The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3)(16)
“I said”—Bane wrapped his arm around my arm, fingers going taut—“four grand and we’re straight.”
Ripping my arm away might have gotten me free, but it also might have started a tussle I didn’t want to finish. Left with no other option, I glared up at the large, scarred man, noting how he blocked out the rays of the sun. He was built like a brick wall—all hard edges, sharp lines and rough terrain.
“I don’t owe favors to people. If I can’t pay you what you want, I’m not taking what you’re offering.”
His smile was a strange combination of horrific and handsome. “You’ve definitely been snake bit. One strike and you never forget.” His expression turned serious. “Don’t try to see things that aren’t there, girl. I’m making the deal because you remind me of someone. Nothing more than that.”
I wasn’t sure I bought the explanation. “Oh really? And who might I remind you of?”
To my relief, he let me go and lowered his gaze. “Another story for another day. Four grand and we’re square.”
“Nothing more than that?” I asked to be certain. “Exchange the items for the cash and the deal is done.”
“There is one more thing.”
There it was, getting more than I bargained for. “Which is?”
“If you get into a spot of trouble, you call me. These streets aren’t a place for a girl. Lotsa crazy shit has been going down. You might be able to protect yourself, but we all need friends.”
I lifted my right leg, braced my foot on the bumper of the van, and pulled off my shoe. I didn’t count the money. Instead, I removed the neatly folded hundred-dollar bills, put my shoe back on, and handed them over. The driver who accompanied Bane moved from the back of the van and started packing the guns, holster, and ammo into an inconspicuous looking bag that could have come from any shop in China Town.
“Remember what I said.” Bane squared his shoulders. “You need to talk or if you find yourself against a wall, call me.”
Like that’s going to happen. “Whatever you say.”
He looked at me for several seconds, grunted, and walked away. The man in the back of the van finished packing up my goods and handed over my merchandise. Then he closed the doors yelled something I couldn’t make out and the vehicle took off.
I remained where I was, standing with my bag full of guns in my conservative workout attire—a ponytail, yoga pants, a long coat, and a pair of Nike’s—and wondered who in the hell I could possibly remind Bane of.
Chapter Three
The moment the cab stopped in front of Disco’s home, I knew Marius had arrived early. There was heaviness in the air, a strange buzzing against my skin and humming in my ears. The amulet—nestled safe and sound in a pocket I’d sewn into my bra before leaving my apartment—became warm. Goose obviously felt Marius’s presence, too. He gave me a strange look, one that made me squirm in my seat. I had to be on my best behavior.
My test started now.
“God help you, Rhiannon. You should have brought him the knife,” Goose said for what must have been the sixth or seventh time since picking me up. “Your reckless decisions are about to catch up to you.”
“He’s not getting it.” I took a deep breath as I reached for the door handle. “If he doesn’t like it, he’ll have to adjust.”
“You’re not going to feel so nonchalant in a few minutes.” Goose’s tension was apparent. “You’re about to get a serious dose of humble pie. He came early to prove a point. He intended to catch everyone off guard. He’s up to something.”
Instead of responding, I climbed out of the cab. The sunlight was almost gone, meaning Disco, Paine, or even Marius could come outside if they wanted to say hello. To my relief, none of them appeared. I wanted to use the stairs to build up my defenses, reminding myself with each step why it was so important I not hand over Sucker. I didn’t realize how foolish the idea was until the cabbie popped open the trunk and I retrieved my suitcase.
Damn. The motherf*cker was more than heavy, it weighed a goddamned ton. With all the silver ammunition, guns, crosses, knives, and various other goodies stored in secret top compartment, I could have been toting around a solid block of concrete. So much for building up my mind as I strode proudly up the stairs. Carrying my luggage was going to take up a majority of my concentration.
“Let me help you with that.” Goose reached for the damned thing, but I yanked the suitcase out of his range. If anyone else attempted to carry my belongings, my cover was totally blown.
“I’ve got it, but thanks.”
He frowned but didn’t argue as he retrieved his own bags. As soon as the trunk was empty and we slammed the decklid closed, the yellow submarine took off.
This was it. No more waiting.
“Remember what I told you,” Goose whispered, walking beside me. “Submission isn’t done out of respect, it’s done because it’s expected. You and I are nothing more than mortals under vampiric protection. Despite how Gabriel and Paine feel about you, to Marius you are nothing but a toy. You’ll be expected to play the part.”
He took a deep breath and started talking fast.
“He knows you’re bonded to Gabriel and Paine. He’ll use it against all three of you if he can. You have to make Marius believe you accept the responsibility of being marked by two vampires in his household, including all of the eccentricities it involves. You also have to convince him you accept his absolute sovereignty, as well as that of his maker. This isn’t a nice chat over a cup of tea. This is vampire etiquette to the extreme.”