Page 66 of Mob Star

I haven’t seen any photos of Thea’s parents, but I get what he’s saying. Thea’s mom is Black, and her dad is mixed. Knowing Corey, Brandon’s dad was black, and his mom was white. He’s insinuating Brandon’s mom didn’t want her son running with criminals. Apparently, Corey believes Brandon’s reason was easier to see. Whether it was Brandon’s job or half his family, Corey is obviously bitter that he couldn’t control Brandon.

“Why’re you targeting them now?”

“Because I can.” He tries to smirk, but I lean a couple inches closer and put the barrel to his skin.

“No, you can’t. Give me the real reason.”

“I told him Althea’s time was up, and her ass needed to get back up here. She has responsibilities and commitments to keep.”

What the fuck?

“And?”

“And he refused to deliver the message or make sure she did what I expect.”

“So?” I’m getting tired of him not just spitting out the complete story. This is the last prompt I’m giving him before I really hurt him.

“So, I made sure he got fired. He needs his job back, or they’ll lose everything. That is, unless they accept my help.”

Extortion. Loan sharking. That’s his kind of help. He continues without me having to say a word.

“He knows this could all end if he accepts my help or makes Althea come back to where she belongs.”

I don’t want to give away that I don’t know what the fuck he’s talking about. And whatever’s in Thea’s past, I want her to tell me herself. Not to test her, but because I want her to trust me. That she can tell me anything— good, bad, or ugly. Fuck knows, there’s next to nothing she can tell me that’s worse than my past and my future. But I need to know what’s going on. I don’t think I have the luxury of waiting.

“What makes you think he’d sacrifice his daughter?”

“He won’t. I can still make her come up here, but I’ll force him to use my money before that.”

“You think you’re going to force my girlfriend to do anything? You woke up to my gun in your mouth. I have it between your eyes now. And you tempted me earlier to blow your dick off.”

“Killing me won’t stop what’s already in motion.”

That’s true. That’s why he’s still alive. I’ll let him think he’s going to die any minute for a little longer. Then I’m leaving. He’ll still be breathing, though barely.

“But it sure as fuck would be satisfactory. Call your henchmen off Althea. She has nothing to do with this.”

He snorts in disgust. “She hasn’t told you about her past, has she?”

I keep my expression impassive as though I already know, so I don’t care whether or not he tells me. I want to know right the fuck now.

He laughs at me. “She’s a Sweet Butt.”

Chapter Sixteen

Thea

It’s been a day, and I haven’t heard from Finn. I don’t know if he dealt with Corey, or if he’s still working on the shit that forced him up there. Joey’s been at my side since I left my parents’ place last night. His cousin drove my car back to my apartment, and Joey drove me in a town car. I didn’t put up a fight. If it got back to Finn that I declined the protection, it would not only piss him off, but also hurt him. I don’t want him to think I’m rejecting his concern, and frankly, I feel a fuck ton better with Joey so nearby.

I’m in the doctor’s on call room and about to heat up a can of soup. I have three hours to catch some sleep. Between what’s going on with my family and four extremely challenging deliveries, I’m wiped. I want nothing more than to curl up in my bed. This sofa will do, but it’s hardly as nice as my mattress. But I’ve crashed here plenty of times. I even keep a pillow and blanket in my locker.

When the microwave dings, I bring my soup over to the sofa and kick off my clogs. My surgical cap is on the table in front of me. It’s the flamingos today with pastel pink scrubs. I wiggle my toes in my boring white ankle socks. By the time I’m done eating, I’m practically nodding off. It feels like only a minute after I fall asleep that I’m lifted into the air. My eyes snap open, and I’m staring into Finn’s emerald orbs.

“Daddy.”

If I’m dreaming, then this is perfect. I try to curl in a ball, but I can’t. I open my eyes again because he’s definitely holding me right now.

“Cailín.”

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