“Y-you’ve killed people?”
Cal hums, seeming prideful despite Laney’s obvious horror. “Four. Well, five if you include the first one, but I don’t. Not for him, anyway.”
She looks between me and her uncle, unsure who will give her the answers she’s looking for. “But why?”
“Because I did him a favor, and covering up a murder doesn’t come for free.” She’s stunned into silence as he turns his full attention back to her and rubs the tip of the gun down her cheek. “You’ve always been a pretty little thing. I could get a lot of money for you, in the right market of course.”
The urge to vomit rolls over me as I realize his intentions. “You lay a finger on her and, I swear to God, I’ll bring this whole fucking place to the ground.”
“He’s got jokes, doesn’t he? Acting like he’s in charge here.” Delaney swallows, afraid to say anything at all. “Maybe I should trade him for you. He’s nothing but a pain in the fucking ass, anyway. But you, I’ve got a lot of men who would love some time with a girl like you.”
“You sick son of a bitch!” I charge forward, only to end up with a gun pressed against the center of my chest.
Cal stares me down, daring me to tempt him. “One more move and I’ll kill you right here, right now.” He looks Delaney up and down. “Who would protect your sweet little Bambi then?”
I watch a tear escape from her eye as she fears for not her life, but mine. Little does she know, I’d gladly trade my life for hers. It’s not even a question.
A commotion from outside the door grabs all our attention, distracting Cal for only a second, but that’s all the time I need. I turn my body and grab his wrist with one hand while my other grabs the slider of the gun, preventing it from firing. I bend his arm and use my elbow to hit him in the face. His hand releases on impact, which gives me possession. I immediately flip the gun around and slam the butt of the pistol into his head. He falls to the ground, unconscious, and I lean over my knees, head swimming with relief.
“Let’s go.”
I shove the gun under my waistband and grab Laney’s hand to pull her out of there. As soon as I open the door, I see Paulo’s body motionless on the floor. I whip around and cover her mouth as she lets out a muffled scream.
“Is he d-dead?”
Stepping over him, I help her over as well. “We don’t have time to ask questions. We have to get the hell out of here, and fast.”
The two of us rush down the steps and out the door. The car I borrowed from Stone stays parked where I left it. As soon as we get in, I turn it on and peel out of the parking lot—checking the rear-view mirror every few seconds to see if someone is following us.
“What the hell happened back there?” she half-shrieks, half-sobs.
“I may have just put the world’s biggest target on both our heads.” I grab my phone from the center console and dial Grayson. The second he answers, I don’t give him a chance to talk. “Meet me at Zayn’s and bring your girlfriend. We have a major fucking problem.”
29
KNOX
I pound on the door, glancing around for any sign of someone watching us. Zayn opens it with a confused look on his face. I push past him and pull Delaney with me. Once we’re inside, I slam it shut and lock it before peeking out the window.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I vent.
“What’s wrong with him?” Z asks Laney.
>
She shakes her head, her arms wrapped around her petite body. I sit down on the couch and rest my head in my hands. This can’t be happening.
Why the fuck did Carter bring her there? I had this shit under control. Maybe it wasn’t ideal, but it was fucking handled. Now, it’s a massive disaster.
The way Cal spoke to Delaney, like he wanted to use her as some kind of prostitute, it made me see red. If I didn’t think the sound of gunfire would’ve had his goons swarming in, I would have shot him when I had the chance. He can do anything he wants to me, but I’ll die before letting him touch her.
“You want to tell me what’s wrong?” Zayn watches me carefully.
With my knee bouncing, I give him a look, one that screams I’m in trouble, and I watch as his eyes widen. A knock at the door has me ready to attack until I hear Pretty Boy’s voice come from the other side. I open it and usher him and Savannah in quickly, only to lock it again.
“Grayson?” Delaney wonders out loud. “What the hell does he have to do with this?”
The two of us ignore her entirely as he turns to me. “You said we have a problem?”