Chapter 10 Machine
TEN
MACHINE
Two agonizing weeks had passed since I had seen the beautiful badass that haunted my every waking moment.
It had also been two weeks since she had decided to avoid me like the plague, which was pissing me off more by the second.
I had so many questions for her. Like “Why do you live at a women’s shelter?
” or “How’s that sexy head of yours?” but no, she didn’t want anything to do with me, so I couldn’t ask.
At the gym, I walked straight over to the weights, like I always did.
After finishing my second set of bicep curls, I was approached by the burly man from the ring, Buddha, and some other guy that I recognized but hadn’t been introduced to.
I balanced the weights on my thighs and paused my music.
I raised an eyebrow when they didn’t say anything.
“Can I help you gentlemen with something?” I asked cooly, slightly annoyed that they were interrupting my workout.
“You’re Romano’s friend, right?” the blond man asked.
I placed the weights onto the padded floor and stood up. It was never a good sign when someone asked if I was “friends with Romano.” Usually, it led to bar fights, verbal altercations, or business matters that I didn’t want to get involved with.
“What’s it to you?” I asked, folding my arms over my chest. No way would I be intimidated by these fuckers. They had no idea who they were messing with.
“Do us a favor and leave Badger alone,” the blond man responded.
I took a predatory step toward them with my hands in fists at my sides. “And who the fuck are you to tell me or her what to do? Last time I checked, I can do whatever the fuck I want.”
He took a step forward before being cut off by Buddha's outstretched arm. “For fuck’s sake, Arrow. Leave him be. The only reason I came over here with you was so you didn’t get killed.”
My eyebrow arched as I took in Arrow’s reddened face. He was shorter than Buddha and me, and leaner, but still looked like he could hold his own.
“I see you’ve heard of my reputation,” I said.
“Yes, hence why you need to back the fuck off!” Arrow spat. “The Mob has already fucked with her life enough!”
As soon as his words were out, I noticed her. Storming toward us, Badger looked furious and was glaring daggers at Arrow. Arrow noticed her, and stepped back with his hands out.
“Shit, Jess, I didn’t mean—”
“Are you fucking kidding me right now?” she yelled.
Before either of the two men could speak, she continued.
“Both of you.” She pointed at Arrow and then to Buddha.
“Office, right fucking now! And you…” She turned to me, some of the anger dissipating as she tried to figure out what to say to me.
“There’s no point in telling you to leave, so… as you were, Pliers.”
“Jess has a nice ring to it. Though I still think Bunny is better,” I teased with a sly smirk, a thrill racing up my spine at knowing her real name. Jess, probably short for Jessica. I liked it. It fit her.
Instead of responding with words, Badger growled before pushing both men toward the back office.
I couldn’t help but watch the way her hips moved as she stormed to the other side of the gym.
I had learned two very important things about her today: she was connected to the Mafia, and her name was Jess. Now I needed to find out more.