Chapter 2
Michael
Women! Damn them all to hell. Why did I ever let myself fall in love? Why did I let myself go there and get my heart trampled on? Because it was Zaira. It’s always been Zaira.
But no more.
I’m done being Mr. Nice Guy. Women are nothing but a place to stick my dick when the need arises. Perhaps if I fuck enough women, I’ll forget Zaira’s face. I’ll forget what it feels like to be deep inside her. I’ll forget her smile and forget how she tore my heart into fucking pieces.
Perhaps.
Damn. I know this whole fucked-up situation is my own fault. Everything ended this way because of me, but she wouldn’t even take my side into consideration. I was so sure she would love me enough to see it had all been for her. Damn arrogance!
I said it once, and I’ll say it again, no more! No. Fucking. More.
I’m sitting in my office, waiting to hear back from Vince. He went back to Edinboro three days ago to settle things with Ice’s case. From what he told me, I don’t even think it will go to trial. Hopefully it will all go as planned, and Ice will be back with his club and his old lady. Sainte still hasn’t returned, and I pray he has not caused any problems with the MC. I’m sure I would have heard from Hawk if there were any issues, so I guess it’s safe to say no news is good news.
I look at the clock. 3:45 p.m. Vince should have been home hours ago. Just then, my phone rings.
“Yeah?”
“Michael, hey. It’s Vince. Just got back in town a couple of hours ago.”
“And it took you fucking two hours to call me?” I ask. My mood is not the best, and it has been this way for two weeks.Damn woman!Unfortunately, Vince gets the brunt of my abuse as he is a constant reminder. But he gets it and doesn’t complain much.
“Give me a break, Mikey. I got held up.”
What’s up with Ice’s case?”
“Can I stop by?” he asks. “I need to talk to you about Zaira if you have some free time this afternoon.”
“Aw, Vince. What about Zaira?” I’m not her fucking keeper anymore, now am I?
“I really don’t want to go into it over the phone, Michael. Can you just spare a few minutes? I’ll also fill you in on my meetings with Ice and the prosecuting attorney. Please?”
“Fine, see you in an hour,” I reply.
“Great, I’m on my way.” Vince disconnects the line, and I look at my phone in amazement. Why in the hell would he need to speak to me about Zaira? The settlement has been drawn up and filed. As long as we stay away from each other, the divorce will be final in less than a year.I fucking can’t escape her. I’ll never escape her because she has embedded herself into my heart.
I go to my messages and message Ricco:
Vince will be here within the hour.
He replies:
Got it.
About forty-five minutes later, Ricco knocks on my office door. “Come in,” I answer.
Ricco walks in, and behind him is Vince. “You want me to stay, boss?” he asks.
“Nah, we’re good. Thanks, Ricco.” I gesture for Vince to sit. “Wanna drink?” I ask as I walk to the bar.
“Yes, I sure could use one,” he replies.
Oh, this is gonna be good. I pour two bourbons and walk back and hand him a glass. Once I return to my desk, I sit. I’m not ready to hear about Zaira, and the longer I can prolong that conversation, the better. “So first, tell me about Ice.”
“He should be released any day now,” Vince replies proudly.
