Gianna hits me in the stomach. ‘Would you stop?’ she chastises through gritted teeth.
‘I take that as a no.’ A heavy sigh spills from Dellenty. ‘Turn around and put your hands on the vehicle.’ He comes between us, cuffing us both. ‘Wait here while I call the owner,’ he tosses over his shoulder as he walks back to his car.
‘You look good in silver,’ I say, turning to Gianna.
Gianna frowns. ‘This is all your fault.’
‘My fault?’ I struggle against the tight cuffs. Those extra clicks weren’t an accident.
‘Yeah, if you would just mind your own business—’
‘You still would have been busted. At least this way, you’re not alone. I’m on your side, remember.’
Dellenty’s on the phone, nodding solemnly, then he speaks in a hushed tone. He glances at me now and then, but more at Gianna.
How am I gonna get her out of this?
He nods a few more times before hanging up, then saunters over with his hands on his belt.
‘Gianna Brooks?’ he asks.
‘Why?’ She frowns.
Dellenty runs a hand across the rim of his hat before adjusting his stance. ‘Is your last name Brooks, doll?’
‘Yes … but I’m not answering any more questions. I want to call my lawyer,’ Gianna demands.
I click my tongue.Lawyer? Baby, you’re a street racer …
‘Not necessary,’ he says, unlocking her cuffs.
She looks at the cuffs, Dellenty and me, confusion marring her pretty face.
‘Is he with you?’ He nods at me without looking my way.
‘Define “with me”?’ Gianna folds her arms across her chest.
Dellenty sighs as if we’re the bane of his existence. ‘Did you invite him onto the property with you?’
She pauses, looking at me for help, but I’m blank. I don’t know if her saying yes is any better than saying no.
‘Yes,’ she answers slowly.
Colour me surprised when he uncuffs me, too. His eyes narrow on mine and he looks as if he’s reliving every regret he’s ever had. He pockets the cuffs and continues to stare. I stare back because he’s already ruined my night, so I may as well indulge in a good old-fashioned cock-off.
‘Come here, Edwards.’ Dellenty crooks a chubby finger for me to lean in.
I catch the flash of fear in his eyes as I tower over him. He clears his throat and continues … whatever the fuck he thinks he’s doing.
‘Four years ago, I thought you made a smart move. You got out of this town and moved on with your life, insteadof hanging around causing more trouble. Because one day, you were gonna wind up in a situation that your parents’ money couldn’t help you with. So here’s how it’s gonna work. If you roll through a stop sign, throw a gum wrapper out your window, if I even see you with an aerosol paint can in your hand – I don’t care what it is. You make one slip, I will be there and I will put you away for good. Do you understand me?’
I nod, feigning sincerity. ‘I mean … can we circle back to the aerosol can, because that—’
‘Edwards,’ he cuts me off, ‘I’m watching you.’
His tough-guy act amuses me and I try not to smile.
The wind wafts Gianna’s sweet jasmine and lemon scent into my lungs, and when I look over, she looks just as confused as I feel.
