Page 113 of Never His Girl
“Seriously, Ricky. If something doesn’t feel right, you have to pull back.”
A wary smile touches his lips and it only makes me more uneasy. “I’ll be fine. If shit gets bad, I can protect myself.”
I know what that means, have seen the heat he keeps tucked into the back of his jeans, but he’s one guy, and whatever operation stands behind all this might be backed by an entire army.
It dawns on me that I’ve fought long and hard to build a life for me and Scar here in Cypress Pointe, but with what appears to be unfolding before me, I’m second-guessing that plan. Maybe what Ishould’vebeen focused on was thinking of a way to get us out of here.
Chapter 39
BLUE
Apparently, I looked so stressed out after our talk, Ricky thought I needed a couple hours to myself. To relax, I guess.
It’s the reason Scar is currently chilling at the Ruiz’s place for a bit, giving me a chance to clear my head.
I feel super guilty she’s out again, especially seeing as how Ricky had gotten Scar from school when he picked up Shane, but I know he doesn’t mind even a little. This sense of being a burden is only a reflection on me. Not Ricky. Not his family.
I’ve been sitting in my driveway a few minutes now, staring at my front door with dread weighing down my heart. Things just feel so heavy. Even heavier than they were months ago when Mom first left. My only solace is that Scar’s probably having fun, not even thinking about any of it.
I groan and step out of the car, into the fresh layer of snow that’s fallen. Not more than a couple seconds later, there’s movement in my peripheral. I turn and spot a dark, shiny SUV creeping along at first, but then it stops near the foot of the driveway.
The conversation with Ricky has me on high-alert, feeling more paranoid than usual, but I try to dismiss the feeling that rests in the pit of my gut. It’s the one that’s telling me something’s not right, telling me to run despite there being no clear indication of danger.
Relax, Blue. Everyone’s not out to get you.
Stopping at the trunk, I grab my duffle bag from practice and my backpack, but before I can even slam it closed…
“A word, Ms. Riley?”
I turn and find that the driver of the SUV has rolled the passenger-side window down to speak to me. He’s young-ish, sporting a gold-toned goatee and bald head, but his eyes are hidden behind dark sunglasses and all sorts of alarms are going off inside my head.
My heart races and I don’t even consider answering when he calls out to me a second time. Instead, I slip both my bags back inside the trunk and slam it closed, deciding I’d prefer to be emptyhanded if I have to make a run for it. Speed-walking toward the house, I fumble with my keys. I have no clue who this guy is, or why he knows my name, but I do know I have to get inside and call 9-1-1.
“If you want what’s best for Scarlett, you’ll listen to what he has to say,” the voice calls out again.
I’ll want to hear whathehas to say.
As if, the man speaking tomeis speaking for someoneelse.
I turn only because this stranger mentioned my sister by name.
“I’m not coming over there,” I shout back, glancing around to see who might be witnessing this. Of course, the one time I need someone nearby, there’s no one.
“He doesn’t want any trouble, and he doesn’t want to hurt you,” the man says. “All he’s asking for is a conversation. Please, get inside the truck.”
Who the hell is this and what’s this about?
I’m a smart girl, wise enough to know a setup when I see one, and this hastrapwritten all over it.
“I’m calling the police.”
That wasn’t a bluff. The next second, I have my phone in hand, but peer up just as the rear window lowers and I’m suddenly met by a pair of green eyes so striking I know who he is even before he tells me.
“I believe you know my son, West,” the man announces. “There’s something I’d like to discuss with you in private if you’ll only give me a moment to explain.”
He’s got that Golden charm, as well as the devilish good looks. But I’m reminded of all West has told me about him—how he’s not to be trusted, how not even his own sons want anything to do with him.
But Scarlett’s name was mentioned and…whywas Scarlett’s name mentioned?