Page 102 of Maddox
“What’s the hard way?” I mumble, hoping to break the tension.
Stupid move on my part, I know.
When Kidd raises a brow, I step back but he stands before I can go any further and grabs my arm, saying, “You don’t want to know.”
The old man emerges from his side of the booth and barks, “You’re sassy just like your mama. Maybe we should askherabout that piece of shit.”
“You knew my mom?” I fumble.
How is this happening?Whatis happening?
“Course I do, the bitch had the best pussy. Although that’s when she was fresh, if you know what I mean.”
My stomach rolls at his words and I whisper, “Wait. What do you mean?”
Is my whole fucking life a lie?
“You didn’t know your mama’s a whore?” he sneers as Kidd grabs my arm and pulls me toward the door.
The older man and the third dude follow as I say, “No, I–”
“Shut it,” the old man says, and I clamp my lips closed.
I guess now I have an inkling why Joey insisted that I stay away from Maddox but too little too late.
He should’ve told me the goddamn truth from the beginning.
At the door, I glance back hoping Jack will make an appearance, but what can he do?
He’s just one man, older at that and I’d hate to see him get hurt because of me.
When Kidd shoves me toward his bike, I stumble on the slick ice.
Unfortunately, the tread on my shoes is long gone and I fall to my knees while my hands scrabble for purchase but I’m no match for the elements and I fall on my face.
After sitting up, I glance at the road rash on my hands and arms before touching my lips. I’m not surprised when my fingers come away bloody and with a whimper, I push to my feet.
Behind me, the blue-eyed devil chuckles, and a chill races down my spine.
If I don’t think of something, I may not live through this, thoughts of which leave me completely dumbfounded.
How is this my life?
When we reach his bike, Kidd points at the seat while I scan the lot and the street beyond, considering where I might run that these assholes can’t easily follow.
This is when a police cruiser pulls into the lot, and I suck in a breath.
While I’m relieved because hopefully this will deter these assholes, I’m terrified that it’s Peter and these jerks will hurt him.
My heart jumps into my throat when Kidd shifts and presses his hand behind his back.
Holy shit. Is he armed?
The officer steps from his vehicle, eyeing us immediately and when Kidd hesitates, the old man shakes his finger in my face, snarling, “We’ll be back. Tell your mama we’ll be chatting soon…real soon.”
With that, they get on their bikes.
Dumbly, I watch them go before nodding at the officer as he approaches and says, “You, okay?”
