Lethal Temptations (Tempted #5)(13)

I turned over my arm and flicked my skin and the bruise that marked it.

“No sweat, just once, didn’t even leave much of a mark,” I lied, leaving out the second hit I took after I sent his daughter away crying.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let you deal with that prick by yourself,” he responded. “I’m making a mess of things, letting everything with Jimmy get the best of me for months now.”

“It’ll all be over soon,” I said.

“Even so, doesn’t make it okay,” he replied, cupping my shoulder. “You good?”

I had to look away from him, from the concern and guilt reflected in his eyes.

“I’m good,” I replied, clearing my throat. “Be better when these motherf*ckers are off the streets.” I pulled down the sunglasses, masking my eyes as I turned back to him. “We will get them, right? We’re going to make Gold and the G-Man pay aren’t we?” I selfishly asked, needing his assurance, deserving nothing.

I needed to know we would end this nightmare. I needed to know G-Man could be stopped and finally pay for all the lives his drugs ruined and robbed. Mine. Christine’s. Those kids and all the faceless strangers we fed throughout Cain’s leadership.

“Yeah, brother, we are,” he swore.

The front door opened and Reina stormed out.

“If you’re taking me then let’s go…now,” she ordered.

Jack and I both stood at the sound of her voice. I started down the stairs as he climbed them and met her at the landing.

“Keys,” I called, waiting as she dug into her purse and threw them at me. I gave them a minute to say their goodbyes or whatever the f*ck they were doing before Jack turned to me.

“Meet you back at the clubhouse,” he said, as I climbed into the truck and gave him a two-finger salute before closing my door. Reina slid into the passenger seat beside me, remaining silent as she stared at Jack through the windshield.

“Where to?” I asked, as I backed out of the driveway and turned onto the street.

“Take me to church,” she whispered.

Fucking, hell.





Chapter Four





I climbed out of my truck, slamming the door behind me as I stared back at the house, wishing I had something to numb me. I knew the minute my eyes locked with hers I’d be reminded of the piece of shit I was. There would be no light that greeted me, no pretty smile to warm me and make me wish for a better way. I turned out Lacey’s light and put pain in the pretty eyes of my angel.

I ran my fingers roughly through my hair as I walked up the few steps, wondering what the f*ck I would do or say that could make this better. As I made my way toward the door I could hear the muffled sound of music—I paused, trying to make out the song when I noticed the door was slightly ajar. Instantly, I reached behind me, pulling my gun from the waistband of my jeans and aimed it at the door as I toed it open with my boot.

“Lacey?” I called as I stepped into the foyer, the barrel of my gun pointed straight ahead as I kicked the door closed behind me and followed the sound of music.

I turned the corner, stepping into the living room and spotted her on the couch. She lifted her eyes to mine, wiping them with the back of her hands.

I lowered my gun as my feet paused mid stride and I took in her face. Her usually flawless skin was blotchy and her eyes were swollen from all the tears she shed. Girl, must’ve been crying for a while. I can’t remember ever seeing her cry and thank Christ for that because looking at her now was tearing me up inside.

I’m not the guy that dries tears and makes things okay. But right now? That’s the guy I want to be. I can’t f*cking help myself when it comes to her. She makes me want to be all the things I’m not.

“I didn’t hear the door,” she mumbled, tipping her chin to the music playing from the surround sound.

“Door was open,” I said, walking closer to her.

Her legs were bare, and she was wearing an over-sized T-shirt, her hair fell in waves around her face, the loose strands fell into her eyes but she didn’t seem bothered, or even to notice.

I wish I never touched her.

I should’ve known once would never be enough.

I tucked my gun into the back of my pants, took a seat on the coffee table in front of her and lifted one of my hands to her face, brushing the hair away from her eyes before I cupped her chin and forced her to look at me.

“Don’t cry,” I said huskily.

She bit down on her lower lip and looked away so I wouldn’t see the tears shining in her eyes.

“I’m fine, Blackie,” she insisted. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“That’s not why I’m here,” I rasped, bringing my other hand to her face and cupping her cheeks with my palms as I forced her to turn back to me.

She blinked at me but her eyes were blank.

I tore my gaze away from her as my eyes took another sweep around the room before finding hers again. I knew that look, seen it every time I went on a bender and looked at myself in the mirror afterwards. I shook my head, dismissing the thought. There was no way Lacey would do something like that.

My Lace was too pure for poison.

Not the manufactured kind.

Or the type standing before her, aching to touch her.