To Die For - Davidson King Page 0,63

didn’t sound like he believed his own words, and the thought of not being with him that long felt like a knife in my heart.

“Can I say something?” Ciro sat back, slipping his phone into his jacket pocket.

“Sure,” Sparkles and I said at the same time.

“Max, there is zero doubt in my mind that you’re capable of anything. And, Sparkles, the fact that you bested this man once tells me your clever ways work wonders. But there’s a huge problem—several actually—that neither of you is thinking about.”

Sparkles and I glanced at each other, unsure of what Ciro was going to say.

“Okay, let me lay it out for you, then.” Ciro lifted Tank and placed him on the cushion beside him. “Sparkles, you ran, and he found you. That proves that no matter what you do and no matter how long it takes, he will get to you.” He turned his attention to me. “Max, you’ve kicked his ass, but only his. You’ve never had to face him and his guys at the same time, and while I don’t doubt your strength, you against five is a no-go. What, are you going to constantly wait until he’s alone for the rest of your life and give him an ass-kicking?”

When Ciro put it out there like that, I didn’t have a great plan. “So, what do you suggest then?”

“I’ll have to think on it and iron shit out. Normally I’d call my detective friend but at the end of the day, I’m not sure she can help us here. Dorian isn’t someone she’s familiar with, and Sparkles doesn’t want anyone really knowing he stole from this man, right?”

Sparkles nodded. “It wouldn’t end well, no.”

“Right. Gimme a few days to make a couple of calls. Whatever is done has to be permanent. Max, you can’t keep beating him up, and Sparkles, you can’t keep running. So, let me figure some shit out.” Ciro stood.

“And in the meantime?” I asked.

Ciro’s eyes darted between Sparkles and myself. “In the meantime, I think Sparkles is right. You need to at least pretend to be broken up. Keeping everyone safe until we have a solid plan is the best thing right now.”

“Okay, so I stay home watching my family, and who the fuck is going to watch Sparkles?”

“What makes you think I need anyone watching over me?” Sparkles stood in front of me, anger simmering at the surface.

“Your face does,” I snapped, and that was the moment Ciro got in the middle.

“This shit right here is great…if it was an act for all to see. Max, you need to get home, and I can get one of my security guys to watch your house when you’re working. Sparkles, if you’re okay with it, I’d be happy to have one of my guys, or myself, helping to keep you safe.”

All of this was a huge clusterfuck, and I clenched my fists and turned away from the two of them. I wanted to find Dorian Birch and put my fist through his face until he…

“He’s not going to stop as long as he breathes.” I spoke softly, but I knew Ciro and Sparkles heard me. I still had my back to them and a moment later, I felt a soft touch on my shoulder and turned.

“I won’t let Dorian make you a murderer,” Sparkles said.

“And I won’t let Dorian destroy you again.”

We stared at each other, and I knew the animosity from a few minutes ago had passed. I cared more about this man than I ever had any other. Seeing how he was looking at me, I knew he was feeling the same about me.

“Good, we’re all in agreement of neither one of you killing anyone or being killed.” Ciro clapped his hands together. “Max, you need to head home, check on your family. I’ll stay here with Sparkles tonight. Maybe talk with your family about being vigilant? You can just say some creeper at the club said some shit.”

I hated lying to my family, and I hated having to walk away from Sparkles right now while he was so vulnerable, but Ciro was right. I had to check on my family and make sure they were careful.

“If Dorian finds out another guy is staying here, he’ll just get pissed.” There was no question of that.

“And Sparkles could say it was because he was assaulted. He’s made it no secret that he hates Dorian. Him having a friend over won’t be a huge surprise, and I have no