Page 151 of Driftwood Daffodil 2

The man who I now knew as Ricky, got up and walked out, while Romeo’s eyes locked on mine.

“You can fuck off too, Atlee.”

Hold on a minute.

“Romeo…” Atlee tried but was shut down.

“I said, fuck off.”

As intimidating as Romeo sounded, Atlee wouldn’t leave me alone with him, right?

Wrong.

Half a second later Atlee spun around and headed for the door.

“Really?” I called after him. “You’re just gonna leave.”

All I got from him was a wave over his shoulder and a “Sorry Baby Cakes.”

Ugh, coward.

When I turned back to Romeo there was something in his eyes that sent a chill up my spine.

“I don’t like problems or messes Novalee, and you are both.”

I mean… I couldn’t really argue with that.

“Listen… things may have gotten…”

“Shut up.”

Yeah, I could do that.

I clamped my mouth shut, crossed my legs, and stared up at him like I was in kindergarten waiting for the teacher to read a story. Although, I was fairly sure this story wouldn’t include cute puppies or lonely ducks.

He walked across the room and refilled his cup. “Do you know what I spend most of my time doing?”

I could make a few guesses, all of which involved skinning things. He seemed like the skinning type.

“I solve problems.”

“Okay?”

“If a shipment is lost, I find it. if someone cause issues I remove them.” He swallowed back a mouthful of his drink and continued. “If someone tries to renege on a deal, I remind them of the consequences.”

Dread rolled through my veins.Kato.

He spun around and locked his stare on me. “I don’t need to remind you of the consequences do I, Novalee?”

I shook my head. I was well aware of the consequences.

“Good. Now here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to get your ass off my floor, walk out of my house and go home.”

That sounded great to me. In fact I was halfway across the room before Romeo stopped me.

“I’ll give you one week Novalee.”

Even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear the answer, I stopped and looked back at him. “For what?”

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