Rough and Ready (More Than A Cowboy #2) - Vanessa Vale Page 0,60
that intimidation works when there’s something at stake. That’s how guys like this work. Why Cam—my brother—is freaking out.”
He gave a single nod. “Yeah.”
“People will hand over cash to Randy because they don’t want a family member or friend or loved one to get hurt.”
“That’s right,” Quake responded, but I could tell he was waiting to see where I was going with this.
“I have no reason to give this Randy guy the money to save my brother. I don’t love Cam. I don’t even like him. He got himself into this mess and should face the consequences.”
“So he sent his guys to try and intimidate you,” Reed said, catching on.
“But that’s not working either,” I said. They scared the shit out of me, but I hadn’t given in.
“Not with me around,” he vowed.
“Exactly. You’ve got me protected, and he has no leverage with me when it comes to Cam.”
“Go on,” Quake said, eyeing me with curiosity.
“He wants the money. He obviously thinks I have it since he keeps coming around. I doubt Randy’s threatening my parents. What if I really don’t have the money?”
“You mean spend it?” Reed asked.
I glanced up at him. “I’ll give it to you.”
He pushed me back a little, so he could turn me to face him. My knee came up onto the booth’s cushioned seat. “Whoa, princess. I don’t want your money.”
He sounded insulted. “Yeah, but—”
“Why haven’t you touched any of it?” he asked, cutting me off.
“I told you. My parents gave it to me as payment for what Cam did. Hush money or whatever you want to call it. It’s tainted.”
“So I should have it? I might only have a recliner and a bed, but I’m not broke. I’m not taking anything from those fuckers. I won’t take anything that hurt you.”
God, that was… sweet. My heart didn’t have a chance around him. Over and over, he proved himself more honorable than anyone I knew. He’d been the only person to ever stand up for me. Protect me. Be with me or do something for me without any reason or motive.
“Then… then I’ll give it away,” I replied, thinking of an alternative. “A charity. For kids.”
Reed’s eyes widened then changed. Got darker. Smoldered. Something. He leaned in and kissed me. Not a gentle in-a-restaurant peck but a kiss with tongue. Right in front of Quake, who started laughing.
Reed pulled back, didn’t pay him any attention. “I like that, princess. Give it to a place that helps kids, so they have a better chance than we did, yeah?”
I nodded, blinked back tears then smiled. “Yeah. my parents will hate it, which means it’s a great idea.”
Reed huffed out a laugh then kissed my forehead.
“I’ll set up a meeting,” Quake said. “Reed, she has to go. If you donate the cash, there’s nothing you have for them.” His eyes narrowed. “Except your brother. You could give him to Randy.”
That, I’d be fine with. More than fine. “How can I give him Cam?”
“We’ll ensure Randy knows you don’t have the money. He might not believe you, but he’ll believe me when I say you’re out.”
Reed nodded. This was what Quake was for in all this. I didn’t know anything about him or the MC, but if Randy was afraid of Quake, then he had to be more dangerous than I imagined. His reputation as a badass went even further than I thought.
“That you’re under my protection. No one fu… messes with anyone under my protection.” Quake took a deep breath, and his chest expanded, showing how fit he was. How strong. How much of a badass I expected him to be. I was glad he was on my side. I had no idea why he was willing to protect me specifically, but I wasn’t going to ask.
“Cam won’t know we’re meeting with Randy. He won’t know shit,” Reed added.
“Exactly.” A waitress stopped by with a fresh carafe, and Quake offered her a smile. “Thanks, doll.”
“We set Randy straight then give Cam to Randy. You wanted me to stay out of it, to keep my hands clean, then this is the way to do it. Let Randy do the dirty work for us. Then we’re out,” Reed said, tipping my chin up, so he looked me in the eye. “Yeah?”
Reed wasn’t going to have to fight Randy and his henchmen. He wasn’t going to have to fight Cam. I didn’t have to worry about him going to jail for doing something to protect me. I nodded. “Yeah.”