Page 82 of The Billionaire Who Saved My Cat From The Mafia

“You know how I told you that a drunk driver killed my dad?”

“Of course.”

“The driver was mygrandfather.He was so out-of-his-fucking-mind high and drunk that he killed his own son.”

I freeze.

“And that’s not all.My grandfather was head of a motorcycle club—still is probably, if he’s alive.My dad was the second in command.Club members mourned my dad’s death, but they also protected my grandfather.It’s their code of honor or some other bullshit.And no, my grandfather was never charged, never spent a day in jail.He just walked away after killing my dad,his own son!”

“Frankie, I’m so—”

She shakes her head.“My grandfather hired a private eye to find me.I got a letter from him about six years ago, I think.He apologized, said he loved me and told me that he’d gotten sober.He sent me a check.”She lets go with a nasty laugh.“But the things I said to that man after the accident—it’s the kind of shit that can never be taken back.I lit that bridge on fire and watched it burn to ash.I’ve never seen or spoken to him—or anyone from home—since.”

Tears well in her eyes.I stand and walk to her, take her plate, and pull her onto my lap as I sit down on the stump.

She curls up against me and rests her head on my shoulder.

This is all I want from her—to lean against me, trust me.I want her to understand that I am a protector.That she can count on me.I’m made for it.I want her to believe that I can handle whatever she’s struggling with and keep her safe.

But I don’t think she’s there yet.She has to tell me who she’s running from and why she believes it’s a life-or-death proposition.But she’s not willing to drop her guard and tell me.

We sit like this for several long moments, just breathing, holding onto one another.And then, Pussy jumps into Frankie’s lap and starts purring.I can’t help but grin, since it’s pussies all the way down.

“Nowthat’swhat I’m talkin’ ‘bout,” I say.

Frankie laughs at my unspoken joke, which leads to my completely irrational sense of accomplishment.I just managed to make her laugh, even in this brutally dark moment.

I hold her tight.“Whatever you need, I’ll do it, Frankie,” I tell her.

“There is one thing I need you to do for me.”

I stare up at the sky in gratitude.Finally.“Of course.”

“Promise me that you’ll do what I ask.”

“I promise.I’d be happy to help you disappear.”

“What?”She sits up and stares at me like I just sprouted an extra head.

“I’ll come up with a plan, Frankie.I’ll get you set up where you’ll be comfortable and completely safe.Whoever he is, he’llneverfind you.”

“No.”She slaps both her hands on my shoulders and leans in to go eyeball-to-eyeball with me.“What I need is this: go home to your work and your family and your life.Please, Special K.I’m asking you to give me just a little bit of time and space to think.To be alone.Just one night.”

I don’t reply.

“Please.”

CHAPTER 40

Special K

“Wait!”Summer is speed-waddling my way as I exit the equipment shed.“I need to talk to you!”

Ahh, shit.I don’t have time to be interrogated, and if she says she wants totalkit means she wants to talkatme, ask a bunch of questions, and wait around until I finally answer her.

I’m not in the mood.I got shit to do.I have to call a meeting and enlist my brothers’ help getting Frankie to safety.

Summer yells again.“I’m talking to you, Kevin!I know you can hear me!”