“Please do. I see the rumors were true. No wonder you’ve always led with your family’s wealth.
“Damn, so much is starting to make sense. Shit, that’s fucked up. That was her last dick before she died.” He nods at Robin.
He snorts. “I wouldn’t take Zah’s rejection too hard if I were you. I was on the football team.
“Coswell makes your shit look like a Tic Tac. Sucks for you,” he roars with laughter.
I frown and grind my teeth. However, I allow him his laugh as I move to grab my pants. I’ll have the last laugh when I blow his fucking head off.
I fake like I’m going to grab my pants, but reach for the handle of my gun in my bag instead. However, before I can turn and fire, the sound of a gun goes off, and I know it’s not mine. Suddenly, I feel a burning sensation tearing through my shoulder.
“You caught me by surprise the first time. It will never happen again. Thanks for confirming I’m doing the right thing. You can take him, the boss is waiting to see him,” Hamilton says to the two guys who rush into the room.
I pull my hand from my shoulder, and it’s covered in blood. My hand is shaking and I’m still standing here naked. The two guys come over, and one throws a bag over my head.
My hands are tied behind my back, and I’m shoved from the room. Hamilton’s words ring in my ears.
How does it feel to know you’re never going to get your revenge on Coswell? He has the money, the girl, and the dream. You have nothing.
This can’t be how this ends. If I have nothing, Coswell should as well. I’m going to get out of this, and I’ll get my revenge.
“As they torture you and kill you. I want you to think of one thing. Coswell was always the better man and Zah never wanted you. You’re an entitled asshole and you’re about to get everything you deserve,” Hamilton hisses in my ear as he digs his finger into my bullet wound.
I try not to make a sound, but lose the battle as he applies more pressure. I scream and black out.
Zahirah
I tightenmy hold on Aaron as Bentley spoons me from behind. I’ve been in bed since after dinner. I didn’t eat much, and I didn’t feel like doing anything else after.
Bentley and Aaron climbed into bed with me about an hour ago. I’ve been cuddling my son, needing to feel him safe in my arms. I get the feeling that’s how Bent feels.
He’s had us both in his embrace. I’ll admit, I feel safer in his arms.
“What happened to him? He was such a nice guy in high school,” I murmur.
“Baby, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but I never liked that guy. There was always something off about him,” Bentley replies.
“Really?”
“Yeah, he put on a face for everyone else. However, I’ve seen it slip before. That’s why I was pissed off when he started showing interest in you.
“He has always given off this vibe … I don’t know how to explain it, but he didn’t belong around you, and I wasn’t having it. He didn’t back down like all the rest did when I told him there was no way.
“That’s why I broke his jaw. It was the arrogant smugness, like he could buy you, that set me off. As if you didn’t have a right to reject him.
“He swore he could have you if he wanted. That was the wrong thing to say to me. I blacked out and blinked. The next thing I knew, Hamilton was helping him to his feet,” Bentley says.
“Wow, I never knew anything about that. Truth be told, I didn’t know you were warning other guys off as well. I just thought guys weren’t into me.
“I didn’t mind because I was crushing on you so hard. Maybe if I wasn’t, I would have noticed.” I laugh a little, but it doesn’t sound right to my own ears.
“You’re out of your mind thinking guys weren’t into you. I threatened more guys than I’d like to admit. With Gilbert, I don’t think he wanted anyone to know. I remember him taking time off from school after.
“I only knew I broke his jaw because I saw it. I didn’t announce it to everyone because I didn’t want to get cut from the team or benched. All that mattered to me was that he knew.”
I go to say something else, but Bentley’s phone rings. He rolls to his side of the bed to grab the phone and answer. I kiss the top of Aaron’s head and bury my face in his hair.
“I have you on speaker, Fred. Zah is right here with me,” Bentley rumbles, causing me to sit up and look at him.
