Page 72 of Sinful Addiction
“No more than he’s willing to give us.At least I haven’t found anything new.Camille is still on it though.Tony, I need to say something, and it may come across as out of line.”He waits for approval, however I’m willing to bet he’ll speak regardless.
“I think Lacey is strong enough to go through with this.She’s been through a lot, just like you.You’re the reason she’s found the strength to stand up and face her abuser.We’re here for you both.Vince and I, we’ll make sure nothing happens to her.You know you can trust us,” he finishes.
“That’s the problem, I don’t want to be the reason.If it were up to me, she’d be locked away until I’ve dealt with him.It’s not up to me anymore.”The hidden meaning will make sense soon enough.
Knox can sense when to leave me and when to press, unfortunately for me, now is one of those times.
“Boss is organizing a meeting behind your back.He’s planning on taking this into his own hands.He’s going to give her everything she wants, all because Ava is threatening him.She told us after you left she’ll take matters into her own hands if we don’t allow Lacey the retribution she deserves.She’s causing all kinds of chaos at the mansion, Camille too, which has Vince stuck between a rock and her peach.Lacey’s only barrier is you, Tony.If you don’t agree, we’ll lose them all,” he informs me.
“Why does boss lady always go and put her nose in.I adore the woman but fuck she can be a pain in my ass.”I’m in between mad and understanding.If it were anyone else, I’d be the first to say yes.
“There’s something I need you to do for me,” I say to Knox.
“Anything,” he answers without delay.
“I need you to go to Xander’s and give this to Lacey.”I hand Knox one of my knives, the one I kept out.“If Lacey is going to play any part in this, I want her to feel protected,” I point out.
No one knows what I’m about to do, and to get Knox off my back this is the only thing he’ll do without questioning my actions.Everyone knows how protective I am of my little pixie.
Cautious enough for this to all go horribly wrong,warns my subconscious.
“I’m not agreeing to any of this.Not yet.However, after your loyalty and admission, I’ll sleep a lot better knowing a piece of me is with her.Teach her how to use it right.As a matter of fact, would you be willing to give her some self-defense training?Starting tonight?”I ask eagerly.
“Of course, but what about you?I can’t leave my post, you’ll be unguarded.”He’s a little late for that.
“Don’t worry about me.I can take care of myself.I’ve gotten this far without having you guys on me twenty-four-seven.And I have company.”
Knox gives me the side eye.
“My knives.”My vile smirk is welcomed home.I’ve fucking missed the old me.
“Now I’m afraid,” Knox jokes halfheartedly.
“Shall we put that to the test?It’s been a while since we sparred.Perhaps you’re getting rusty and don’t have what it takes to train my fierce pixie,” I provoke.
“If that was an insult toward my age, it worked.And as for sparring, no.You’re in one of your moods and I don’t know if I’ll have the means to bring you out of it if you get carried away.When you’re at the mansion next, then you can expect thisold manto knock you off your perch.”
I slap him on the back as I walk past, loving that he’s willing to stand up to me and my cockiness.
“I’ll make sure she behaves, Tony.I’ll glue myself to her side to fend off Ava if I have to.”He’s being serious, I don’t doubt that he would.
“I appreciate that, Knox.And I appreciate you putting yourself on the line for us, old friend.”I hand him the knife I want Lacey to have.My Ka-Bar.
“What… Tony, this is your favorite.What are you planning on doing?You forget, I was the one who taught you how to read people.Don’t do anything stupid on us.”He’s not stupid.And I know by the time he gets out of here he’ll be telling Xander I’m not acting myself.I have a very small window to make this plan work.It needs to be now.
“Promise me she gets this, Knox.Promise me nothing will happen to her.I’ll come by tomorrow to check.”
Knox is skeptical, but he follows my orders.
“You got it, boss.I’ll be in touch.”He puts his work mask back on and that’s when I know I’ve convinced him.
As soon as the front door closes, I pull out my phone to ring Lacey.It rings through twice before an eager voice sings through the line.
“Hey, baby.”
“I hear you’ve been causing some trouble.Do I need to come over there to set you in line?”I tease.
“Who have you been talking to?Oh my God, Knox ratted me out.Damn that man is in trouble when I see him next,” she huffs.