Only Him (Only One 1)

“Well, not exactly. There was a night when I thought—”

Shaking my head, I tell the bartender to bring me a shot. “I don’t wanna hear about you making moves on my sister.”

“She’s a great kisser.” Ruby winks.

“Ruby,” I warn, not knowing if she’s joking or not. All she does is laugh her ass off.

We decide to order food, and after we finish eating, we say our goodbyes.

“If you’re bored, my schedule is free until the end of time,” she tells me, then adds, “unless your sister changes her mind.”

Considering Everleigh is staying with Ruby until tomorrow, I don’t know what to think about any of this. Instead, I huff and turn on my heels. I’m two seconds from pulling my phone from my pocket and asking Everleigh if Ruby was fucking with me, but then I decide I don’t want to open that can of worms. The thought has me chuckling. My phone vibrates, and I answer when I see it’s Eric calling.

“Where are you?” he says breathlessly.

“Outside of the pub. Everything okay?”

“I’m close. I’ll be right there,” he rushes out before hanging up.

I notice headlights in the distance. The vehicle looks like it’s going at a high rate of speed when it turns the corner, coming toward me. My adrenaline spikes, and I look at my surroundings, hoping to hell it’s Eric. When the car comes closer, I recognize his rental and breathe a little easier. I’m thankful it’s not Victoria because his voice sounded strained. He rolls down the window and demands I get in the car. By the expression on his face, there’s no time to argue.

“What the fuck is going on?” I ask as I buckle, and he picks up his speed. He’s driving erratically, but I know he’s been trained for this.

“I found Victoria, and she’s looking for you. You’re not safe,” he warns, making a turn.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“To beat this bitch at her own game. I got some news from one of her bodyguards who used to be an old friend. Victoria crossed him, and he just happened to reach out to me,” he explains. I haven’t ever seen him this happy.

“Are you serious?”

He nods. “I also learned she’s been watching you, Tyler. And Gemma. Neither of you are safe.”

I open my mouth, but he interrupts me before I can continue.

“And I found out even more information.” He’s so damn giddy I want to slap the smile off his face because these are serious allegations.

“Go on,” I demand.

“She’s been cheating on Mickey. With the same bodyguard who snitched her out to me yesterday.”

My mouth falls open in shock. Mickey DeFranco is the father to Victoria’s children and is also the man who Liam was forced to fight. He’s the reason Victoria murdered her brother in cold blood too. The family feud between them ran deep, but Victoria doesn’t follow anyone’s rules but her own. So she hooked up with Mickey and used Liam as a decoy husband. One thing is certain, Mickey is crazier than she is. I knew that the moment I laid eyes on him in the ring. “I don’t know what to say.”

“I made a few phone calls.” Eric looks at the clock.

I glare at him as he pulls into a neighborhood with million-dollar mansions. Somehow, he was able to get a gun and put the clip in the bottom, then loads a bullet in the chamber. I notice the silencer on the end and that he’s wearing gloves and tactical gear.

“Eric,” I warn.

“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna do anything stupid. This is for our protection. Come on.” He opens the car door, and I hesitate.

“What about the not getting me involved thing that you said on Wednesday?” I ask, following him as we nonchalantly walk down the sidewalk. We look suspicious as hell.

“Considering you’re her current target, I think it’s best we make sure the situation is properly handled.” He checks the time on his phone. “Any minute now.”

He studies a large house with gigantic windows and a circle driveway. The lights flicker in the distance, and he pulls me behind some tall bushes, and we walk the property line. Eventually, he squats, and I follow his lead.

“What are we waiting for?” Curiosity is getting the best of me as my heart races.