I took a deep breath, trying to keep my own anger in check. “I get it, I really do, but it won’t solve anything.”
He took a long, deep breath. Though his nostrils still flared, I could see the anger slowly dimming in his eyes. He pulled me into a gentle embrace, and his strong, big arms wrapped around me.
“I’m sorry, Avi. I can’t believe Mia is doing all of this just because she got caught up.”
I held him tightly, my own heart pounding as I gently rubbed his back, trying to soothe both of us. “It’s okay. Obviously, she doesn’t want me to tell the Feds what I know. She’s just trying to scare me.”
We stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, the noise of the sirens and the sight of the fire fading into the background as we focused on finding peace in each other. Though Mia was unraveling dangerously, at least, it seemed, she was pushing me and Damar more passionately together.
After the fire was finally under control and the police had finished their initial investigation, a fireman led us inside, past the charred remains of our bedroom, which now looked like a disaster zone. I could see the damage was contained to the bedroom, but there was a lot of it.
As I surveyed the room, my heart sank at the sight of our summer clothes completely ruined. The contents of the walk-in closet were now a heap of ashes and drenched fabric. I was relieved, though, that our winter clothes had been safely stored in one of the guest bedroom closets.
The fireman noted the burn patterns on the floor and walls, which showed signs of where the fire had been purposely started. He explained that the way the fire had spread rapidly from a specific point and the evidence of accelerants pointed strongly toward arson. He mentioned the lack of natural spread, the way the flames had been concentrated, and the presence of unusual burn marks. All of these factors led him to conclude that someone had intentionally set the fire.
As I stood in the middle of the smoke-stained devastation, my heart ached knowing that Mia could do such a thing.
As we finished gathering what we could from the house, Damar and I headed to a hotel. The fire had shaken me up, and though we’d managed to salvage a few important items, the damage was extensive enough that we agreed staying in a hotel was the best move until we confirmed that there was no structural damage and that the air quality was safe.
After we checked into the Sophy Hotel in Hyde Park and settled into our room, I was looking forward to unwinding and relaxing with Damar. After everything we had been through, I wanted nothing more than to rest in the comfort of this nice hotel and spend some quality time with my man. But as he moved to grab his keys, I felt a sinking disappointment.
“Where are you going?”
Damar paused, looking apologetic. “I have to support another promoter tonight. It’s important for business. It’s a good opportunity, and I can’t pass it up.”
I frowned in shock and disappointment. “You’re leaving me alone after everything that’s happened?”
“I’m sorry, Avi. I know it’s been a rough weekend, but this is crucial for the business, and it’s really important now that I have to remodel our bedroom.” He chuckled in an effort to lessen the blow, but that shit didn’t work, so he sighed, saying, “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Promise.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. I rolled my eyes, clearly annoyed, and turned my back to him as I pulled the covers up over me. I got comfortable, hoping just maybe I’d find some comfort and peace in the softness of the hotel linens.
I heard him approach, but I kept my gaze fixed on the TV remote, stubbornly flipping through channels in an attempt to distract myself. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.
“I’m sorry, baby,” he spoke against it so close that I felt the brief warmth of his lips, but it did little to ease the frustration gnawing at me.
I responded, the sound more of a dismissive scoff than a real reply.“Mm-humph.”
CHAPTER 8
MYTHIC GREY
STEPPING OUT OFmy Aston Martin, I headed toward the back door of Enchant. My mind was still stuck on Lelani’s diagnosis. Lelani never hid how much her aunt and grandma had suffered with this same disease. I had met her not long after her aunt passed away from breast cancer. Soon after, her grandmother got her diagnosis. So, I saw firsthand how that anxiety was eating at Lelani. It was always in the back of her mind. She’d talk about it like it was inevitable, and now, it was coming to fruition. That fear she had been running from was right in front of her now, and, suddenly, it was hanging over everything.
Even though our relationship was far from perfect, and my feelings weren’t as deep as I’d like them to be, I was ready to be there for her. Despite knowing that Lelani might not be the love of my life, my loyalty compelled me to offer whatever support she needed.
Though I was lost in my thoughts, years in the game had taught me to always keep my head on a swivel. Because of that, I saw the figures approaching in the darkness. The lieutenant of the Viper Crew, a notorious Mexican cartel, stepped forward from theshadows, flanked by his henchmen. His name was Diego Moreno, a man known for his ruthlessness.
Diego’s presence was menacing enough to put fear in any man’s heart, but I wasn’t one to flinch. I was just as ruthless, and fear had never been a part of my game. His dark suit stood out in the dim, neon-lit parking lot, and the bright club lights reflected in his shiny shoes.
His henchmen, armed and ready, stood like silent, menacing statues just waiting for a signal.
As soon as Diego and his crew emerged, my security team sprang into action. They materialized from the shadows like ghosts with their weapons drawn and ready. The tension in the air was suffocating with unspoken threats and potential deaths. I could hear the clicks of my team’s safety switches being flipped off.
Diego’s gaze locked onto mine. I met his stare with equal intensity. The dim light from the streetlamps shined on the grim expressions on both our faces.
The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant noises of the city and the occasional shuffle of feet. My mind raced, trying to piece together the purpose of this confrontation while keeping it cool. Diego’s eyes never wavered, and neither did mine. We stood there, locked in a menacing stare, each of us measuring the other’s gangsta.
Finally, Diego cracked a slow, menacing grin. “I come in peace. Just want to talk, Mythic. Your men can put their guns down.”
