Page 30 of Hearts of Wealth

That was the last straw. With a surge of anger, I stepped forward, my fists clenched at my sides. “You listen to me, Henry,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. “You will apologize to Catherine, and you will do it now. She’s a million times too good for you. She doesn’t have to work for you. You were lucky to have her on this job.”

“You gave her a good review because you’re fucking her,” he hissed. “I should sue you. I’m going to sue her and that stupid fucking Historical Society for recommending her.”

“You’re going to stop,” I warned.

He stepped close and chest-bumped me. “Or what?” he snarled. “What are you going to do, Timmy? You didn’t have enough balls back then, and you don’t have them now.”

“Don’t I?” I said in a low voice.

Timothy was about an inch shorter than I was. We were breathing all over each other. I didn’t back down. I wanted him to take the first swing. I knew that’s where this was going, and I wasn’t going to try and stop it. This was a long time coming. Henry thought he was rich and powerful, but we both knew I had a lot more money than he did. He wanted me to hit him so he could sue me. He sure as hell didn’t know how to make his own money. He only knew how to lie, cheat, and steal.

There was a moment of stillness. Not a single sound could be heard. My senses were on high alert. Then it happened. There was the slightest movement. I stepped back, knowing the hit was coming.

As if in slow motion, I saw Henry’s fist coming toward me. His face was a contorted mask of rage, and his spit was flying from his mouth as he made contact with the side of my cheek. The force of it sent me reeling backwards, but I quickly regained my balance, my own anger burning through my veins.

“Is that all you’ve got?” I taunted him, wiping the blood from the corner of my mouth. I saw surprise flicker in his eyes before it was replaced with seething hatred.

“Don’t tempt me, Timmy,” he growled. “You don’t want to know what I’m capable of.”

That was it. I wasn’t going to take any more. With a swift movement, I swung my own fist, connecting solidly with Henry’s jaw. He stumbled back a few steps, surprise and pain written all over his face.

“That’s for Catherine,” I spat, my blood boiling. “Now apologize.”

Henry touched his jaw gingerly, shaking his head defiantly. “I don’t owe her anything.”

“Oh yes, you do,” I said, stepping forward. “You owe her an apology. You owe her respect. You owe her more than you’ll ever be able to repay.”

There was a change in Henry’s eyes then. “Fuck you,” he snarled.

He came at me again. I darted to the side and dodged the hit. He swung again. The guy wasn’t going to stop. I swung, a quick jab to the right side of his face. He stumbled back, and something primal took over. I lunged, ready to take another swing, but I was pulled back.

“He’s not worth it,” Luke said. “Walk away. He got the message.”

I shrugged off Luke’s grip, my gaze never leaving Henry. “He needs to learn his lesson,” I told him, my voice barely more than a growl. The adrenaline was pumping through me. I tasted blood...literally.

“Timothy,” Luke said, placing himself between Henry and me. “This is not who you are. Catherine wouldn’t want this.”

I stepped up to Henry. “Catherine will finish this job. Luke and the others are going to finish their part. Then you are going to sell this house and get the hell out of town. You are not welcome. You step foot in this town and you’re going to be dealing with more than one pissed-off dude.”

With a defeated sigh, he finally relented. “Fine,” he muttered, his voice begrudging. “You’ve always been a dick, Timothy.”

“Yes, I have,” I said and spat out the blood pooling in my mouth. “Remember that the next time you want to fuck with my woman. I will always back her up.”

“As will I,” Luke said. “And every other man on this job.”

“Whatever,” Henry hissed. “You can have this redneck shithole.”

I walked out of the house and out to my car. “You good?” Luke asked.

“I’m fine,” I said.

“You showed restraint back there,” he said with a laugh. “I’m not sure I could have done the same.”

“He’s an asshole, always has been,” I said. “Now, I have to go talk to Catherine. I have a feeling I’m going to be in trouble.”

“He threw the first punch,” Luke reasoned.

“I know. Thanks for calling me. I’ll see you later.”