Zayne
THE MINUTE ASHRIKAleft for the restaurant, I tossed the untouched coffee down the sink. It took me another two minutes to lace up my running shoes and hit the streets. Usually, I worked out at the gym. Today, I wanted a change in scenery, hoping the warmth of the morning sun would thaw my paralyzed thoughts. After almost fucking her last night, followed by restless sleep and her not remembering, a strange numbness settled over me—a rarity since nothing much fazed me. Then again, I hadn’t attempted anything sexual with Rika before and walking away had been a hard decision. Now, a part of me wished I hadn’t. Maybe then, she might understand what she meant to me. Trying to ease the tension with sexually laced teasing, hadn’t helped the situation much. It made me want her on a whole different level.
Fuck.
Seeking punishment, I ran farther than I normally did, driving myself harder and faster, pushing until my legs cramped and my breath wheezed in and out of my chest. I staggered into the apartment, hands on my sides, my lungs burning, begging for air. I denied the request instead headed to our gym. Foregoing the gloves, I pummeled the punching bag, unaware of the force of my hits until my knuckles screamed in agony.
I threw one final punch and stepped back. Chest heaving, I stood there for just a second then let out a roar of frustration. “Fuck.” Breathing hard, I fell to my knees, my head hanging, my chin touching my chest, sweat mixing with my hard pants. I felt the burn of tears at the back of my lids. Whether from pain or sentimentality, I didn’t care, couldn’t care because I couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason why, only that I wanted to cry. I didn’t. I shot to my feet instead and pounded the shit out of the punching bag until my knuckles begged for relief and my chest cried for air.
An hour later, rethinking my visit to the restaurant, I parked the car in the alley behind the club. Distance from Ashrika right now was best for my sanity. My usual control back in place, I was ready for anything, spilling blood even more so. About to climb out, I glanced in the rearview mirror and grinned catching sight of the man creeping toward the car. It Seemed liked my wish was about to come true.
When I stepped out, he hesitated. With my hands in my pants pockets, I leaned against the car and stared at him. Ignoring the gun in his hand and scanning the area at his rear. He was alone but I didn’t miss the black sedan parked at the end of the alley. I trusted no one. My gaze shifted back to him. Running a quick study of his body, I kept my expression blank. That way he had no idea whether I was friendly or aloof. “You ever held a gun before?” I asked, cocking my head to the side.
He ran a slow gaze over my nonchalant stance, his Adam’s apple bobbing despite his attempt to match my stony countenance. First mistake. “Y-yes,” he stammered. Second mistake. I widened my lips in a slow smile. He flinched. “You said it would be an easy job. Scare her a little. Nothing about getting his face beat,” his voice shook, his fear palpable, superseding his anger.
“He made two crucial mistakes.”
“There were no mistakes,” he spat. “He did exactly like you asked. Chat her up, give her a little squeeze and try to kiss her. That’s it until that fucking hero arrived out of nowhere and spoiled the fun.”
“Fun?” I ground my molars, my palms itched to clamp around his throat, squeeze the fucking life out of him. All in good time. “It wasn’t a job then?”
He paled. “I...um...he—”
“Where the fuck is he?” I snapped. His gaze darted quickly to the black sedan then back to me. “So, what’s his game?”
“He wants double what you paid him.”
“Or what?”
The gun jerked in his hand. “We take you the fuck out.” His attempt at a snarl came out more like a squeak.
“And let me guess. You’re the asshole that drew the short straw?”
“What does that mean?” Stupidity shaded his brow in a frown.
When would wannabe fucking criminals understand the power behind wielding a gun laid in the strength of their balls, not the parody of a limp dick standing in front of me?
“I don’t think you’re the best man for the job, Tony.”
“The fuck I am.”
“Then by all means, prove me wrong.” I pushed away from the car and took a step forward.
“Stay the fuck back, Zayne.” He waved the gun in the air. “I’m warning you. I’ll shoot.”
“What makes you think I’m afraid to die?” I lifted a brow. The color drained from his face as though he realized just how pathetic his effort appeared. I shook my head. “Which begs the question, what are you going to about that?”
