His grandpa whistles. “He’s a doozy.”
“I know, and I need a favor.”
“Did you get yourself in trouble with Malakai? I thought I taught you better than that.”
“No. No. Not me,” Brax replies.
I feel a little better about the conversation now. At least Brax was taught not to get involved with men like Malakai. That means his grandfather doesn’t get involved with them either.
“Thank goodness. Darn near gave me a heart attack,” his grandpa says.
Well, that’s not good. I mean, I knew Malakai had to be bad from Brax’s response, but his grandfather’s words only solidify the fear that’s taken root deep in the pit of my stomach.
“What do you need?”
“Well, the girl I’ve been seeing?—”
“You’re seeing someone? Who?”
Brax rolls his eyes even though his grandpa can’t see. “You’ll meet her soon.” He gives me a forced smile because this is awkward for both of us. “Anyway,her ex-fiancé got involved with Malakai. Took out a massive loan and then didn’t pay.”
“Same old story,” his grandpa says.
“Yep. Well, her ex just called and said Malakai may come after her, but she’s not in his life and hasn’t been for years.”
“What a dummy,” his grandfather mutters.
“No truer words, Gramps.”
“I’ll put out a call to Malakai, but you need to hide her until I can get it sorted.”
“She’s at my place.”
“Does he know about your place?”
“We’re new. Second date.”
“Started that relationship off with a bang, eh?”
“I hope not,” Brax whispers. “Poor choice of words on your part, Gramps.”
“Keep her there. Don’t let her out of your sight until I can talk to Malakai.”
I swallow hard, staring at Brax. I hate that I have to put him in this situation.
“I think it’s safer for Brax if I went home,” I say, finally speaking up. “I don’t want to put him in danger.”
“Sweetie,” his grandpa replies, his voice so soft and sweet, a few knots in my stomach loosen, “you stay there with my grandson. If anyone can keep you breathing, it’s him. You’re not going to put yourself in danger because you think you’re putting his life at risk. Brax can handle himself. He knows how tohandle bad guys, and I’m guessing you don’t, but maybe I’m wrong.”
I hate that he’s right. I don’t know shit about protecting myself. Sometimes, when I feel a little uneasy about a situation, I’ll slide a key between my two fingers, so if I need to punch someone, they get stabbed too. It’s ridiculous because I’m pretty sure my punch wouldn’t actually do enough damage to break the skin, but it makes me feel better, even if it’s delusional.
“Fine,” I say, my shoulders instantly slumping forward.
“Any cars on the street in front of your place?” his grandpa asks.
Brax rises from the couch and heads toward the windows, moving the shades to see the street below. “No one.”
“It’s too cold for them to be standing on the street. They probably don’t know about you yet or else I would’ve gotten a call from Malakai. He owes me as much before he tries to put a cap in your ass.”
