Page 128 of Off Limits
‘This probably comes from a place of selfishness,’ Dalton continues as I hit the correct floor button and the doors close in front of us, ‘but Jake’s the Mutineers’ MVP right now. Without him, we’d have lost every single one of our opening games. He’s the reason we’re on top, and we can’t lose him.’
‘Are you asking me if I’m in love with Jake?’
Dalton shrugs. ‘I guess that’s what I’m asking. And if you’re not… just to let him down easy.’
I break out into a smile. I can’t help it, even though we’re climbing closer toward the wolf’s lair. ‘If I’m holding Jake’s heart in my hands, then I promise not to drop it. I promise to take very good care of it, for a very long time.’
Dalton smiles at me. ‘Okay, that’s a relief.’
‘And for the record? After tonight, if I’m fired from the CMC, then so be it.’
Dalton sobers, like he’s just remembered why we’re really here. ‘Let’s hope that’s not gonna happen.’
We grind to a halt. The elevator doors open and Dalton follows me out. Wordlessly, I point to the door and I know we need to move fast.
‘Just liked we talked about, remember?’ Dalton whispers and moves ahead of me.
I note that he’s light on his feet. He takes up position, flattening himself against the wall to the left side of the door, arms by his sides, head turned toward the door. I take a gulp of breath and gather my strength. I have no idea how this is gonna go. I don’t want to be the person responsible for the legendary Dalton Briar having his contract cancelled.
Reaching up, I press one finger on the doorbell.
I can hear music playing inside. I know he’ll check the spy hole. There’s movement at floor level before the door opens.
Brody Conway stands there in grey suit pants and a white shirt with the collar open, dark hair falling into his eyes. He’s holding a drink and it’s clear that he’s pleased to see me.
‘Hello, Serenity,’ he says in a husky tone.
One second later, I take a small step back.
Everything happens quickly. I see Dalton move right on cue, lightning fast over the threshold. I can only see his broad back, but I see the glass drop from Brody’s hands and hit the marble floor, shattering on impact.
I follow inside and close the door behind us, stepping over the pieces of glass.
Dalton hasn’t touched Brody, who’s backed away fast, hands in the air like this is a stick up. But he’s backed himself all the way into a wall, Dalton bearing down on him.
‘Not quite who you were expecting, huh, Brody?’ Dalton grinds out, their faces close.
I didn’t know if Brody would be frightened of the Mutineers’ captain, but the color has drained from his face, and his suave demeanor has evaporated.
‘Did you think we wouldn’t find out about you?’ Dalton continues, and even in the low light, I can see the fury in his eyes. ‘That you thought you could get away with it this time? I got news for you. You fucked with the wrong people.’
My heart beats faster at Brody’s level of fear. ‘Please… I meant nothing by it. Please don’t tell my mom about this.’
Dalton takes a step closer. Brody lets out a terrified whine. ‘Worried about your inheritance, you low-life piece of shit? Mommy won’t be impressed, huh? Seems you care more about that than your brand-new wife finding out what kind of excuse for a man you are.’
Brody’s broken out in a sweat and Dalton hasn’t even laid a hand on him. His eyes flit to me. ‘I’ll not say another word to Serenity, I swear it. I’ll never contact you again.’
‘Where’s Persia’s uniform?’ I demand.
He swallows. ‘In the bedroom. Can you both just please leave?’
‘Do you need it?’ Dalton questions me.
‘I’d like to get it back.’
‘Go, quickly,’ Dalton orders. ‘Gives me a chance to talk to Brody about what he did to my wife.’
‘Oh god,’ Brody snivels. ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.’
