you never were able to. I think it’s time you leave and admit defeat. You’re not winning here.”
He smiled, enjoying my strength like it was his favorite candy. He pulled his hands out of his pockets, and I felt Topher tense. Dayton clapped, looking me over again. “It seems you’ve found your power, Mrs. Carter. I’d like to think I had some part in that.”
Scoffing, I rolled my eyes. “Sure, because a narcissistic asshole such as yourself would believe it was because of you.”
“I’m glad you’re finally giving me my due credit, Mrs. Carter. Now, tell my son that he owes me a club. I’ll be fair and fight him for it instead of just taking it. I’m a good father like that.”
A squeal of tires could be heard coming around the corner, and I knew it was Atticus. Dayton nodded to a man who moved to open the door of their vehicle, the one that was purposefully parked behind ours, so we couldn’t have left if we’d wanted to. As his door began to close, I stepped back, making my way to the vehicle that pulled to a stop. Before his shut, I called out, knowing what I needed to say.
“Oh, and Dayton?”
The door stalled, staying open a smidge. I almost wished I was on the other side so I could see his face when I delivered the news, but I knew it would be better if I was out of view to get away.
“It’s Mrs. Mascro. I’m a true mafia Queen. Show some respect.”
Topher opened the door behind me, and I hopped in, my breathing coming quick as the door closed and we sped away before I could think any more of it.
I turned, taking in Atticus. He was breathing heavily as well, his hands tight on the steering wheel. Once we were a few blocks over, he quickly pulled over into a parking lot, turning off the engine as he lowered his head to the wheel.
“Attie?” He held up a hand, and I knew he needed a minute. I took it as well, using the quiet to calm my own heart. I’d stood up to Dayton Mascro, the Masked Kingpin. And I daresay I held my own reasonably well.
A laugh bubbled out of me, the hysteria overtaking me. “I just told your father to admit defeat and that he was a narcissist.” I laughed more, the tears starting to fall. “And then I told him I was Mrs. Mascro. I wish I could’ve seen his face.” I turned, finding Atticus looking at me like I was crazy. To be fair, I felt a bit crazy.
He blinked, collecting himself. “You what?”
“I told him to show some respect. He tried to intimidate me, cornering me when you weren’t around. It was a stupid power move, and I didn’t let him have it. Your timing couldn’t have been better if we’d planned it.”
Atticus’ mouth hung open as he listened. I pulled his face to mine, kissing him deeply. His eyes were dilated when we pulled back, and I was half tempted to push his seat back and have my way with him, but the two-seater sports car wasn’t ideal for recreational activities.
Apparently, I didn’t care that it was mid-afternoon in a parking lot. If my mother could see me now, she would indeed have a stroke. Something about that brought a smile to my face.
“Every day, I wonder how I could love you more than the day before, but you go and do something, proving me wrong. You truly are our Queen.”
“Sorry if I scared you or made it more difficult. I just couldn’t let him try to intimidate me anymore. Something in me snapped when I saw him leaning against his car, blocking ours.”
“Part of me wants to reprimand you, but that’s because I was scared, not that you did anything wrong, Bellezza. I’m trying to learn the difference.”
“Oh, Attie.” I braced my forehead to his. “I’m only brave because you’ve shown me how.”
“Um, guys,” a voice said from the speakers, startling us both.
“Fuck, sorry, Pixel,” Atticus cursed, turning to look at the screen in the middle of the car.
My cheeks heated as her face appeared. Guess I’d been too occupied earlier to notice. I was suddenly thrilled I hadn’t decided to get some dick mid-afternoon if she’d been there the whole time.