Chapter 45: : Chapter 45

I see Ford and Hawke’s car first. Then, Dutton’s motorcycle. I’d texted them to meet me at one of our regular docks. Ford is leaning against his car, waiting patiently, and Dutton is on a phone call. Hawke seems to be practicing some boxing swings.

I slam my car door shut, furious that Jewel could so easily shut me down.

I’m not a man to be rejected.

But mostly, I’m not the type to be betrayed.

When I asked her if things could be different for us, the words were out before I could stop them. I didn’t even know what I was asking until it was already too late. But if she doesn’t agree, I can’t protect her unless I lock her up in a room and never let her see the light of day, which is starting to look like a good option.

“Dude, I’m too drunk to be here for work right now. I’ve been drinking all afternoon at your engagement party. Where did you and Jewel go?” Hawke whistles. It’s not until I’m closer that his eyebrows dip.

“Everything all right?” Ford asks, stepping toward me.

“We’ll speak soon,” Dutton says to the person on the phone, ending his call. He goes to speak, but I power toward him and throw my right fist into his face.

“What the fuck?!” Dutton exclaims. He stumbles back half a step before he’s steady again and coming at me.

“Did you fucking tell my father about Jewel?!” I demand, swinging again and again. He sidesteps one and then counters the next. My mouth explodes with blood, and I savor it. All my rage and pent-up energy finally have somewhere to release.

“I didn’t say shit!” he yells back, aiming his fist at my face. His square ring cuts my cheekbone, and I grab him by the shirt.

“You fucking liar!” I go to punch him again, but someone catches my arm. “What the fuck?!”

Hawke grabs me from behind and flings me away. I laugh like a madman as Dutton wipes blood from his nose and then readjusts his shirt. Ford stands between us like a referee.

“Are you fucking kidding me? After all I’ve done for you!” Dutton points his finger at me. “I didn’t say shit. You’re out of your fucking mind! And for what? A pretty little pussy?”

“Don’t you dare speak about her in that way!” I yell, my mouth and cheek throbbing. I struggle against Hawke’s hold, trying to get free.

“Have you completely forgotten that she is your enemy? I never thought you’d fucking fall for it.” Dutton’s eyes grow wide. “Oh my God. You’ve actually fallen for her.”

A tic jumps in my jaw. “I just needed a wife,” I say out loud, trying to remind myself of that much.

“You could’ve had anyone,” Dutton says and then starts laughing. “I didn’t tell your fucking dad, but I sure as shit should have.”

I wriggle my arm free and then yank the gun out from under my suit jacket. Dutton looks at me in disbelief.

Ford steps directly in front of the gun, his chest pressed to the end of the barrel. “Boss,” he says calmly.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Hawke demands.

“I don’t answer to any of you,” I remind them. “You work for me.”

“We do,” Ford agrees evenly. “But this is not the way.”

“Step aside,” I order.

“No.” His almost black eyes are unwavering. I lick my lips. “None of us told him. We are all here. For you. You know, the moment you shoot Dutton, Hawke will try to intervene. And I can’t let you shoot my brother. And I won’t let you shoot your cousin. We’re family.”

“He’s not my fucking family,” Dutton shouts from behind him. “If you want to go down this path, then you’re on your fucking own.”

He puts on his helmet and flings a leg over his bike. “You’re out of your fucking mind if you think she loves you and that you can protect her!” He’s gone before I can make the decision whether I want to kill my cousin today or not.

My knuckles are turning white as I pocket the gun and turn my back on the twins.

“Boss?” Ford calls after me, but I ignore them. I have one more stop to make.

I don’t understand all of the roiling emotions trying to break free. What I do know is that it’s my job to protect her. Even if she doesn’t want me the way I want her. I won’t give her a fucking choice when I’m the last one standing.