A man not to be fucked with.
Everyone knows you don’t fuck with the Brooklyn Brothers.
They may not be criminals, but they protect their own and they get shit done. Period. You don’t always want to know how they get it done because it might be a little shady. But thanks to their father, Enzo, they all have a moral code. Which is why I consider Cris not only a good friend, but also someone I can trust.
Which at the moment, is probably the most important aspect of our friendship.
“Having a bit of a situation down here and was wondering if you could help me out.”
“If I had a nickel for every time I heard that line,” he muses.
“It actually might involve your best friends in Hell’s Kitchen.”
The line goes quiet.
His voice has lost all humor when he demands, “Tell me.”
Considering the implications of the situation, revealing everything to him makes sweat gather on my brow. But he’s one of the few people I know who will keep his mouth shut and who can actually help.
So, I tell him all of it…without dropping Sam’s name.
I might trust the guy, but that doesn’t mean I want her name linked to any of this.
“I’ve heard rumors of the Espositos paying off refs for years,” he says. “Never knew how much of that was bullshit. I’ve definitely heard Fernadino’s name in certain circles, though. His distant cousin is married to Raphael’s niece, I think.”
Shit.
Sam’s been right about everything so far.
“We’re talking about a multi-million dollar operation here if this cheating ring turns out to be what it sounds like. What is Esposito going to do if his name gets linked to Fernadino and the other refs?”
Cris grunts. “Nothing if there’s no hard evidence to prove it. He’s not going to waste his time by getting involved if the authorities don’t have anything concrete. Plus, getting involved is usually a sign that there’s something to hide.”
My stomach twists with nausea. “And if there is hard evidence?”
“He’ll try to bury it, along with anyone who might talk,” he answers automatically, confidently. “Raphael will do whatever necessary to avoid having charges brought against him, let alone prosecution. And if by chance a case does go to trial, he’ll pay out the ass for a team of high-priced lawyers to keep him out of prison.”
“In your personal opinion, is this something he could be brought down for?” Is it even worth pursuing?
“Yeah, I think it’s possible. Whoever thought Capone would go down for tax evasion? This kind of thing gets a lot of attention. The more high-profile it is, the more pressure on the authorities to do their damn jobs. Not to mention a judge. The hardest part will be to get those refs to talk, though. They know what’s at stake if they cross Esposito. God knows what he would threaten them with. And it’ll be hard for prosecutors to convict without any first-hand testimony.”
“You think there’s anything you can do to help with that?” I hate to ask it of him. But I’m getting a seriously bad feeling about what this might mean if Sam doesn’t let it go, and I’ll do anything to protect her. “Maybe use your wallet to nudge Fernadino and the others in the right direction? We already know they’re easily persuaded by money.”
“Threat of death is also a good motivator,” he retorts. “That’s usually a little more powerful than money, and Esposito knows it.”
“Come on, man. You and your family have wanted to nail the Espositos for years. Now’s your chance. Especially if enough of the right people get involved.”
He pauses. “This is about a woman, isn’t it?”
Goddammit. “What the hell makes you say that?”
“Because you could care less otherwise. You’re only involved because someone you care about already is. I know you well enough to recognize when you’re protecting someone, Jennings. You going to tell me who she is?”
I like the man. I respect him. I trust him. But…
“Not a chance. Nothing personal.”
He chuckles. “I understand. Can’t say I’ve ever experienced that kind of devotion outside of my own family. But I get it.”
“Can you help me or not?”
He sighs. “Let me see what I can do. I’ll get back to you.”
I’m not sure if I should feel relieved at having his assistance and the weight it carries, or dread that we’re traveling further down the rabbit hole.
“Thank you. I’ll owe you big time.”
“Uh-huh. I’ll put it on your tab.”
Whatever keeps Sam safe.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Keep on Lovin’ You”
by REO Speedwagon
Back then…
Sam
College is going to rock my ass off.
I got my academic scholarship, Jasmine was awarded her cheerleading scholarship, and we were now dormmates. Plus, I just found out that my name was drawn for a free massage at Sunset Spa in the mall, so life at the University of Florida was already off to a badass start. Now, if I could just find myself a man, all would be perfect.
Not just any man.
Kade.
“I’m off to practice,” Jasmine said, grabbing her keys. “By the way, there’s going to be a team party tomorrow night, so you should see if you can get off work early.”
I’d taken a waitressing job at Fielder’s, a local bar and grill that catered to the college crowd. It was only a few blocks from campus, which allowed me to walk there most days, so it was a perfect situation.
“It depends on how busy we get, but I’ll try.”
On her way out the door, she noted my new outfit and whistled. “Whew, girl. The bar has really amped up their uniform.”
“If you must know, I’m meeting Kade for lunch.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I must know. Is today the day we finally tell Mr. Football how we feel?”
A smile broke out on my face that I was unable to contain. “Maybe.”
More like hell, yeah.
If I had anything to say about it, Kade and I were finally going to venture back into the more-than-friends zone and stay there this time. I’d gotten a taste of how it could be between us two years ago with our kiss on that clifftop, and I’d been able to think of little else since.
Things were messed up for a while after Trent’s mom passed away. I’d been a tangled knot of confusing emotions, feeling obligated to be there for both Trent and my mom, since Mrs. Canton had been one of her closest friends. My feelings about Trent cheating on me were nothing compared to his grief over losing his mother, so I’d been there for him. But we’d never re-ignited our relationship.
As for Kade, me being pulled in different directions hadn’t seemed like a great jumping off platform for a romantic relationship. So, we’d temporarily tabled that topic. He’d been a steady source of comfort during those few hard months. I’d had every intention of picking that conversation back up when the time came, but it just never felt like the right moment. In the meantime, we’d remained best friends, hanging out and spending time together like we always had.
By the time the seas had finally calmed, the school year was letting out and Kade was about to leave for college. Unsurprisingly, he’d received a full-ride football scholarship to Florida and had to be on campus for summer training. It seemed silly to try and start a long-distance relationship at that point. I’d just had to grit my teeth in frustration and say goodbye…as a friend. Even more disappointing…he’d said goodbye back.
No discussion, no fight.
Nothing at all was said about our relationship.
Yes, it was terrifying to imagine doing something that would screw up our entire friendship. Some couples could remain friends after they’d broken up. I wasn’t sure we would be those people.
But I was done playing it safe.
Done being afraid of what might happen, instead of taking action and making something happen.<
br />
That ends now.
Kade’s freshman football season had been explosive. As starting wide receiver for the Gators, he’d killed it on the field and brought massive attention to himself in the process. Winning the Heisman Trophy helped a little with that, too. Because of all the hype he’d been understandably busy the entire year. Not to mention he’d had to keep up with his classes, and Mason was three hours away from Gainesville.
With his infrequent trips home, we’d talked on the phone and texted back and forth as often as we could. He’d make me laugh, I’d rib him about his performance on the field—which was always amazing—and the flirting was left to a minimal, much to my dismay. The worst part was having to picture all the hot college girls that he probably was flirting with and more.
But no more sulking.
I’d looked at myself in the mirror a few weeks ago and had asked the girl staring back where the self-possessed, confident, and independent Sam Lawrence had gone? If I wanted something, I went after it. Kade should be no exception. I’d arrived on campus a few days ago, giddy attitude in tow, with all the optimism of the old Sam.
The timing may not have been right for me and Kade two years ago, but that was all about to change. We were both single and free to do whatever the hell we wanted. Nothing stood in our way now. We’d waited long enough.
I was going to make us happen or so help me.
Unless he doesn’t feel the same way anymore.
The possibility kept creeping into my thoughts, threatening to demolish my newfound courage, but I kept swatting it away like an annoying insect. If he wanted to remain just friends, I would suck it up and take it like a woman. But being scared was no longer an option.
“Good luck, girl,” Jasmine said, snapping me out of my reverie. “At least you’re stacking the deck in your favor by wearing that skirt. What underwear are you wearing? Or are you not wearing any?” She said the last with waggling eyebrows.
“Aren’t you going to be late for practice?”
“I hope you shaved. Guys don’t like a wooly mammoth down there. Trust me—”
“Goodbye, Jaz!” Her hysterical laughter trailed her out the door.
I needed to get some new friends.
I took one last glance in the mirror, assessing my fall-is-almost-here look. Short corduroy skirt, short-sleeved mock-turtleneck top, heeled ankle boots and hoop earrings. Hair was down, makeup was light and natural.
Kade was about to meet a whole new Sam.
***
Be still my horny heart.
Kade looked damn good.
And I thought I was going to be the only one who’d changed?
When Kade walked into the coffee shop—because yes, we were being that cliché and meeting in a college campus coffee shop—it was like the entire world had frozen. When he smiled, I might as well have gone into cardiac arrest.
He was the same but he was different.
Same hair and gorgeous face, but his jawline was more defined and covered in sexy day-old stubble. In high school, I’d never been able to picture him with facial hair because he’d always stayed clean-shaven. But that five o’clock shadow was so working for him.
And his body?
Let me put it this way…
His opponents on the field said tackling him was like running into a brick wall.
And it showed.
His six-four frame had been fit in high school, but in a more lean and toned kind of way that was typical for that age. He’d had a little muscle, sure, but he didn’t have those muscles. I’d watched his college games on TV, so I knew he’d bulked up some. What I hadn’t been able to discern was how much.
His shoulders and arms were roped with muscle, his chest was flat and packed with hard lines and edges. His T-shirt fit tightly over his rounded pecs, and I had no doubt his six-pack would be much more compact and defined than it had been years ago. Appreciating the way his jeans hugged his hips, I imagined what I’d find if I lifted the hem of his shirt up just enough. That sexy “V” framing a dark treasure trail…
Talk about a body carved by the gods, holy shit.
I bounded to my feet and threw myself at him, making him laugh as he wrapped his thick arms around me. For a second it felt like old times. Before I could control the impulse, I kissed him on the cheek. His head reared back just a bit, but it was enough to see his surprise.
That’s right, buddy. I’m kicking things up a notch.
He put me down, and I stepped back. Geez, had he gotten a few inches taller, too?
“Oh, my God, you’re Kade Jennings,” I said in my best Valley Girl voice while twirling a lock of hair around my finger. “You’re, like, the shiz of football, right? Could I maybe snap a selfie with you? My Insta followers will be so totes jelly.”
He rolled his eyes, but I didn’t miss the way they had first traveled down the length of my body. All my extremities tingled. I was seconds away from combusting with my growing arousal.
“Nice to see you too, Sam. And on time no less.”
I’ll always be on time for you.
After we sat down, I pulled a bottle of blue Gatorade from my purse. He lifted an eyebrow when I slid it across the table toward him.
“I assume blue is still your favorite, right?”
He narrowed his eyes, nodding slowly. “And I assume the caramel macchiato you’re drinking right now is your reward for your hard workout this morning. Right?”
The straw froze halfway to my mouth. I think I’d only told him that caramel macchiato thing literally once, on the phone…last year.
He scoffed. “Don’t look so surprised. I know you better than you know yourself. Jasmine’s got nothing on me.”
“Yeah, but sometimes people change.”
I couldn’t take my eyes off his as they flew over my hair and face. His gaze was so…penetrating.
“And sometimes they don’t. You look good, Sam.”
Now we’re getting somewhere.
“You’re not so bad yourself. All that muscle isn’t slowing you down, is it?”
He smirked. “I knew you were checking me out.”
He slid his hands down his chest in a blatantly sexual way. And yeah, I started panting like a dog in heat. If only he were naked.
“Sorry, sweetheart, but this stud comes at a price.”
“Ah, the modesty. What happened to the humble Kade Jennings I used to know?”
His expression hardened. “He wised up.”
That comment knocked me off-balance. What does that mean?
When he cleared his throat and leaned forward, I knew a subject change was coming.
“So, how did moving into the dorm go?”
The rest of the conversation covered only safe topics: classes, football, our families. Though it was nice to talk as friends, I felt my opportunity slipping away with every minute that passed. Falling into our usual patterns was not what I wanted. He needed to see me differently if we were going to take this to the next level.
After almost an hour, both of our beverages long gone, Kade looked down at his watch. “Ah, I have to go. The team is having a party tomorrow night, though. You should come.”
Warring with my disappointment that the relationship conversation wouldn’t be happening, hope chased away some of my gloom. Inviting me to the party had to be a good sign, right?
“I heard about it. Jaz invited me. I’ll probably come by after my shift.”
His brows furrowed. “You didn’t tell me you got a job. Where?”
“Fielder’s.”
I watched in fascination as an unnamable emotion came over his face, making his nostrils flare. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was anger. Why would he be mad that I was working at a bar? College students did it all the time. Big deal.
“Fielder’s,” he repeated. “I’m surprised you chose there.”
“Why? It’s close enough to campus that I can walk there. And the tips are really good. Got to pay for those textbooks somehow.”
<
br /> He leaned on his elbows, staring me down. “Promise me you aren’t walking home by yourself from the bar after your shifts, Sam.”
Was that protectiveness I heard? The thought thrilled me.
“I have pepper spray, Kade. Walking is so much easier than trying to find a parking spot on that street.”
I sucked in a breath when he suddenly grabbed my wrist.
“Sam. You know better than to be walking by yourself at night, especially after leaving a bar. College campuses attract all kinds of predators. Two girls here got attacked at night last year, and they were on campus at the time.”
My heart thudded in my chest. He’d done his job and freaked me out. “Okay. Point made. I’ll drive.
He hadn’t let go of my wrist. “Promise me.”
God, he’s so intense. My heartbeat tripped over itself. “I promise.”
His face relaxed. That’s when he finally let go of me, seeming almost surprised that he’d touched me in the first place. “Okay. You ready?”
No, but I guess I have to be.
“Sure.”
I slung my purse strap over my shoulder and followed him to the door.
“So, I’ll see you at the party tomorrow night?” he asked, stepping aside to let a couple through the door before we reached it.
“Yeah, I’ll try to be there.”
“Good. You’ll get to meet Robyn.”
I froze, squeezing the leather strap so hard my knuckles turned white. “Who’s Robyn?”
“My girlfriend.” He looked down at his watch again and cursed. “I’m going to be late. I’ll talk you later, okay?”
He gifted me with one last heart-stopping smile before he spun around and walked out the door.
Tilting my world on its axis.
Girlfriend.
Leaving me broken.
Girlfriend.
Jumbling my brain with a mess of thoughts and emotions, each one scrambling to catch up with what the hell just happened.
Girlfriend!
He’d never once mentioned that he had a mothereffing girlfriend. I certainly would have remembered that shit.
The Unforgettable Kind Page 16