He must agree because she hangs up the phone without another word. Still shooting me the evil eye, she sets the phone down a tad aggressively, and an uncomfortable silence descends.
Nothing about Mama T is typical, nor is she shy as she meets my stare head-on. Despite being in her fifties, she’s got character-tattoos on her neck, a Monroe piercing, a nose ring, and dark red lipstick.
“My girl was kidnapped,” I tell her, hoping to appease some of her anger.
Honestly, I have no interest in harming an old lady. I hate that I’m making her uncomfortable, but it’s a necessary means to get what I need. I’d rather she feels relaxed in my presence-as much as she’s capable of when a six-foot-six man with scars all over his body walks into your home.
She stares at me blankly, waiting for me to continue. “She was taken by some very bad and powerful people. Could be anywhere in the world at this point. Your boys happen to have a refined skill in what I need to possibly track her down.”
She leans her elbows on her spread knees, and it feels like she’s looking past my flesh and into my soul. I stay still. People seeing me for who I am has never bothered me.
“You’re a powerful, bad man.”
I shrug. “And also, someone with very little time to waste. I’ve got a firm hold on my manhood, and I can admit when I need help.”
She raises her thin brows and gives me a look that suggests at least you have that going for you.
I’d like to think I’m pretty, too, but I’ll let it slide.
“What makes you think my boys will help you? Is my life your bargaining chip?”
“Of course not,” I chirp, much like the bird chattering in the cage. “Only a weaker man would hurt an innocent woman to get what they want.”
She cocks a brow, unimpressed. I can’t help but smile at that.
“Like you said, I’m a powerful, bad man. I have connections and capabilities of my own. Whatever they need, I can do, once my girl is safe and sound.”
She nods her head, though she doesn’t look convinced. I’m not worried about what they will ask of me. What I don’t know, I can learn. When it comes time to collect, Addie will be by my side, and I’ll have all the time in the world to get them whatever they need.
“Well, I don’t approve of your methods, but I was married once and would’ve killed to have even a fraction of the love you have for your lady friend.”
“Come on, there’s time. You could still find your one and only.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m too old for that shit. I have my boys, and that’s enough. Just next time, would ya knock? You almost gave me a goddamn heart attack.”
“I’m sorry, Teresa,” I say genuinely, my hand over my heart. It only earns me another eye roll.
“Call me Mama T.”
I grin, pleased that I’ve been accepted. I told Jay-the ladies love me.
If the Basilisk Brotherhood didn’t respect Teresa, they would’ve kicked the door down to get to me. Instead, they rush inside, the four of them nearly tripping on each other to get in.
Teresa is already waiting at the door, hands raised in a calming gesture.
“Now, calm down, boys. He’s not here to hurt me.”
Slade grips her by her arms and spins her around, assuming to check for injuries. She twists out of his grip and swats at him.
“Stop it, I’m fine. I can take care of my damn self.”
Ryker’s eyes immediately find mine, his pursuit never pausing for even a moment. He rushes toward me, but before he can make it another step, Teresa grabs him by the arm.
His head whips around to her in shock, and she glares at him.
“Are ya fucking deaf, or am I a mute now? What did I say? He ain’t here to hurt me, so calm down.”
Ryker faces me again, a mixture of anger and bewilderment on his face.
I take a bite of my chocolate chip cookie and give him a close-lipped smile while I chew.
These cookies are fucking delicious.
“Who the fuck are you?” Ryker barks while the other three flank him. Chests puffed, chins notched high, and hands ready to pull out their firearms.
Teresa rolls her eyes and mutters beneath her breath, storming out from behind them to sit in her chair with an irritated huff.
Boys will be boys.
Slowly, I stand, wiping the crumbs from my hands on my jeans.
“Z,” is my only response and Ryker’s brow quirks.
“Z,” he echoes dryly as if he doesn’t believe me.
“That’s what I said.”
“Like the Z?” Daire clarifies. Two tiny diamond dermals are pierced above a thick black brow, glinting as he arches it on his forehead.
“Yes,” I say. Introductions are so tedious when very few have actually seen my face. Anyone could claim to be me, but all of them would fail when it came time to prove it.
Slade snorts, rolling his dark eyes, which make an interesting contrast to the waves of dirty blond hair falling into them.
The only one who doesn’t have much to say is Kace, who stands back and observes me closely. If I were a lesser man, it’d make me uncomfortable.
“Let’s say I give a shit that you’re Z-why are you here and in Teresa’s house?”
“Well, to get to you, of course. Excuse my impolite methods, however, time is of the essence,” I answer, flashing a grin. Ryker snarls in response.
Touchy.
“Does Dr. Garrison ring any bells?”
A collective silence ensues for a few moments, and then Daire chuckles. “That was you, wasn’t it? That set him and his place on fire?”
“Sure was. I happened across some intriguing footage with Ryker’s face on it. Intriguing enough for me to investigate, and it’s like Jesus himself handed me a gift. Word on the street is that you’re all very particular… tradesmen. And I have a current need for that.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.