One laugh and the black cloud over us is broken.
The partition lowers slightly. “We’re here, Annabelle,” John calls from the front.
Bloody hell.
As upset as I was with Jackson, I’m thankful he distracted me from the day ahead.
“Thank you, John. For everything,” I say, and he tips his hat in response.
“Hey,” Jack whispers, and I turn back toward him. “I would never do anything to hurt you. You know you’re my best girl, and I’m always looking out for you.”
I cup his cheek. “I know, my darling Jack. But I need you to stop the violence. I’m not sure what’s gotten into you lately, but I need you here, not in jail. Because eventually he’s going to press charges, and John won’t be able to help. Then what? You leave me, your sister, your mates, and your two beautiful nieces behind when you go to prison?” He looks down, forlorn, which is so unlike his usual happy-go-lucky self. “But you know I will always appreciate all you do. Don’t you? You’re the best, Jackson Peters. Your heart is always in the right place. Sometimes, though, your execution is lacking.”
A slow smile creeps across his face. “I am the best, aren’t I?” He laughs, and I playfully hit his arm. Of course that’s what he picks to zero in on.
Before I exit, he grabs my hand to stop me and says, “You’re the most hardworking person I know, and you deserve this today. I have all the faith in you.”
I smile, kiss his cheek in thanks, exit the car, and hope he’s right.
His encouraging words perk up my attitude, making this the perfect way to head into the office.
A loud whistle echoes off the city buildings just as I’m about to step inside. When I turn back, Jack has half his gorgeous body out the window as John begins to pull away. “Knock ’em dead, sexy!” he screams, blowing me a dramatic kiss before they turn the corner.
I can’t help the smile plastered on my face.
You know what? Iamgoing to knock ’em dead.
I’m going to show the DeLuca family that there is only one right answer to today’s meeting.
2
Jackson
The second Belle’sout of view, John lowers the divider the rest of the way down.
Great.
I blow out a sigh of annoyance; I know exactly what’s coming.
I respect John. He’s a good guy, has helped me out a few times, and I know he means well. He’s become close to all of us, especially my sister and her family, but I’m not in the mood for a lecture right now.
I haven’t slept, I smell disgusting, and I’m sick of hearing advice from anyone with a voice.
People forget I’m a grown-ass man. I know what I’m doing, and I know the consequences. If I thought they outweighed the fight, I wouldn’t have done it. But I’m also a grown-ass man who cares deeply for a person who’s been verbally attacked countless times.
I dare you to show me anyone who would have reacted differently. Because if they wouldn’t react, they’re cowards without an ounce of loyalty in their bodies.
Trey’s lucky he’s dealing with me and not one of Belle’s brothers.
Especially Theo.
I’ve known him most of my life. He’s always been into working out, but in the last five years, he’s taken it to another level, becoming a beast.
Working out at the same boxing gym has given me a front-row seat to his transformation, and I can count on one hand the number of guys who can beat him.
If I didn’t think he could kill Trey with one hit, I would have told him what was happening when it started. I won’t risk it though, because while I might push Trey around a little, there’s no doubt in my mind that Theo would end his life.
Leaving her brothers out of it means it’s my job to protect her. If that ends with an arrest record, so be it.
