by BL Mute
“Yeah, it’s fairly simple.”
I nod. “And how much would you want to crack all of those so I can have the info?” I point to the external hard drives.
He shakes his head, then scrubs his hand down his face. “That could take me months.”
“Then you can have a steady income for months, if you’re willing.”
“Look—”
“You won’t be working with me if that’s what you’re about to say.”
He levels his eyes with mine. “Will this shit get me killed?”
“No. No one will know.”
He nods, then lets out a breath. “I can work on it when I’m not at my normal nine-to-five. That’s the best I can do.”
“That’s all I need.”
“It will have to wait though. Right now, I need a ride back to Bexley. A friend needs me. I can head back here in the morning.”
I tip my head. “A friend?”
“That’s what I said, isn’t it?”
I lean down quickly and fist the collar of his shirt. “If this friend is the cops, I’d rethink it.”
He jerks away and pushes my hand. “Chill, you fucking psycho. Your warning earlier was heard loud and clear. I’m not fucking stupid.”
I hold up my hands and back away. “Let’s hope so.”
Turning around, I walk out the door, then start up the steps. Once I’m at the top, I pat my leg, stirring Tiny from his sleep. “Come.”
He follows me out the front as Bradley tops the steps and closes the hatch to follow.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CARMEN
I twiddle my thumbs in my lap under the table. The small diner I told Bradley to meet me at is practically dead, but that’s not surprising, considering it’s so late. The smell of stale coffee, burnt bacon, and pancakes fill the air as pots and pans clink together and food sizzles on the flat tops.
I debated on reaching out to Cyrus myself, but if I want this to work, I need to keep my distance. I’ll be damned if we went through all of this for nothing. Therefore, Bradley is my best bet. Not only is Tony still following me, waiting to see if I fuck up, I’m sure, but there is a cop watching Lydia’s every move now also. I wouldn’t doubt if they’ve already tapped our phone lines too, which is why I insisted he meet me here.
The bell above the door rings, pulling my attention from the crumbs on the table. “Bradley!” I raise my hand so he can see me, then lay it on the table.
He strolls over, looking around the diner as he goes. Once he makes it to the booth, he slides over the cracked vinyl seat and clasps his hands above the table. “I’ve been so fucking worried about you, Carmen.”
He unlaces his fingers and tries to reach for mine, but I slide my hand away. “I need your help.”
He tips his head to the side with a scoff. “Seems everyone does these days. First you, and now the psycho.”
I squint my eyes and lean over the table. “Cyrus? Has he reached out to you?”
His brows pull together. “You didn’t know?”
I shake my head. “No. What did he want? Is he okay?”
He pushes himself back in his seat, and his lips form a hard line. “Do you love him, Carmen?”
I’m taken aback by his question. “Brad—”
“Answer the question,” he deadpans.
I suck in a deep breath and shrug. “I don’t know.”
He nods slowly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Does he make you happy?”
I think about his question. Does he? I ask myself.
Honestly, I think it’s more complicated than that. Happiness is such a basic label with so many different meanings. Do I smile with Cyrus? Yes. But it’s deeper than that. I feel seen when I’m with him. The way he looks at me… The way he makes me feel… It’s more than happiness, but I’m not sure if it’s love. Or maybe I just don’t want to admit it is love.
For so long, I’ve been the definition of an independent woman. I did what I wanted when I wanted. I didn’t answer to anyone and never planned to. Even sweet Bradley couldn’t change that, but somehow Cyrus did. He made me feel like I wasn’t alone.
“He does,” I finally answer.
“And he’s good to you?”
I nod. I don’t think Bradley needs all the dirty details on just how good.
He stares at me, unblinking, like he’s thinking. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you, you know? You to be happy.”
“Bradley, please.”
He holds up his hand. “No. This isn’t me feeling sorry for myself, Carmen. Deep down, I knew you and I would never work because I wanted something you couldn’t give. But these past few days, just seeing the way you’ve interacted with him—how you talk about him and how he talks about you—I know there is something special there, and standing in the way of that would take from your happiness.”
I bite my lip. “This doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.”
He smirks. “I know.”
I nod because it’s the only thing I can do. All words have escaped me, and I feel it would be shitty to bring the topic of help up again when he’s essentially telling me he gets it. That I don’t have to try and explain anymore. This is his closure, and he needs it.
“So, tell me what you need, Carmen.”
I press my lips together and wonder if this was a good idea. Asking him seems wrong at this point, but I have no other options. “I… I need you to get a message to Cyrus.”
He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath like he’s trying to compose himself. Only, he doesn’t seem angry. It’s like every negative feeling he may have had is released with his exhale. “What do you need him to know?”
“Tell him…” I trail off, trying to find the right words. “Tell him I’m okay, and I will get in touch when things are clear. As of now, I have a lawyer working on things, and they haven’t charged me with anything. I think there is a good chance everything will be thrown out, but he needs to stay away.” I discreetly point out the window to the Civic sitting in the parking lot. “They have a cop on my tail, twenty-four seven. I don’t want to risk him getting caught up.”
“Why don’t you just call and tell him all this? I’m sure it would be better coming from you.”
I shake my head. “If they’re this open with watching me, I’m sure they’re listening too. I don’t want to take that chance.”
“Okay. I’ll let him know.”
He stands from the booth and turns to leave, but I catch his wrist. “And Bradley.” When he turns back to me, I continue. “Tell him he doesn’t have to chase me anymore. I’m his, and I’m not running. I’ll find him when the time is right.”
He raises a brow but doesn’t question it. Turning back around, he strolls out of the diner.
EPILOGUE
CYRUS
Thump. Thump. Thump.
I focus on the heartbeat drumming in my ears, trying to calm my nerves.
I never imagined I’d be doing this again. Watching. Waiting. Hunting. But finally, my Spitfire has come back to me.
After three long, torturous months, the cops finally shelved Alexander and William’s case. With no new leads, no evidence to incriminate Carmen, and her not talking, the trail went cold. Maybe one day they’ll reopen it and find something they missed before, but that day isn’t today.
I lurk in the shadows, watching her as she looks behind her—a habit I’m sure she picked up from being followed for so long. In the three months I was kept away from her, her appearance has changed slightly. Her hair is longer now, reaching the top of her ass, and her body is inked. I can see the head of the serpent tattoo along her spine peeking out the top of her tank as she moves.
She’s a snake, shedding its skin and always adapting. She’s no longer the scared, unwanted woman she was. She said it symbolizes her new beginning, from what Bradley told me.
At first, I wasn’t too keen on the idea of him keeping tabs on her, but I did as she asked and stayed away, and if I couldn’t check i
n myself, I needed someone I could trust.
Bradley wasn’t my first choice. Hell, he wasn’t my choice at all. Anytime I would think about him fucking my woman, my blood would boil, but he’s proved himself. Not necessarily to me, but to Hatcher, and that’s good enough for me. He quit his job and moved back to Bexley to help Hatcher run all the shit Ghost left behind, and no one is any the wiser. He’s on top of shit and always ready at the drop of a hat to help if he can.
I guess I’m kind of thankful for him. He’s even helping to mend the shit between Carter and me. I was supposed to stop by and see him today since the case has been closed and we don’t have to worry about putting myself on the cops’ radar, but I couldn’t resist chasing Carmen when Bradley told me where she would be.
As she turns, leaving my sight, I speed up. When I make it to the corner of the building she rounded, I pause for a moment. I’ve waited for this exact moment for weeks, and now it’s so close I can taste it. I inhale deeply through my nose, catching a hint of her perfume, and immediately, my dick starts to harden.
Peeking around the corner, I see if I can spot her. When I don’t see her, I step out and start to walk. I only make it a few feet before my arm is caught and pulled into the narrow alley to my left. “Caught you,” she whispers, wrapping her arms around my neck and slamming her lips to mine.
I breathe in her kiss and run my hands up and down her body before pushing her against the brick wall. Her tongue juts out and skates over mine, and I moan.
She tastes like forever.
THE END.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Wow. I have no other words. This book took so much out of me, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Carmen and Cyrus are such a special couple to me. I hope you love them as much as me.
First, I want to thank my husband. He’s been my biggest fan since day one and continues to push me. Without him, I would have given up a long time ago. I love you, baby.
My sister, Krista. I say it all the time, but it only feels right to put it here. To actually have it in words that are published, and you can use against me. Thank you for being you and taking such good care of my kids when I’m on a deadline. If it wasn’t for you being the best auntie ever, Blood Money—and all my other books if we’re being honest—never would have gotten finished. I love you so damn much.
Sade. My best bitch. You have no idea how much you inspire me. Thank you for always putting my ass in check, believing me, and not letting me give up. I’m so grateful for you and our friendship. I love your bitch ass.
Brittany, my PA. I’d die without you. Even on my bad days, you manage to make them a little less bad. You’re always so bubbly and caring, and you ALWAYS make sure I remember I’m a BADASS! You’re so much more than my assistant. I love you.
My other Brittney, my OG. Like I said in the beginning, this book is for you. You’ve been by my side since day one. You’ve seen me freak out, seen me get excited, and seen me grow. I wouldn’t want anyone else with me on this journey. You mean SO much to me. I fucking love you.
And you, my readers. Thank you for always taking a chance with me and reading my words. Without you, this job would seriously suck. I fucking love every single one of you SO MUCH!
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