Page 75 of Never His Girl
Honestly, I just want to talk to the guy, find out what he knows, and see if my dad’s as grimy as I’m beginning to believe.
“Well, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t tell you what a shit idea I think this is,” Sterling adds. “But I know you’re stubborn as hell and won’t change your mind.”
“Nope,” I say back, sipping my soda.
“At least meet him someplace public,” Joss adds. “Lots and lots of witnesses.”
I laugh a little. “Yes, mother.”
The remark earns me an expected snarl from her.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure them.
And, for the most part, I believe that.
Chapter 25
WEST
As far as public spaces go, I don’t think this is quite what Joss had in mind. Ricky said to meet him at the pier near the shipping dock around seven-thirty, so I’m here. Waiting, glancing over my shoulder every so often because this place is sketchy as hell.
He’s late, and with it already dark, I’m starting to think this wasn’t such a great idea coming alone. Then, I hear an engine off in the distance. It’s not a motorcycle, like I expect, but I’m pretty sure it’s him.
Either that, or this was a trap and my ass is about to get smoked.
The windows are blacked out, but I keep my eyes trained on the dark-blue, vintage mustang that has me salivating. The rims alone had to have set someone back several thousand, but it was worth it. EvenI’llattest to that.
The engine dies and the driver’s side door opens. Ricky steps out and if he were anyone else, I’d give him his props on the car, but nope. I hate this piece of shit too much for that. It’s not lost on me, though, that in addition to having Southside in common, we both clearly have a thing for old-school muscle cars.
He trudges closer with both hands in his pockets, taking unhurried steps in my direction as he glares.
“You wanted to talk, so talk. I’ve got things to do.”
He glances off in the distance instead of looking me in the eyes. The hatred between us is mutual, stemming from the fact that we both have it bad for the same girl. In all fairness, there’s something about Southside that makes a guy crazy, so I don’t entirely blame him for wanting me dead. Like I said, the feeling’s mutual.
“I just need clarity,” I speak up. “You said something the other week. Something about the Rileys not needing another Golden with his hands around their throat. What’d you mean by that?”
Shaking his head, Ricky scoffs, still not looking directly at me.
“You called me here forthisshit? I’m out,” he threatens, moving from where he leaned against the hood of his car.
“I need to know if she’s in danger,” I call out, knowing his love for Southside is the one thing that’ll stop him dead in his tracks.
That shit works like a charm.
He takes slow steps back in my direction and, this time, looks me straight in my eyes.
“If you stay away from her, I’m sure she’ll be just fine.”
Tension spreads through me, and I’m positive he’d love it if I did that. He glares at me a few seconds longer, then glances out toward the water like he’d done before.
“You think it’s a game,” he continues, “but keep letting Pandora expose your shit all over social media, and things could end badly.”
Guess I know he’s been keeping up with all the updates.
“Could end badly for who?” I ask. “Blue?”
Suddenly, I have his attention again, and the rims of his nostrils flare. “I’d burn this whole fucking city down before I let that happen.”