his waist.
“Will you trust me?” I asked softly.
“It's not trusting you I have a problem with. It's him,” he said into my hair, tightening his grip on me before releasing me. “I don't trust him to be anywhere near you.”
It was hard to argue with that. I didn't exactly trust Hunter around me, either.
“I know.” I looked up at Gaige and rested my hand against his cheek. The light stubble that dotted his jaw and lower cheek rubbed against my palm. “I know you want to keep me safe, but to do that, you have to let me put myself in danger. A little bit.”
“That's the most contradictory thing you've ever said, Addy.”
“I know. But it makes sense... to me. And let's face it.” I stepped back and raised an eyebrow. “If he doesn't kill me, someone else is going to try to.”
“You really know how to reassure a guy,” he said dryly. “Fine. I know that look on your face.”
My eyes widened. “What look?”
“This one.” He waved his hand in front of my face. “Eyebrow raised, laughing eyes, a futile attempt at not smirking... That's your determined face.”
“I don't have a determined face,” I scoffed. How ridiculous.
“You do, and I can see you're determined to speak to him again, so fine. I'm going to let you.”
I licked my lips and smiled. He was, was he? How sweet of him.
“But I want to know when you speak to him and where you are, and if you don't check in with me every thirty minutes, I'm coming to find you.”
“Yes, Dad.”
“Shut up.” He grabbed me back into him with one arm and hugged me from the side, then let me go again. “Let's go back inside. I promise to control my temper this time.”
I rolled my eyes, but let him lead me back into the house. The sound of raised voices traveled down the hall and through the kitchen. The walls muffled the sounds, but I could just about make out the heated discussion regarding Hunter. I shook my head, shrugged off Gaige's arm, and made a beeline for the dining room.
I leaned against the door frame and cast my gaze over the four men arguing the toss. It sounded like the only one on my side and willing to give Hunter the benefit of the doubt was Darien. Gaige, too, of course, but his willingness was under duress, so I wasn't sure that entirely counted.
I doubted he'd even be supportive under duress if he knew just how close Hunter and I really were ten years ago.
“Adriana?” Darien turned. “What are you thinking?”
I glanced back at Gaige before meeting his eyes. “I want to talk with Hunter. Alone.”
“Out of the question,” Armo shot me down. “It's too dangerous.”
“I'm sorry,” I said, locking my gaze onto his. “You must have heard me wrong. I wasn't asking to talk to him. I'm going to talk to him, and I'm going to do it alone. Sending an army for a simple conversation is going to do nothing.”
Armo clenched his jaw, and Angelo shrugged his shoulders. At least he knew better than to argue with me—his father could have done with a lesson or two in that.
“Now if you'll excuse me, I have a phone call to make.”
And with that, I turned and left the men to be men.
Chapter Six – Hunter
I slam his body against the cold, exposed, red brick wall. Blood trickles from the corner of his mouth, the very place my elbow has just connected with. “Now what's your fucking excuse, Porter? Your wife go into labor again?”
“P-p-please.” His teeth chatter as I put pressure on his neck. “D-don't d-do this.”
“Do what? Take care of the problem you've fucking created by not doing what you were paid to do?” I hold the gun against his neck, aiming up into his brain. “You've caused my boss some serious issues.”
“I'm sorry. I'll cover it—w-whatever it is.”
“Three hundred thousand dollars, you stupid fuck!” I pull the gun away and punch his jaw. He falls to the floor, and already, I can see the fight draining out of his body.
Fucking pussy.
“Get up.”
He doesn't.
“Get. Up.” I kick him. Hard.
He pushes himself up and staggers to his feet, using the wall as a guide to pull him up. He almost falls but manages to steady himself somehow.
My hand wraps around his neck as I pin him to the wall, a grin stretching across my face. “Let me tell you something, Porter...” I say quietly. “You're one of the