Christmas with My Enemy (Feuding Hearts Christmas)

Chapter 7

seven

BEAST

I slam the door behind us and lean against it. Tati goes deeper into the cabin, hugging her body and looking disoriented. I barely escaped getting gunned down in the name of protecting her, but she's here looking all innocent like she can't hurt a bug. None of this would have happened if she had told me the truth.

The smell of the mint air freshener fills my nose as I bang my fist against the door. Echoes ring against the room, reminding me the big cabin is empty save for Tati and me.

Tati looks around; her dinner gown ripped to her thigh. She drops on the chair and crosses her legs. My eyes follow her shapely legs all the way up to. . . Wait a minute. I don't think she means that. Seducing me should be the last thing on her mind after what we’ve been through.

My eyes stay on her body, anger welling up in me. Why did she act like a spy? Act like she has been sent to hunt me down. Yes, she's absolutely stunning. But she's the only daughter of Rodney “Kingz” Reynolds. He is my biggest rival and I know about his wife and two children, but it’s been years since I’ve seen them. We shouldn't have any kind of business together. Let alone the feelings I have for her.

"Why didn't you tell me you're Kingz’s daughter?" I growl.

Tati spreads her arms out. "You didn't ask. And I didn't know you are Beast."

I pace the room, rubbing my chin. "Do you realize what this means for everyone? Blood on the streets, that's what. Your father will think I stole you from him, that I'm trying to hurt him."

Tati undoes the straps of her dinner gown. It falls to her waist, revealing her bra and a healthy portion of her breasts. "I’m not some item you can steal! Dad knows I hate his guts. I don't think he'll be too mad about me staying away from him.”

“He’ll be mad that his only child is with his worst enemy. Damn it!”

Tati changes into silk pajamas and folds the dinner gown. Fire licks at the pieces of wood in the hearth, filling the room with light and warmth. I look back at Tati and see her biting her nails and tapping her feet.

"This is crazy. Kingz’s daughter?" I mutter.

Tati looks up at me, her eyes flashing with anger and fear. "You won't throw me out, will you?"

"I don't know, I don't know," I set my hand against my forehead. "I'm still angry you didn't mention Kingz is your father."

Tati claps back at me in a shrill voice. "I didn't know you had history with him!"

"Okay, it's fine," I wave her down when I notice she's getting agitated. "We'll fix this."

"And I won't have to go back to him? At least until I come up with another plan."

"Yeah, you're safe here with me."

"Thank you," Tati says stiffly. "I'll like to get some sleep."

Tati isn't the early-to-bed type, so I know she's going to bed early only because she's bothered.

"All right."

"Good night," Tati mumbles and walks away. She grabs the dinner gown from the couch and hurries toward the room.

"Good night!"

She responds by slamming the door. Now that she's gone, I realize she's just as frustrated as I am that the situation is taking a worse toll on her. We'll need to talk and get back on each other's good sides. But that won't be tonight. I'll let her think and figure out what she wants to do.

I walk to the mini bar and pour myself a glass of wine. While I sip the drink, I make a call to Pop, and he answers immediately.

"Hey, Beast. Where are you? I've been calling all night."

"I was dealing with a situation. I need you to come to the cabin by noon tomorrow."

"Okay."

"Yeah, and go shop for some clothes for me and for a woman, medium size for the clothes, size 7 for the shoes."

"All right. I'll do that."

I stay on the phone, finding it hard to voice the next thing I have on my mind.

"Is that all?"

"Nah. I need you guys to watch out over the coming weeks. The Detroit Kingz might come after us."

I hear Pop's sneer, and it bothers me more.

"Since when did we stay careful with the Detroit Kingz? They tried to set us up recently, and now they shot at you. We’ve got some scores to settle."

"That's not what this is about. Look, I'm involved with Kingz's daughter."

"What?"

"It's complicated, but she ended up in my house, and I'm protecting her. At least for now."

"Are you crazy?"

"I didn’t know she was his daughter when it all started. But I don't want this to affect anybody. Just tell the boys to keep their eyes out and get me those clothes."

Pop chuckles. "Why do I feel you're kidding?"

"I'm not, damn it! This shit is real."

"We need to talk about this."

“Yeah, we’ll talk when you bring those things.”

The phone clicks off, and I let out a sigh. I can't imagine how the other boys will take the news, but for now, I'll just take a drink and forget about it all. The situation will solve itself.

I guzzle more wine and shuffle to the song of a bird outside. The next coming days will be dramatic. Whatever happens, I'll ensure Tati is safe, even from her father. The good thing about this place is nobody knows about it outside Pop. I can stay here with Tati for as long as she needs to sort things out. She's my responsibility now, and I can't fail her.