Page 22 of Dagger's Target
The moment Dagger told me, they invaded and haven’t stopped.
Like do they want me?
I’ve envisioned meeting my dad so many times. Ever since I was a little girl, it used to be that I wanted him to swoop in on his white horse and save me from the wicked witch. Then it turned into anger, and me wanting to scream at him for letting her treat me the way she did. Now it’s fear mixed with angerand sadness. I want to know him. I’ve always wanted to know my dad. Knowing I have a brother too, well, it makes the feeling tenfold. I missed out on growing up with a sibling—something I always wanted.
Now that I have a brother, I’m not sure we’ll have that bond you get when you grow up with a sibling. That close-knit bond that siblings have. I’d seen it with other kids. The big brother teasing but protective of the younger sibling. We wouldn’t have that.
But I could at least have my brother’s friendship now if anything. Right?
I do want that. No matter how much it scares me.
I can do this. I can. I will.
With Dagger beside me, I know I can. He’ll be at my side and not let anything bad happen. He’ll keep me safe.
Shaking the nerves away, I wash my hands and stop staring at myself in the mirror. I need to get back to Dagger before they show up. I’d only come in here for a moment to get my bearings.
Taking a breath, I open the door and step out into the hallway, only to come face to face with one of the girls Dagger warned me about. I knew this just from the bitchy stare-down she’s giving me. That and the minimal clothing she’s sporting.
“Excuse me.” I go to pass her, but she steps in my way.
“You think you have him all to yourself, keep dreaming, sweetheart. Dagger isn’t one for settling down,” she sneers, crossing her arms over her ample chest.
I straighten my spine, refusing to be intimidated. I learned from the best what a catty woman will do. “I’m not sure who you are, but Dagger and I aren’t here for whatever drama you’re trying to start. Frankly, we’re none of your business, period.”
She laughs, and it sounds like breaking glass. “Oh, honey. I’m Diana. And everyone knows me around here. EspeciallyDagger.” She leans in closer, her perfume overwhelming. “He and I go way back. He loves having me beneath him.”
The jealousy that flares in my chest surprises me. I’ve never been the possessive type, but something about the way she says his name makes my skin crawl.
“Right, great chatting with you,” I say, keeping my voice steady. No way was I about to let her know she’s affected me in any way. I won’t give her that power. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to him.”
As I try to step around her again, she grabs my arm. Tight enough for her claw-like nails to dig in and leave impressions. “He’s just playing with you. When he’s bored, he’ll come back to me. He always does.”
I yank my arm away, anger replacing my nerves. “I’m not interested in playing into cattygames of jealousy,” I snap. “And I doubt Dagger would be into them either. Now move.”
Before she can respond, I hear Dagger’s voice from down the hall. “Katrina? Everything alright?”
I inwardly groan.
Great.
Diana’s expression shifts immediately, her venomous glare transforming into a saccharine smile as Dagger approaches. She’s good. I’ll give her that. The transformation is almost impressive.
“Everything’s fine,” I say, my eyes never leaving Diana’s face. “Just having a little chat.”
Dagger’s eyes narrow as he takes in the scene. He steps between us, his back to Diana, effectively cutting her off. “Diana,” he says without turning around, “we’ve had this conversation before. Stay away from her.”
“Hey, baby, I was just introducing myself to your . . . guest,” she purrs, but I can see the cracks in her façade. The way she bats her lashes up at him and tries to press herself to his side.
Dagger turns to face her now, his expression cold. He steps out of her reach and tucks me into his side. “She’s not my guest. She’s my fuckin’ ol’ lady, and you damn well have no right to speak to her.”
“She was just tellin’ me how you two go way back,” I sneer at the little announcement.
“That a fact?” Dagger growls, looking down at me, anger burning in his eyes, but I know it’s not directed at me.
“Yep, she said, and I quote, ‘He and I go way back. He loves having me beneath him.’ and ‘He’s just playing with you. When he’s bored, he’ll come back to me. He always does.’ You do know how to pick them.” Anger seethes just beneath the surface. I want to be mad at him. I really do.
“Interesting since she’s not been around long and I’ve never once put my dick inside her.”
