Page 122 of Retaliation

“She said that if Reaper wanted to challenge her, he would have already done it. He wouldn’t wait for her to get her strength back.” Speaking the words aloud made them more real, the truth hitting him harder.

“I hate to admit it, but I have to agree with her,” Gunnar noted.

“What should I do, Gun?” he asked, his voice betraying his sense of helplessness. “She refuses to answer my calls and she didn’t come home last night.” He ran his fingers through his hair, the worry etched on his face deepening.

“Why not talk to one of her crew? I’m sure they can help,” Gunnar offered, trying to lighten his burden.

The suggestion made sense. If anyone could give insight into Poison’s mindset, it would be Cat. Poison mentioned the worked at that bar.

They headed to The Grave Bar without further discussion.

As they approached the bar, he couldn’t shake the image of Poison, her rebellious eyes and the way she pushed herself beyond her limits. He had thought he was protecting her, but maybe he had just been trying to protect himself from the fear of losing her. The realization twisted his insides.

Gunnar pushed open the heavy door to the bar, and they were greeted by the murmur of low conversations and the clink of glasses. The dim light coated everything in shadows, and the smell of stale beer mingled with the faint scent of smoke. Cat was behind the counter, rubbing down glasses.

“What do you want Scorpion?” Cat spat when she saw him, her eyes flicking to Gunnar with a fire in her eyes. “The Japanese isn’t welcome here.”

She said it so loud that the few patrons lingering on the other end of the bar turned their heads with curiosity. He took it that Poison had told her what had happened.

“I actually came to talk to you,” he said, trying not to seem threatening.

Cat leaned on her arms, eyebrows raised. “Entertain me, would you?”

“We need your help to get Scorpion and Poison back together,” Gunnar stated bluntly.

Cat’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with venom directed at Gunnar.

“And who might you be?” She gave Gunnar a dissatisfied once-over.

“The name’s Gunnar. Second-Lieutenant of the Japanese Mafia.” His chest puffed slightly at the mention of his title and was immediately brought back to earth.

“Only second? That’s a shame,” she purred, turning her gaze to Phillip. “I’ve already tried talking to her. Poison doesn’t want anything to do with you.”

His heart sank at the words. He knew Poison was stubborn, but hearing it confirmed stung more than he expected.

“Isn’t there anything you can do?” Gunnar said, irritation creeping into his voice. “I can’t see the man like this. It’s pathetic.”

Phillip gave Gunnar a glare that rivaled Cat’s.

She sighed, glancing around to make sure no one needed her assistance.

“You two clearly love each other, but you’re both too damn stubborn to admit it. What’s your plan?” Cat asked, her gaze shifting between the two of them.

Phillip felt a pang in his chest at her words. Love. It felt so distant now, buried under layers of guilt and regret. He had pushed Poison too hard, driven by his fear of losing her to Reaper. But in doing so, he had pushed her away.

Gunnar stepped forward, his presence commanding. “We need you to get Poison to fishing pier at Mount Loretto tomorrow at four. We’ll handle the rest.”

Cat’s eyes narrowed. “And why should I trust you? Or him?” She pointed at Phillip with a sharp nod of her head.

He took a deep breath, centering himself. “Because I made a mistake. I thought I was protecting her, but I was only protecting myself. I need to make things right.”

Cat’s expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained guarded. “And how do I know you won’t just hurt her again?”

“You don’t,” he admitted, his chin dipping. “But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove that I won’t.”

She studied him for a long moment, the tension thick between them. Finally, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll get her there. But if you mess this up, Scorpion, you’re done. Understand?”

He nodded, relief filling his chest. “I understand. Thank you, Cat.”

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