Page 82 of Make You Mine

His eyes shifted to the side.

“You already know, don’t you?” I laughed. “You don’t have a chance. That’s why you won’t leave Piper alone.”

“What of it? What do I care about some stupid bakery? I’ll help Dana open a new one. Big deal.”

“We went to school together, asshole.” Hunter jabbed a finger in Richard’s chest. “Piper is practically family, and you know it. So you know what I’ll do to you.”

“So, it looks like you know Jake’s reputation and Hunter’s. But you don’t know me. Piper is mine. And the only thing standing in the way of her being happy right now is you. Which means that I am now your nightmare. Aside from suing the shit out of you and reporting you to the local police for breaking into Piper’s house and stealing Cody, I will do anything else I think of to make your life a living hell. And trust me when I say that unless you move to another planet, I can do it. We’re taking Cody and you will not do one fucking thing about it. Do you get me?”

“Yeah, I get you.”

“And when Jake gives you the papers for Piper to buy Dana out, what are you going to do?”

He didn’t answer.

“What are you going to do?” I bellowed.

“Dana will sign the fucking papers, all right? Damn.”

“And Cody?” I ground out, ready to shove my way inside and get him if I had to.

“He’s a good dog, but I can get another one.”

“You’re pathetic,” I bit out.

“Jesus Christ.” He snarled. “This is not worth it. Dana,” he shouted. “Bring Cody down here.”

She showed up screeching. “What are they doing here? The damn dog is mine.”

“Damn dog?” Hunter bit out. “Nice.”

Richard’s eyes slid shut as he shook his head side to side. “Just get Cody, please, Dana. We’ll talk in a minute. I can get you another dog whenever you want.”

She stomped off up the stairs, muttering to herself as she walked, returning a few seconds later with Cody following. He peeked his head out from behind her, so I called him over.

“Go on, boy,” Richard told him. “Go with Ren. It’s okay.”

Cody trotted over to me, tail wagging, with his cute doggy grin on his face.

“What the fuck is going on, Richard?” Dana tugged on his arm, demanding an answer. “You’re giving Cody back to Piper?”

“I said, give me a minute. Baby, please.”

“Fine.” Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him. “But bet your ass we’re talking about this after they leave.”

“Great,” he muttered. “This ends here. Tonight. Right now. I’ve had enough of this shit. We’re done.” He grabbed Cody’s leash from the coat rack near the door and hooked him up.

“As long as you stay the fuck away from Piper and sign the papers, we’re done,” I confirmed.

“Later, man,” Hunter smirked. “Have fun with your lady tonight.”

“You’re an asshole, Hunter.”

“You reap what you sew, dumbass. Keep that in mind.” Hunter shot back.

“I’m almost disappointed I didn’t get to punch him in his smug fucking face,” I muttered as we got into my car.

“He’s not worth it. He crumbles like a little bitch. Very unsatisfying.”

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