Resisting Ryann(12)

“What do you think?” He tips his head toward the bodies. “She’s the spitting image of her mother.” He smirks. “She’s going to make us some Benjamins.”

My fist slams into his mouth a moment later, and he falls to the ground, lying unconscious on his back. I guess I snapped without even a thought.

“Enough, Luke!” I hear Warren shout, holding me back with the help of Marcus.

It takes a total of three seconds to notice Valdez’s men are circled around me, their weapons pointed at my face.

“Put them down,” Valdez orders. They do as they’re told. I lower my hands, and he makes his way toward me. “So you have a soft spot for children,” he says when he’s close.

I squeeze my eyes shut, then open them. “I’m sorry, sir.” I might have ruined everything in that moment.

He pulls a gun from his jacket. “I never liked Salinas,” he says, shooting him in the head like he means nothing to him. His blood drains into the dirt. My pulse picks up. I do what I can to stay calm.

Putting the gun away, he pats me on the shoulder. “You didn’t come here to discuss the girl. Did you, Mr. Ryann?” he asks, raising his brows.

I meet his seedy eyes. “No, sir.” But I’ll get her away from you if I can.

He tilts his head. “Do you know what happens if you betray me?”

I nod. “I think I have a good idea.”

He watches me, then paces back and forth, like he’s thinking. He stops. “I consider your father a friend,” he says, pursing his lips. “This is your only warning.” He glances at Marcus and Warren. “Mr. Ryann is new to the business. I assume you’ll better inform him on how to behave before our next visit.”

“We apologize,” Warren replies, glancing at me sideways. “We’ll leave him at home next time if you prefer.”

“That won’t be necessary,” he answers. “Use this as a lesson learned,” he tells me. “You won’t get off so easily, if there’s a next time.” He’s inches from my face. I swallow then give a small nod.

“We’ll keep you posted, Mr. Valdez,” Marcus interrupts—probably afraid I’m going to mess this up. He doesn’t have to worry. I’m too busy thinking about how to help the girl without endangering Reese in the process.

“Tell Glenn I’ll be waiting,” he replies, heading toward a vehicle.

Marcus and Warren guide me to the car.

“Hands off. I’m fine,” I tell them through gritted teeth.

Valdez yells over his shoulder. “Be careful, Mr. Ryann.” A wry grin stretches his features. “Your physical strength won’t get you very far here,” he warns.

I watch him climb into the SUV, then one by one they drive away.



“Do you have any idea how much power he has in his pinky alone?” Marcus asks. “Nobody challenges Valdez the way you did.”

We’ve been driving through the desert for about twenty minutes. We’re on our way to see my father, who’s been spending a lot of time with Rachelle—the woman I saw him with the other night. I assume she has him by the balls. I’ve never seen my father with the same woman twice, with the exception of my mother.

“Dude, I about shit my pants when he hit Salinas. I wasn’t sure if any of us would live after that,” Warren chuckles.

“Yeah, well, next time tell me what I’m up against.”

“Rules are rules,” Marcus replies.

I let out a sardonic laugh. “Is that why Valdez put a bullet in Salinas’s head?”

“Valdez is crazy,” he retorts. “You’re lucky he didn’t give you one to match.”

A flash of something catches my eye, and I check out the back window, spotting a German shepherd wandering through the desert. It may be spring, but it’s hot, and there’s no way that dog will survive without water.

“Guys, turn around.”

Marcus eyes me through the rearview, furrowing his brows. “You lose something?”

“No. I’m about to gain a dog.”





I’m digging through my collection of DVDs, looking for the self-defense instructional ‘After School Special,’ I planned to show to the kids. I promised my dad I’d meet him for coffee before my shift, and I have to be at work in a couple hours. I’m running out of time. We skipped last week … and I miss him. His persistence finally wore off, and I decided to give him a chance. We’ve gotten closer these last few months, though I still keep my guard up. It’s hard to completely trust anyone.

“You’re not cancelling on me, are you?” my dad answers on the first ring. There’s a smile in his voice.