Chapter Ten
Bhodi?
Finding myself standing outside Michael Harper’s lawyer”s office, I wait for Summer to finish her appointment. With his body now being released, Strode called her earlier, letting her know she could begin to make the funeral arrangements. The murder investigation isn’t going anywhere. With each lead being exhausted, it sends me right back to Harry Maine. But with no proof and it just being my gut instinct, I can do little about it right now.
The leaves scatter along the street as the wind sweeps through the city. I find myself looking around making sure he hasn’t followed Summer here. It can’t be a coincidence he’s just appeared in the city, and I know it isn’t. A man like him wouldn’t give up on someone like Summer so easily, while I’ve been cold towards her, there’s no denying that she’s devastatingly beautiful, and the more I see her, the more I want her, but that’s a line I know I could never cross. Probably because it would end badly for both of us. I’ve never been one to shy away from trouble, but with Harry still lurking, I know Summer isn’t safe.
The door to the brownstone opens, I turn as she begins to descend the stone steps. Our eyes meet and I see the flicker of curiosity as to my presence. As she nears, her loose blonde curls bounce gently with each step. Unable to pull my gaze away from her long legs, I feel the feral need to have them wrapped around my waist as I devour those soft plump lips. With my cock straining against my jeans, I shuffle slightly as I turn to face her fully.
“Is there any news on the case?” she asks eagerly with a hopeful look, but I just shake my head.
“No, I just wanted to check up on you.”
It’s not a lie. I wanted an excuse to see her again. She has a light and warmth that seems brings a glimmer to my emptiness.
Looking a little taken back, she offers a small smile, pulling her coat tighter around her.
“Oh, I’m fine, thanks. It looks like the funeral can go ahead in a week or so, so I’ll need to make a few calls.” I see the smile falter as she finishes her sentence.
“Do you want to grab a drink?” As the words leave my mouth, I inwardly kick myself for even fucking asking. But before I can shrug it off, she smiles and nods.
“I’d really like that, thanks.” Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, I see the tension leave her shoulders. “Lead the way. You know what’s around here better than me.”
Walking side by side, I see the look on her face as she takes in the views of New York. A small smile etches on her face as we pass the large buildings and hot dog stands, seeing the city through new eyes is refreshing, after living here all my life and seeing the dark side regularly of what the city has to offer it’s hard to look at it with wonder. For me, it’s rife with crime and murder daily, but Summer seems almost intrigued by her new surroundings.
Leading her into a small bar. As the door opens, the smell of cigarette smoke is pungent. Eyeing the bartender, he just shrugs. Heading to the bar, I order two jack and cokes, whilst Summer sits in a nearby booth. Scott, the bartender, gives me a knowing look as he spots Summer. He’s never seen me bring anyone here, so he’s taken back as I pass her a drink.
Taking a seat in the booth, I watch as she runs her fingers up and down the glass, lost in thought. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting those hands on my cock. Shifting once again, her eyes turn to me as she smiles.
“Thanks for this. I was going a little mad at the apartment.”
Pushing my thoughts aside, I nod taking in her lost expression.
“How so?” I ask, taking a sip of my drink.
“Oh …you know, it’s quiet.” I watch as she shuffles uncomfortably in her seat but refuses to look my way.
Deciding not to press the situation further, Summer sips her drink, gently licking her lips as she places the glass down on the table.
“Have you lived in New York long?” She asks curiously, changing the subject, but it’s not the question that causes me to stiffen in my seat.
She’s eyeing my fucking scar again.
As her eyes flick to mine, I watch as she sinks slightly. Knowing she’s been caught staring at the scar, I feel my jaw tick. Leaning in, I can’t help myself as I lower my voice.
“It’s rude to fucking stare Summer.” My eyes pierce into her sapphire blues before she looks away as the blush creeps up her cheeks.
Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, she softly speaks.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have….”
“It’s fine.” I cut her off.
Allowing my fingers to move across the half-filled glass in front of me, the feeling of darkness descending further over me as I hear the screams of my past ringing in my ears. The memory begins to subside, I catch Summer by the wrist as she tries to leave. Her eyes snap to mine as the crimson stays planted on her delicate face.
Movement in the corner of the bar catches my attention as I pull her back to me. As the figure moves closer to the bar, my grip tightens on her, pulling her closer.
“Bhodi, what is it?” She looks down at the firm grasp.
That’s not a fucking coincidence.
When both men turn toward us, a sinister smirk creeps across his lips as he spots Summer next to me. Feeling the rage building deep within me, he begins to approach. As my eyes dart to the exits, I know I can’t get Summer out of here, so I accept the situation.
“Summer?” He speaks in a mock surprise, approaching the table.
With Summer still focused on me, I see the recognition and fear run through her as her eyes snap to the voice.
“I thought it was you.”
That fucking smirk isn’t moving as Harry stands at the table. His devious eyes roam Summer’s body as she inches closer to me. I watch as her hands shake, unable to get the words out.
Briefly looking between them, I stand, pulling Summer with me. Placing a protective arm around her, I pull her close. Harry’s eyes momentarily flicker with anger as she finally speaks.
“What are you doing here, Harry?”
“Well, I have some business in the city for the next few weeks. I tried to call you.”
His eyes move towards the healing grazes on her forehead, but without hesitating, she pulls away from me and practically flies out the door. Leaving both of us in a stare-off, he looks me up and down before smirking again. His words drip with sarcasm and a cock sure confidence.
“She’ll come running back. She always does.”
“Think so? She doesn’t seem to be too interested.” My own mocking tone allows me to gain the upper hand when I move a step closer. His smirk now replaced with anger. “If you come near her again, I will kill you.”
I watch as his mask falters for a moment. It’s likely no one ever stood up to him. As he goes to speak, another familiar face approaches and interrupts, pulling Harry away and back to their table. Spotting a few other men waiting for him.
As he finally turns away, the associate he’s with sends me a death glare. Fortunately for them, there are too many witnesses here, but I know his face. Luca Bernardi is known to the precincts in New York. He’s a fucking criminal, but unfortunately for us, he’s fucking good and rarely gets caught, but it doesn’t stop people from talking, yet nothing ever sticks. I smirk back, as Harry’s just given me a way into investigating him for Michael Harper”s murder.
Harry looks at the door Summer’s just exited from, pulling out his phone. Not wasting time, I move through the exit and back onto the busy street. Checking up and down, but I can’t spot her.
“Fuck.” I say through gritted teeth before hailing a cab back to her apartment, hoping she’ll already be there.