Page 24 of Double Dare

I cross my arms over my chest and lean against the banister. “I’m not killing her.”

His brows furrow together. “That’s not part of this deal, Adrian. She’s a payment, so fucking collect.”

“No.” Telling him no is a dumb move, but I’m not ready to give Danica up when I just got her where I want her.

“No?” He laughs. “Have you forgotten who the fuck I am? I knew the bitch would cause problems the day I stepped in the house and saw her. I saw the way you looked at her!” he booms. “I saw the way you wanted to claim her!” He lowers his voice and rubs his hand across his forehead. “You have to settle Dario’s debt. Letting something so big go without consequence is bad business, son. You know this,” he hisses.

“Which is why Dario’s debt will be paid, but not with her life.” I stand my ground.

“Then with whose? ’Cause this isn’t something that will be fixed with anything other than a life. An example needs to be set.”

“His own.”

He shakes his head slowly. “Youngbloods don’t go back on their word. It’s the reason I’ve taught you to speak carefully.”

“Which is exactly what I’ve done. I never agreed to take her over him. I simply said I needed an alibi, and he produced her.”

“My son you are.” He scoffs. “If this isn’t handled by the end of the week, I’ll take matters into my own hands. I’ve already cleaned up one mess you’ve made. Don’t make me clean another.” He ends the conversation, then turns on his heel and leaves.

CHAPTER TWELVE

ADRIAN

Igive it a few minutes before I walk back upstairs. I’m on edge and contemplating what I should do because I know my dad is right. Someone has to die, and I can’t take back the deal I made with Dario.

Trying to push the thoughts away, I start back up the stairs. Hopefully, Dad’s outburst didn’t wake Danica. Right now, I want her to rest, and even more, I don’t want to explain the fucking predicament I’m in. How would I even tell her I basically agreed to kill her just because her brother asked? No matter what way I put it, I don’t think it will go over well.

When I make it to the landing, I turn and head for my room. Pausing at my door, I look inside and see Danica sitting on the edge of the bed. She’s in my oversized shirt with her eyes pointed down, her hair is a mess, and her hands are in her lap twitching. She’s so fucking raw right now.

“What did you hear?” I ask.

“Enough.”

“Which is what exactly?” I step further inside, making sure to keep my distance. I may have finally broken her like I wanted, but she still has a beast inside of her. One that’s unpredictable and sensitive.

“Tell me about why I’m here, Adrian, and what my brother has to do with it.” She ignores my question and demands her own answer, bringing her eyes to mine.

I nod and release a breath. She was never supposed to know—she was never supposed to live—but it seems life has a funny way of throwing plans out the window.

“Your brother is an addict, you know that?”

She shakes her head. “I had suspicions, but he’s never around long enough for me to really see. He left town a year ago and only checks in sporadically.”

I laugh. “Left town? I think you’re mistaken.”

She tips her head and narrows her eyes. “No. Hehadto leave town.”

“Danica, I run this fucking city, and Dario has been on my radar for a while. I’m not sure what he told you, but he’s been lurking around the outskirts of Port Howe or lying low on the east side.”

Her head falls back, and she lets out a manic laugh. “That motherfucker.” Pointing her eyes back to mine, she continues. “Keep going. I want to know why I’m here. The real reason.”

“He killed one of my men. I told all my runners and dealers not to give him anything until he settled his tab with me. It wasn’t a lot, maybe two hundred bucks, but I guess he snapped from feigning. He bludgeoned my guy to death and tried to run.”

She bites her lip and crosses her arms over her chest. “I don’t understand why he didn’t just come to me if he needed money.”

“Because he doesn’t give a fuck about you, Danica. You’re nothing but a second thought to him,” I reply. Harsh, yes, but it’s the truth.

It was clear he didn’t give two fucks about her the day he gave her to me and knew I would kill her.

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