Page 33 of Double Edged Hearts
When the garage door clicks shut, I release a heavy sigh and lean against the edge of the counter.
I don’t know when I’m going to get Cora out of my head. It’s not exactly going to be an easy task. I can’t just forget her. Everything everyone is telling me is correct. Even what she herself is saying is right. My fucking heart just won’t accept it.
In general, women are a weakness none of us can afford. They make us vulnerable. But when you find the one who will stand by you, the story changes. The situation changes.
I hoped she would be mine. The fact that we’ve been screwing around for nearly nine years is testament of the fact that I couldn’t have been more wrong, even if she felt like mine.
The door to the shop creeks open. For a second, I think one of the guys forgot something because I’m not expecting Manuel for another hour, then a fucker with light brown hair pokes his head in.
I already know I’m not going to like this guy from the smug expression on his face. He’s tall and carries some muscle, and although he’s wearing a biker jacket, he looks more like he should be in a suit.
“What can I do for you?” I ask and straighten up.
Most people who come here outside the racing hours come by appointment only, or if a friend sent them. If a friend sent them, though, I’d know about it. So, I don’t know who this fucker is, and I’m not liking the way he’s scanning the place. Nor the fact that he hasn’t answered me yet.
His gaze settles back on mine, and he gives me a smile. It’s polite, or at least it’s supposed to be, but the air of smugness is still there.
“Quite a setup you have here. Impressive,” he comments.
I eye him sharply. If he’s waiting for my thanks, he’s not going to get it.
He can’t not know who I am. Few people in Chicago don’t know.
“Something I can help you with?” I ask again.
“I hope so,” he answers with a nod. “The name’s Zack… I believe we have a friend in common. Her name’s Cora.”
What the fuck is this? I’m almost amused, but I hold back on showing my own version of smug because this visit here is odd.
“And what about Cora?” I prod.
“I work with her.”
Fed… I should have known. He smells like one and has the look. I’m just off my game.
He works with her, but he looks like he wants to do more than that. Or he wouldn’t be here.
“And?” I raise my brows, and he chuckles.
“I didn’t figure her to be into mobsters. Maybe it’s not her though. Maybe it’s more you.”
This prick must really have a death wish. Coming here to a guy like me is a signature on his death certificate. He thinks he can talk down to me? Or, talk that shit? We’ll see about that.
“Look, pal, you better get the fuck out before you piss me off,” I seethe.
He has the audacity to laugh. “Easy, tiger, it’s just an observation. That’s all, nothing more. Seen you a few times sniffing around her.”
If he saw me at all it means he was watching like a hawk.
Why?
I step to him now, walking right up to him.
“You’re keen. Makes me think you want to cross that line of work with her.”
“You’re bright and a quick study.”
I want to pop his head right off his miserable body, but I hold back. Claudius is already on my ass. He’d kill me himself if I killed this guy.
