Page 70 of Silent Damage

“I like a scrappy blond with daddy issues.”

Oh, Jesus Christ.

“You’re not the only one who wants to join the HellCats. There aren’t a lot of options for folks in the Patch. Recruits can show their stuff on the second Wednesday of each month. That’s next Wednesday. Can you fight?”

“Yeah! Yeah, that’s about the only thing I can do.”

Wow, that was probably not the best thing to say at this moment.

Tobias laughs, clearly amused by me. “Good. I wish you the best of luck. I’ll see you on Wednesday.”

I’m stunned. This went…a hell of a lot better than I expected. “Thank you.”

“I’m Tobias.”

“I’m Jason.” I eagerly hold out my hand to shake his, and he looks at it like I’m handing him a dead rat. He grips it, pulls me across the desk, and slams me against the floor.

“Don’t let that happen on Wednesday,” he says.

Then he kisses my cheek.

“O-okay,” I croak out, still flat on the floor.

“Good boy.”

He helps me up and motions for me to leave. “Hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave. That’s a hell of an ass, Jason.”

“Th-thank you, sir.”

“You sure I can’t stick my fist up it? I’m very skilled.” He winks, clicking his tongue while he does it.

All I can do is stutter nonsense before Tobias cackles loudly and says, “Run along, little pup. I look forward to seeing what you've got next week.”

I nod, then scurry out of his office. When the door closes behind me, I lean against it and take a breath.

What have I gotten myself into?

Chapter 18

Gabe

My head’s been spinning all day. Jason’s words echo in my brain like a broken record, and I can’t get the image of his face out of my mind.

“I brought home treats!”

Felix rides into the garage, balancing a big pink box on his bicycle handlebars.

“Nice,” Torren yells as he scurries over, with me following. He grabs the box from Felix and kisses him. “Thanks, babe.”

“Sure thing, stud,” Felix sings back.

Torren growls and replies in a deep voice, “You look so good today.”

Aaaand that’s my cue to clear my throat loudly and obnoxiously, because I’m not in the mood for the PDA right now.

“Sorry,” Felix replies with a giggle, and Torren leads us to his tiny kitchen and opens the box of donuts. “It was a slow day at Maggie’s, so we even have leftover double-chocolates, Gabe.”

I shoot Felix a thumbs-up, but I really can’t bring myself to smile. Normally, I’d be thrilled to eat these delicious donuts, but my stomach is churning.