Page 17 of Ridin' True
In some universe, it was the perfect meal.
Just then, I decided I existed in that universe.
I grabbed the container and a spoon, then made my way to the couch.
Five Days Later
IskippedmassonSunday.
I also decided I could go a week, maybe two, without needing to do laundry.
I hadn’t spoken with Alejandro since our fight. He called me half a dozen times, but I ignored him, and I didn’t want to risk running into him at mami’s. Neither did I want to explain to mami why her twins weren’t currently on speaking terms.
He might not have been her youngest, but Alejo was still her baby boy. She hated when we were at odds. I knew if all three of us were in the same room, she would try to get us to reconcile. But the rift between us wasn’t something that could be solved with a simpleI’m sorry.
He stopped calling on Saturday. I was left to assume he was okay. I didn’t respond to Rocco’s summons, but I hadn’t received any worried messages from anyone regarding Alejo, either. The silence wasn’t exactly a comfort, but it was all I had.
I spent most of the weekend distracting myself with work. When I arrived at the firm Monday morning, I was actually looking forward to a day in the office. Admittedly, I was kind of excited at the prospect of seeing Jed again. I tried to tell myself it was because I had news—good news that would work in his favor—but I knew it was more than that.
Pathetic and inappropriate as it might have been, having someone so nice to look at sitting across from me was bound to be the highlight of my day.
I shouldn’t have, but I made sure to reapply a fresh coat of my favorite lipstick when I got back from lunch.
It was mid-afternoon, and I was expecting Jed any moment. When I sensed a presence at my door, I looked up in anticipation and was awash in disappointment when it wasn’t him I saw.
“Alexia Torres,” he said with a crooked smile.
I didn’t like the way my name sounded on Rocco’s lips.
I knew it was him. He didn’t need an introduction.
He was shorter than I imagined, but I could tell by the way he looked at me what he lacked in stature he made up for in confidence. He wasn’t in a full suit, like his scary crony who visited me last week and entered the room behind him. Rocco wore slacks and a plain button-up that fit him well enough for me to see he was no slouch at the gym. He wore his hair slicked back, culminating in a slight curl at his nape, and he had a thin layer of dark stubble on his face.
There was something undeniably slimy about him, but he wasn’t unattractive, and he knew it.
“When you didn’t show on Friday, I was a little upset. I’ll admit it. When I ask to see someone, I expect them to come to me, not the other way around. But Eddie told me I wouldn’t be disappointed if I sought you out. He’s rarely right—butdamn, baby, you do not disappoint.”
After my conversation with Alejo, I was smart enough to be scared of the men who invited themselves to sit across from me, but I knew better than to show it. Ten thousand dollars was not at all insignificant, and it was obvious Rocco was determined to get his money. Unforgivable as it was that Alejo had let his mess find its way to my office—twice, now—I wasn’t about to surrender. I had a pretty decent poker face, and I fixed my features to be more annoyed than anything else.
“I didn’t show up on Friday because I don’t know you or owe you anything. Whatever business you have with my brother, I don’t want any part of it.”
“You’re right. How rude of me—Rocco Borrero,” he said, speaking through a grin as he placed his hand against his chest. “And while it might not be your fault Alejo failed to deliver the money he owes me for the supply I gave him, I don’t do debt. I intend to get paid, one way or another, and he promised meyou,” he paused and pointed at me, “would cover his deficit.”
“Unfortunately, he did not have that conversation with me before he made the promise. I don’t have the funds to cover what he owes you. You two will have to figure it out without me.”
He inched toward the edge of the chair and leaned closer, his voice conspiratorial as he replied, “The thing is, now that I’m here, I’m feeling particularly generous. I can think of a few other highly pleasurable ways you can help me forgive his debt.”
When his eyes dropped down to look at my breasts, I lost a little of my composure as I shot to my feet.
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Now.”
I watched as he dragged his tongue around his bottom teeth before his face lost all humor. He glared up at me and was about to say something, but we were interrupted.
“Everything alright in here?”
Jed’s massive frame filled the doorway, and I gulped down a huge breath of relief.
He didn’t look at me, his gaze directed at Rocco, who turned to peer at him from over his shoulder. I couldn’t help but notice the way his head jerked back at the sight of the formidable Wild Stallion.
