Risk (Gentry Boys #2)(53)

Saylor nudged me playfully when she brushed past. “Quit dreaming,” she said in a teasing tone of voice. I could tell she was trying to test my mood.

Perhaps Creed hadn’t mentioned the fight because it was no big deal. Really, I’d known plenty of men who fought regularly without getting paid for it. They’d get brave with alcohol and start shit with whoever looked at them funny. Creed was probably just going to throw a few controlled punches and likely the worst that could happen was a busted nose. I started to feel better.

But if that was the case why did Saylor look so anxious?

As I finished depositing a pile of chicken baskets on a table brimming with teenagers I realized I didn’t have to wonder about Creed’s fight any longer. I could just ask him. He was standing right in front of me.





CHAPTER TWENTY


CREED



Cord had a lot of grit in him and he didn’t go easy on me. In fact, I had the impression he was trying to be as tough as he could without breaking something. By the time we called it a day and hit the showers I was exhausted.

He seemed encouraged as we headed out to the parking lot. “You did good. And damn you for being a strong motherf*cker. I still can’t breathe right after that last hit to my ribs.”

I waited until we were inside the truck and the air conditioning was on. We needed to talk about something important. “What are we gonna do about Chase?”

Cord sighed. “I know. We need to figure that out. Saylor cornered me and made me admit he has a problem. I guess even Truly saw him scoring something off a dealer at the stadium.”

I was surprised. “She did? She didn’t say anything to me about it.”

My brother ran a hand over his face. He looked grim. “Do you have any idea when you’ll have to fight?”

“No. It’ll be soon though, Cordero. Real soon.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I figured. Shit, I know Chase needs some attention but let’s just take one disaster at a time, okay?”

I didn’t like that answer. I didn’t want to let it go another day. But I looked at Cordero slumping in the seat next to me and understood everything he had on his plate; pregnant girlfriend, one brother who was using, and another who might not make it out of his next battle alive.

Since I found out about Emilio’s fate, I kept thinking about something he’d said. He’d mentioned kids, his kids. He had taken the fight in the hopes of providing for a family who were now going to have to figure out how to make it without him.

If the worst happened, I had to know that my family was going to be able to make it without me.

“Cord?”

He looked at me.

I cleared my throat and tried to keep my voice steady. “You’ll make sure Chase gets help, right? I mean, no matter what happens, you won’t let him fall between the cracks?”

He shook his head slowly and answered in a near whisper. “No, Creedence. I wouldn’t let that happen. You can damn well believe I wouldn’t let that happen.”

I turned the air up but it was still stifling hot inside the truck. It was time to change the subject. “You want to go eat?” I asked. “We could swing by the chicken joint.”

He laughed. “Life and death and fried chicken all in the same conversation. Sure, I’d like some chicken. And while I’m there I can grab a quick feel of my girl.” He glanced slyly sideways. “And maybe you can get a lap dance out of yours.”

“My what?”

“Don’t play stupid, f*ckface. Your girl. Sweet Southern Truly.”

“Hmm,” I grunted, backing the truck out. The thought of Truly grinding in my lap was giving rise to something worth grinding on. Listening to Cord refer to her as ‘your girl’ startled me a little. I didn’t really know what to call her and she hadn’t outright asked. I knew that a fierce possessiveness stirred inside me whenever I thought of her. I wanted to hold her. I wanted to listen to her. I just plain f*cking wanted her.

As soon as we stepped inside the doors of Cluck This, Saylor set down the pitcher she was holding and rushed straight to Cord. He lifted her slightly and kissed her neck.

Another waitress, some bland-looking chick with skinny legs, greeted me with a pat on the arm. I had no idea what her name was and I didn’t care. She tried to get me to look at her every time I stopped by. The fact that I’d never even answered with a hello only seemed to make her more determined.

Truly had her arms full of chicken baskets. She hadn’t seen me yet. I stood behind her and waited as she briskly got her table served. I stared at her ass the whole time.

When she turned around she let out a little gasp. I saw the blush cross her face and knew she was happy to see me even if she tried to act all cool about it. She put a hand on her hip and looked me up and down. “I suppose you’re looking to eat.”

I smiled. “I could eat.”

Her mouth twitched. “Chicken, Creedence. That’s what we serve here.”

I sat down at a nearby table. “I’ll eat whatever you want to serve me, Truly Lee.” She was just standing there staring at me. I grabbed her hand and tried to pull her over. “Do I get a kiss?”

She tried to twist away. “Creed, my boss is watching.”

“Kiss me, baby, or I might have to shove my hand down your pants.”