Paxton's Promise (Gloves Off #3)(28)

“Holy f*cking shit,” I gasped, throwing the flowers down. “I need to get out of here.”

Cliff nodded and picked up the flowers before guiding me toward the stairs. “Get in your car and you can follow me to the police station. We’ll show them this and you can talk to them. Maybe they can help you figure out who it could be.”

“Okay, let’s do this,” I said, keys in hand. I was ready to go and figure out what sick f*ck was leaving cryptic messages by my doorstep. Cliff followed behind me as we started down the last flight of steps.

“I know I’m not on the squad yet, but I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Over my shoulder, I glanced back at him and gave a small smile. “Thanks, Cliff. I really appreciate you doing this.”

Before he could reply, his eyes went wide at something behind me. As soon as my foot hit the last step, a set of hands grabbed me by the shoulders and my head snapped to the front.

“And where do you think you’re going?”

Holy shit, I was in some serious trouble.





“SO IT WAS you leaving me those messages?” I ground out through clenched teeth.

Scar towered over me with his tall, bulky frame and dark eyes that almost looked black. He’d obviously acquired his name by how many he had on his body. Even across his shaved head on down to his cheeks there were scars. The only problem was, he wasn’t alone. Two other men shadowed him and they didn’t look like they were at my place for a picnic.

He snorted. “Hardly. Those are from Rage. Apparently, he’s had a thing for you since that night you ventured into the Dark Side. You’ll meet him soon, but for right now you have to deal with me.”

“Gabriella, what’s going on?” Cliff asked from behind.

Scar lifted a brow and smiled at me. “Yes, Gabriella, care to tell him what’s going on?”

I knew damn well I couldn’t say anything. I remembered the rules and I hadn’t broken them yet. “Why are you here?” I growled. “I’ve kept my mouth shut and so has everyone else.”

“That’s true, but things have changed. I think we need to go upstairs and have a little discussion.”

“And I think you need to get your hands off of her and back off,” Cliff snapped. “She’s not going anywhere without me.”

Scar huffed and turned his dark eyes to Cliff. “Suit yourself. I hope you know what you’re getting into.”

If Scar was by himself I could probably jump over the banister and make a run for it. But with the other two goons, I wouldn’t stand a chance. They were lean and lithe and obviously a lot faster. I didn’t have a choice. Turning on my heel, I started up the stairs with Cliff by my side.

“Please stay out of this,” I whispered. “You can’t get involved with them.”

“I don’t f*cking care. I’m not going to leave you alone.”

“Dammit, Cliff, this is serious,” I hissed.

It was obvious he wasn’t going to listen, so I let him come with me to my apartment for fear he would call the cops. When I opened the door, Scar made me and Cliff go in first and then he followed with his goons. The tall one shut the door and stood in front of it, while the other started toward Cliff. They were both muscular, had shaved heads, and wore aviator sunglasses so dark I couldn’t see their eyes. Neither one of them spoke either.

The shorter one with the shaved red hair and goatee reached for Cliff’s arm but he jerked away. “Don’t f*cking touch me man.”

“We’re not going to do anything to Miss Reynolds, so calm the f*ck down. We’re just here to talk. Unfortunately, I can’t have you listening in.” Scar nodded toward Red and out of nowhere he clocked Cliff on the head with the butt of a gun.

“Oh my God,” I cried as his limp body fell to the floor with a loud thud. Trying to rush to his side, Scar held me back with a hand on my arm.

“He’ll be okay. Just a little headache when he wakes up. Now where were we?” He took a seat in one of my leather chairs and motioned toward the couch. “Please, have a seat.”

“Gee, thanks,” I grumbled. “I think I’ll stand.” I was in my own home and I couldn’t even relax. I kept my eyes and ears vigilant and my body ready to fight. He said he wanted to talk, but I was in my apartment with three dangerous men, alone. Whatever happened, I wasn’t going down without a fight.

Smirking, Scar sat back in the chair and crossed his leg at the knee, looking calm and relaxed. “I have a proposition for you, Miss Reynolds.”

I snorted. “Yeah, I think I’ll decline. You’re what, ten years older than me?”

“So you don’t like older men? It doesn’t seem to bother you with Reaper.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I growled.

“Oh, don’t I? I’ve heard you two have gotten awfully close. My partner doesn’t seem to like it. He’s been watching you.”

“Who, Rage?” I asked incredulously. “Is he following me around? What kind of sick freak does that?”

“Obviously one that has a serious hard on for you. I suggest you calm it down with Reaper before something ugly happens.”

“Is that a threat? Because let me tell you I don’t do well with those. I think your partner needs to mind his own f*cking business. What I do in my life is none of his concern.”