Page 45 of Sinful Bargains

Pathetic.These new guys didn’t know the rules of the game. I let his collar go, stood back, and pointed the silencer towards his forehead. “You don’t get to be a rat inmycity.”

Dominic’s mouth opened—one last desperate attempt to beg—but the silencer coughed. His body went limp, eyes frozen in shock, a neat hole between them.

I straightened, tucking the gun back into my waistband. I exhaled, rolling my shoulders, and turned back toward the car.

One less problem.

ADRIANA

Days had passed since I’d last seen Joey, and I needed it to stay that way. The emotional rollercoaster he’d thrown me on had to end. Every day since I learned William wasn’t dead, had been another day spent looking over my shoulder. That fear had settled into my bones. I carried the revolver in my purse and slept with it at night. It was becoming a part of me.

I untied my apron and hung it behind the counter at Davidson’s. “See you tomorrow, Mr. Davidson,” I said with a smile.

He looked up from the register, returning it. “See you, Adriana. Take care of that boy of yours.”

The bell jingled as I stepped outside, slipping into the driver’s seat of my car. The newness of it still lingered. I couldn’t let myself enjoy it too much. But it was nice.Dream Loverdrifted through the radio as I pulled onto the road, the afternoon sun warm against my skin. I pulled into the school parking lot, cut the engine off, and stepped outside. I adjusted my white cat-eye sunglasses and made my way toward the baseball field behind the school.

As I rounded the corner, I nearly collided with Renee. Shestopped dead in her tracks. The last time we had come face to face was outside my home, when Joey bought me the car. Her glare was sharp, but I only smiled, brushing past her.

My smile widened when I spotted Antonio on the field beside Coach Artie as I walked over. “Ready?” I asked him.

Antonio nodded, but before he could take a step, Artie spoke. “Adriana, do you have a minute?”

My brows knit together as I glanced at Antonio. Artie held up a hand. “He’s not in trouble. Nothing like that.”

I handed Antonio the keys. “Go wait in the car.” Antonio jogged off, leaving me alone with Artie. “What’s going on?”

Artie shifted on his feet, kicking at the sandy baseball field with the toe of his shoe. “He’s a great kid. I’m glad you let him join the team. He’s got potential and the drive to get there. Between you and me, he’s thebestplayer out there.”

I let out a soft laugh. “Well, thank you. Your secret’s safe with me.”

His eyes lingered on me a little longer than necessary. “You’ve done afantasticjob with him.”

“Why, thank you,” I said, smiling. “That’s always nice to hear.”

My gut knew exactly what this was. Exactly what was happening. A prickle of discomfort ran down my spine. I forced a polite chuckle, shifting my weight. “Well, Antonio’s waiting, so…”

Artie nodded, still smiling. “Right, of course.”

I spun on my heel, eager to escape the awkward situation as quick as possible. But before I could get too far, he called after me.

“Adriana?”

I turned back to face him. He stood there, one hand clasped behind his neck, rubbing it as he squinted against the sun beaming down on him. “If you need anything…” He hesitated. “Just let me know.”

I offered a small smile and nodded. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Without another word, I turned and headed straight for the car. Antonio was already in the passenger seat, the radio blaring. I reached over, turning it down a notch as I backed out and started toward Angela’s.

“What did Coach Artie want?” Antonio asked, glancing at me as I drove.

“Oh, nothing,” I said lightly. “He just wanted to say he’s happy you joined the team and that you’re doing great.” I shot him a smile. “But I already knew that.”

Antonio smirked, leaning back in his seat. “Well, yeah. I am pretty good.”

I chuckled. “Oh, is that so?”

He smirked out the window, enjoying the quiet ride—until the music cut off, replaced by the sharp voice of a news anchor.

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