The man was a fucking menace. He really pissed me off. Ever since Earl had been able to retract the hit on Emily’s life, and placed it on my father’s, they’d evaded us at every turn.
Only two left, but it seemed they were stealthier than I gave them credit for, which only served to piss me off even more.
Running fingers through my hair, I paced back to my car.
“Don’t worry, Ashley has already told us we’ve got an invitation.”
“I’m not interested in making small talk with you.”
“No, but you’re always interested when I can help you.”
I glared at him. “Do you have a natural way of pissing people off?”
“You tell me.”
“You promised me you’d help me.”
“I have by far exceeded my part in this agreement.”
“Then why are you sticking around?”
“I’m not an idiot. If Daniel and Dean actually pull this off and get the drop on your woman, and you four, which I didn’t think was possible but now I’m more convinced of it than ever, who do you think they’re coming after next?” He tilted his head to the side. “I’m not sticking around for the thrilling company, Caleb. I’m here to clean up a loose end. The fact he can do this in your town simply means you don’t have as much control as you think.”
I rammed my fist into his face. I didn’t need to hear all of my shortcomings, and especially from this prick with a virgin complex.
“You can fuck off out of my town the moment you like. I don’t want nor do I need you here, you piece of shit. You’re nothing and I don’t want you here causing trouble.”
My punch had sent him to the ground and he released a chuckle. “You need to learn to keep a hold of your temper.” He got to his feet.
I’d had enough. Rather than punch him again, I left him alone and went to my car. We’d driven together. Gael, Vadik, and River were each handling different assignments I’d given them. Just because Emily was back didn’t mean our business had ended. We still had money to collect, punishments to dole out, and statements to make.
Our fathers were always busy dealing with their reputation. In no way could the Monsters’ Crew fall. That was always the name of the game. I had thought my father overreacted when I was younger, but now, I knew the truth. I knew what the world was capable of, and we were the biggest targets all the time.
Drake was the one who constantly kept our asses safe.
Earl climbed into the passenger seat of the car. “We know they’re in town.”
“Of course, they’re in fucking town,” I said. “The moment they leave, they’ve got plenty of hits on their head, and there’s not a fucking thing we can do about it.” I was so pissed off. Angry, in fact. They were teasing us, just like we’d played with them. This was a game to them.
They weren’t even burning down or destroying buildings of any real value. What they were doing was complete and total horseshit. They needed to be stopped. I didn’t know how I was going to do it.
When I arrived home, Earl followed me inside.
The entire house was quiet. Guards were still at the doors and they acknowledged me as I passed. I immediately went to my office and to my drinks table. The only way to come back from this was to have a nice, hard, stiff drink.
“Are there any places you haven’t looked?” Earl asked.
“Be quiet.”
“Be careful how you speak to me, boy. A little respect goes a long way. Remember, I didn’t have to come to you.”
“I seem to recall threatening to blow your fucking boat up,” I said. “And you were in shark-infested waters. I don’t think you would’ve lasted long.”
He laughed. “Do you think that scares me? I know for a fact you wouldn’t have done that.”
“And why is that?”
The smile on his face made me want to punch him again. There was only a slight reddening from the blow I’d landed on him less than an hour ago. I was starting to think this prick was invincible.
“Ashley. You can hate me all you want, but I knew what she meant to Emily, and there was no way you were going to allow anyone to hurt her. Least of all yourself.”
“Do you think I couldn’t have covered it up?” I asked.
“You could, but you see, that would have made you a liar. I’ve seen the way you look at that woman, and it’s with stars in your eyes. Always.” He laughed. “Be careful, people may start to see you as weak.”
“What do you think they see you as?”
“Because of my need to have an innocent woman?” Earl asked. “The difference between me and you is I don’t care. I take what I want, the consequences be damned.”
“I wonder if you’ll feel this way when you fall in love,” I said. I didn’t care if he loved Ashley or not. I’d already made the necessary arrangements for when he tossed her aside like trash. I knew deep in my heart Emily would never forgive me. It meant Earl was right. I’d never do anything to hurt her, and purposefully killing her best friend wouldn’t exactly win me rewards. I had to be smart when it came to Emily. Win her over the only way I knew how, and that was to be honest with her.
“As thrilling as this is, I want to take Ashley back home.” Earl got to his feet.
They’d overrun a hotel building. No one was allowed to take a room while he was there.
I
