Resisting Ryann

by Alyssa Rae Taylor

  “We didn’t get the guns,” I reply. “Tell me you didn’t already know that.”

  He looks around for Rachelle. “Where is she?”

  “The restroom. She wasn’t a target. She’s shaken up, but she’s fine.” I turn to acknowledge the stranger, getting the shock of my life when I actually see who is. I blink, reaching out my hand. “Luke Ryann,” I say, clearing my throat, erasing the confusion from my expression. What the hell is he doing here? If my father recognizes him, it ruins everything. Why is he taking the risk?

  He grips my hand tightly. “Drew.” he replies sharply. I get the sense that he’s angry, and for whatever reason, his anger’s directed at me. “Looks like you were grazed by a bullet.” He’s focused on the side of my head. “You got lucky this time,” he says through his teeth.

  Rachelle enters the room, relief flowing through her when she sees my father. She races into his arms.

  Andrew flicks his eyes back and forth between us. His brows pinch together.

  “Who would do this?” Rachelle asks my father. “I didn’t recognize either of them. As soon as we pulled up, they started shooting,” she says, nuzzling her head against his chest.

  “Are you hurt?” my father asks, looking her over. It’s strange to see him care for her when he’d been so quick to hand her over. Then again, I’ll never be able to understand his way of thinking, so why even try?

  “No. I’m just a little traumatized. I thought I was going to die,” she says, looking toward me. “Luke saved my life.”

  “They won’t bother you anymore,” my father replies, stroking her hair affectionately. “I’m assuming you took care of it?” He lifts his brows at me.

  Growling, I answer, “I couldn’t get a clear shot. They’re still alive, if that’s what you mean.”

  “How’d you get away?”

  “I blew out their tires and got the hell out of there.”

  “Luke was shot,” Rachelle interrupts. “There was so much blood. I was afraid they’d shoot me next.” Her eyes water. “I’m sorry, Luke. I was terrified. I know you wanted them dead,” she adds, clinging to my father.

  Narrowing my eyes on him, I say, “They changed the meeting spot, last minute.” Stepping closer, I continue, “Did you know anything about that? Those men weren’t her friends. This was a set up.”

  “What are you saying, son?” Glenn replies, rubbing his hand up and down Rachelle’s back.

  “Are you trying to have me killed? ‘Cause if you are, be a man and do it yourself!” I shout, spreading my arms.

  He glances at Andrew. “Go after my own son? I hadn’t realized he thought so low of me,” he says, letting out a short laugh, before Andrew’s joining in.

  I get in Andrew’s face. “The fuck you laughing at?” Lifting my gun, I cock it. He stands his ground without a flinch, playing his part beautifully.

  “That’ll be enough!” my father interrupts, the amusement no longer in his eyes. I’m positive I’ve embarrassed him.

  Keeping my gaze on Andrew’s, slowly backing away, I get the feeling my father doesn’t have a clue who his new friend is, which is good.

  “Don’t take your bad day out on my guest,” my father says. “Can you think of a reason someone would want you dead?”

  “I’m not aware of any enemies. I do what I’m told, then I go home.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “I’m not sure about anything.” I change the subject. “But I’m curious. What’d you hire him for?”

  “We’re partners,” he answers, looking at Andrew. “My son’s new to the business. You’ll have to forgive him.”

  “I understand,” Andrew replies.

  “Partners in what?” I glance at both of them.

  Gazing at Andrew, he says, “Would you like to tell him?”

  He rubs his bearded chin. “How ‘bout I show him.”

  “Fair enough.” Glenn turns to Rachelle and says, “You’ve had an eventful day. I’ll get you home. Luke, see Drew out.”

  Andrew’s already headed for the door, glancing over his shoulder. “We’ll talk tomorrow, Glenn.”

  “I’ll be in touch,” my father tells him, flicking his gaze back to me. “Go home when you’re finished. Clean yourself up. And don’t forget to show some fucking respect to your elders,” he spits. “I need this deal to go through.” He’s staring at me with disgust in his eyes. “Get out of here. I can’t look at you any longer.” He tucks Rachelle into his side, kissing the top of her head.

  Nearly telling him to fuck off, I decide against it, then make my way through the shop. Andrew leans against a red car parked in the parking lot. When I head over, he opens up the trunk and peers inside.

  I stand right beside him. “Are you insane? Is this the reason you got that nappy hair growing out of your face?”

  “We need to get you out of here,” he replies, glancing at the side of my head. “Have you checked yourself in the mirror lately?”

  “I’ve been a little busy.” My eyes fall to the large amount of cocaine inside the trunk. “Shit! Where’d you get all this?”

  “I have my sources. Listen,” he says, narrowing his eyes. “They’re moving in on Valdez.”

  “Yeah, I know. That woman in there is a fed. She filled me in on some of it.”

  “She told you that?” he asks, surprised.

  “She did. She also knows what I’m up to. What are they charging him with?”

  He watches over my shoulder, making sure the coast is clear. “Enough to put him away for good.” He frowns.

  “Did he … is the little girl?” I’m not able to finish the sentence. I hate that I left her there, tied up and defenseless.

  “She’s alive, but she’s been through a lot, and she’s parentless.” His brows pinch together. “You mentioned Valdez had something to do with your mother?”

  “I’m pretty sure of it.” I swallow.

  He scans my face. “And the hit on you today. Was it Glenn’s doing?”

  “It’s possible, unless Valdez knows the feds are on to him, and he’s getting revenge. Rachelle seems to think that’s the case.”

  “Which is another reason we’re getting you out of here.”

  “You think Glenn knows about it?”

  “I’m not sure, but if they’re only after you, then Valdez could be going behind his back. After all, you are Glenn’s son.”

  “How’d you get Glenn to trust you?” I tilt my head.

  “The DEA has information. They gave me a few names of their informants, who are high up in the trade.” He closes the trunk. “I offered him a deal he couldn’t refuse.” He shrugs. “He made the call, cancelling what he had going with Valdez shortly after.”

  “It’s a good thing because when word gets out about his arrest, it’s going to raise suspicions. Not just with you, but with everyone in your father’s circle.”

  “That includes you,” I tell him.

  He rubs his chin. “I’m banking on law enforcement intervening before that happens. The deal needs to close tomorrow.”

  The possibility seems too good to be true. I need to see it to believe it. “Okay, so what do we do?”

  He looks at me questioningly.

  “What?”

  “I want the truth.” He frowns. “Did you sleep with her?”

  Confused, I ask, “Who?” As it dawns on me, it pisses me off at the same time. “The fed? I haven’t touched her.” I lift my hands. “And I’m offended you’d ask.”

  “So what your father said earlier wasn’t true?”

  “Not even close,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s a long story that I’d rather not get into. Trust me.”

  He nods. “You’ll understand when you have a daughter.”

  I clear my throat. “I get it. Speaking of, I don’t like the idea of you being here, and Reese having one less person watching out for her.”

  “I’ve got people informed. She’s going to be fine. Let’s focus on putting your father behind bar
s and getting you home. Is that your Mustang?” he asks, glancing at the shot up car parked behind him.

  “Yeah, it’s a rental.”

  He looks around. “I’ll follow you home.”

  I’m on my third beer. Andrew and I are lounging on the couch watching baseball. After I’d showed him where I lived, he parked down the street and walked here. We didn’t want to look suspicious, in case someone spotted his car.

  Chance has followed him into the kitchen, the bathroom, and everywhere between. Andrew pats him on the head. “That’s a good boy,” he tells him. Chance closes his eyes, then lies on his feet.

  “What are you, the dog whisperer?”

  He chuckles. “I don’t know what it is, to be honest.” He watches him fall asleep. “Must have been lonely here without him. I was worried about that.”

  Getting up to grab another beer, I reply, “Yeah it sucked, but I managed. Hey, you want something?”

  He shows me his glass. “Water’s good. Thanks.” He quit drinking years ago. I envy him for that.

  Sitting back on the couch, I ask him, “Did you see Reese before you left?”

  “I did,” he says, clasping his hands together. “Told her I was going away for a while, leading her to believe I was having a mid-life crisis.” He purses his lips.

  “She handle it okay?” I take a sip of my beer.

  “Better than I expected. We had a breakthrough actually. She invited me to see her place.” He grips my shoulder. “That was a selfless act of kindness what you did—giving her that home.”

  My mouth tips up at the corners. “I wanted her to have it the moment I walked into that old, worn-down apartment,” I say, finishing my beer. I crush the can in my hand then climb off the couch and go grab another.

  When I open the can, I pause. Andrew’s eyes are on me. “What?”

  “How often are you drinking?”

  I cock a brow. “You’re not about to lecture me, are you?”

  “Not a lecture.” Moving his feet out from under Chance, he lifts them onto the table. “They were falling asleep,” he explains. “Anyway, if I remember correctly, you had told me you quit.”

  “I did,” I tell him, taking a sip. “This is a relapse. Consider it temporary.” I take a couple more, before setting it down.

  “What is that? Your fifth?”

  “Fourth. Are you really counting?” I let out a sardonic laugh. “If you think I can live this way sober, then you’re crazy.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right,” he says, blowing out a breath. “As long as you’re smart enough to know the alcohol doesn’t take your problems away. It only masks them.”

  “You’re preaching to the choir, Andrew. So where are you staying anyway?”

  “A historic hotel not all that far from here, and I’m hoping to be checked out within a day or two.” He scratches his chin, then gets up and helps himself to another glass of water. Chance hops up and follows behind him—like he wasn’t just sleeping a second ago.

  He walks back into the living room. “I should go,” he says, gulping down the remnants in his glass. “You never know when you could have a visitor.” He’s right. “Call me if anything comes up,” he adds, setting the glass on the counter.

  “Hey, you didn’t answer my question earlier.”

  He raises his brows. “What was that?”

  “The mess I’m in … is it the reason you grew out the beard? You knew you’d have to come here all along?”

  His eyes light up, and he plays with his beard, tugging at his chin. “That’s a mystery you may never solve.”

  “Aw, c’mon, tell me.” I laugh. “Don’t leave me hanging.”

  But he opens the door and walks out.

  When Sean said he was taking me out, this was not what I’d expected, but I swear I’m not complaining. I’ve only heard about it from friends. I’m kind of excited to see it in action. “Karaoke night, huh?” I ask, finding us our seats in the dimly lit bar that isn’t quite filled up yet.

  He flashes his award-winning smile, deciding on one of the booths that are lined up along the wall¸ facing the stage. “I think we’ll fit in just fine, considering we’re casual. You going to get up there and sing?” He raises an eyebrow.

  “Not on your life!” I tell him. We just finished Anchorman 2 less than ten minutes ago, then he suggested this hole-in-the-wall bar. It’s been a long time since I’ve laughed as hard as I did during the movie. It felt good.

  “We’ll see about that once we get some drinks in you. Everything’s on me.” I consider this for a moment and decide not to argue. I still haven’t told him about Luke. Maybe it’ll be easier for him to accept after he has some alcohol in his system. He doesn’t strike me as the angry-drinker type.

  A scantily dressed cocktail waitress greets us at our table. I admire her raven black hair, cut in a sophisticated bob. Her eyes roam over Sean’s body like he’s something to eat. “I’ll have a tall Sam Adams, please,” he says, dropping his gaze to his phone. She appraises him a little longer, before her eyes move over to me.

  I decide a drink might benefit the both of us and order one for myself. “I’ll have a Captain and coke,” I tell her. “Actually, can you make that diet, please?” I give her the friendliest smile I can muster. She gives me a look that says I’m the scum at the bottom of her shoe, then quickly struts to the bar.

  “She’s a real treat,” I say, still watching her.

  “Who?” Sean asks, still distracted with his phone.

  “Is everything okay? Do you need to make a call or something?”

  He shakes his head, then clears his throat. “Sorry about that. It was a text from a client of mine. You were saying?”

  “Oh, it’s no big deal. I just don’t think our waitress likes me,” I murmur back.

  His brows pinch together. “Do you want to go somewhere else?”

  “Of course not. I think she’s got the hots for you, and it bothered her you didn’t notice.” I wiggle my eyebrows up and down, giving a subtle hint.

  “Really?” he grins. “Is she hot?”

  “Besides the fact that she dresses a little trashy and doesn’t have much of a personality, yeah I’d say so.”

  He nods. “I’ll have to check her out when she brings back our drinks.” He taps on the table.

  Good, he’s interested. “You should ask for her number,” I suggest.

  He looks at me funny. “Bet she doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

  “She’s really cute,” I reply, tugging down my shorts that are riding up too high.

  A moment later, our waitress is back. “Rum and coke,” she says, slamming the drink down in front of me, so hard that some of it spills over the side. “And here’s your tall Sam Adams, baby,” she purrs, her hand lingering on the mug longer than normal.

  Sean answers with a cocky grin, his eyes on me. “Thanks. That’ll be all for now,” he tells her, raising his mug.

  “You change your mind, honey, I’m right around the corner,” she replies before slowly walking away, adding an extra sway to her hips.

  “Wow, she’s really trying to send you a message, Sean.”

  “You jealous?” His eyes sparkle at me.

  “Jealous? No. But for all she knows I could be your girlfriend. Talk about a lack of respect for other women.” I sip on my drink, which surprisingly isn’t diet.

  He gulps down his entire beer in one shot, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Man, I needed that.” He exhales. “By the way, you’re cute when you’re jealous.”

  I roll my eyes. “I’m not jealous. Did you hear what I just said?”

  He chuckles. “Yeah, I heard you. I hadn’t noticed the waitress. I was too busy paying attention to you.”

  “What?” Uh oh. I know that look. There’s no way out of this talk. I look around and grab my glass, taking a big gulp. It hurts going down. I do one of those choke-coughs, trying to look as natural as I can, but my eyes are watering.

  “I’ll go get
us more drinks,” he says, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I think our girl’s busy. Captain and diet, right?” he asks, pointing to my glass.

  “Yes, thank you.” I clear my throat. “Keep an eye on her this time. The last one was regular.”

  Broadening his shoulders, he says, “All right. Come get me if anyone bothers you.” With his nearly six-foot frame, and a body that’s packed in muscle, I doubt it’s something he needs to worry about.

  “I think I’ll be okay.” I smile before he walks away. I turn my attention back to the stage. The DJ lays out several books of music, and people wait in line to pick their song.

  “You sure you don’t want to sing?” Sean asks, setting down our drinks before sliding in the seat across from me.

  Lady Gaga plays in the background. “Trust me. You don’t want to hear me sing, but you go right ahead. I’ll even record it,” I tell him, flashing my phone.

  “Couple more of these and I might.”

  I’m pretty sure he’s kidding, but I go ahead and ask, “Do you sing?”

  His mouth curves into a grin. “Not typically, but there’s a chance I’ll make an exception.”

  Florescent lights flicker around us, and a group of girls head over to the stage. An older man straggles behind them, wearing clothes that look to be from the seventies. He’s fist pumping with a smile on his face. They tighten their circle and try to ignore him, but he’s not giving up so easily.

  “Check him out,” Sean says with a cackle.

  “I know. They’re all avoiding him like the plague, but he just keeps on pumping those fists.” I laugh.

  “You women are harsh.”

  I take a sip of my drink. “Sometimes,” I say, then ask, “So why’d you choose here of all places?”

  He folds his arms, leaning back, then flashes his perfect grin. “Is that a good thing or bad?”

  “A good thing,” I tell him right away, hoping the question didn’t offend him. “More relaxed. I pictured something else for some reason—with you being a lawyer and all,” I joke.

  “You mean more extravagant?” he cocks a brow, tilting his head.

  “Yeah. Is that bad? Not that I expected anything fancy. I just didn’t realize you came to places like this. It’s refreshing actually. I’m happy you brought me here. It’s fun,” I reassure him.