Page 88 of Undone

“Creed.” He answers without hesitation.

“I wondered, but your designer attire threw me.”

“My ink tells my story. I’d bleed for them all.”

“Did Smith, ask you to follow me to Chicago?”

“I live here. I run this city.”

“No, Roque does.”

Dare’s fists clench. His whole body stiffens as he moves to block me from whoever entered the diner.

“Dare.”

“Salvatore.”

The two men size each other up.

I look back towards my mom; her mouth hangs open as her gaze darts back and forth between the two men. Phones are lifted from table tops catching the moment as I step between them.

“This is ridiculous. Why are the two of you following me?”

“Because you have a face that could launch a thousand ships,” Roque quips.

“I’m not amused.”

“You left this in my car.” He holds out the locket I was wearing. My father had given it to me on my sixteenth birthday.

“Thank you,” I whisper, tucking it safely in my palm.

“Was it him?” Roque asks, ignoring Dare who growls a warning, stepping closer.

“No, his boss.”

“Lucas Smith, isn’t my boss.”

“Lucas Smith?” Roque asks, frowning, “He’s the man who hurt you?”

“Why? Do you know him?”

Roque dips his head, “I do. Don’t worry, Lucille. I’ll make him pay.” He pivots, walking away.

“What the hell was that about?” I remark, more to myself then anyone.

“You need to leave. Now.”

“What?”

“We thought you’d be safer here in Chicago, but you’ve been ordered back to Springdale. We can protect you better there.”

“From who? Roque? The man wants to sleep with me, not hurt me.”

Dare raises his eyebrows, “Aren’t they both the same?”

Hell. He’s right.

“Men,” I mutter sitting back down, sipping my lukewarm coffee.

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