Page 43 of Cold Hard Cash

“After some renegotiations, yes,” Jimmy said stubbornly.

“Oh, really?” Cold scoffed, clearly amused. “And what makes you think I’m going to agree to do that?”

“You want this as much as I do,” Jimmy replied, licking his lips nervously. He had to be right. This had to mean something. “We both know it’s not about the money.”

“What makes you so sure? How do you know I won’t get rid of you the second the last penny drops?”

“I don’t,” Jimmy replied with a shrug, “but... we’re still talking, aren’t we?”

Cold smirked, drawling slowly, “Fine, Mr. Poe. What are your demands?”

“Don’t kill Augustus,” Jimmy said, immediately cringing when he saw the instant look of disgust on Cold’s face. “He and I don’t get along, we probably never will, but please don’t hurt him.”

“Mmm, can’t promise you that,” Cold said with a scowl. “I’m running out of options for a peaceful resolution with Detective Duplin. I doubt you’re any good as leverage now.”

“W-why?”

“If I try to use you now, you may decide to end our little arrangement,” Cold said with a roll of his eyes. He hesitated, his expression turning uncharacteristically soft as he added quietly, “Our deal is important to me.”

“It is?” Jimmy tried not to sound so hopeful.

“You do owe me a lot of money.”

“Yeah,” Jimmy pouted, wishing Cold would admit there was more than money involved between them. “Half of which is from you charging me some bullshit penalty to screw with me!”

Cold did not look moved by the accusation but didn’t deny it, his eyebrow quirking again as he said, “And?”

Jimmy gritted his teeth, deciding to try a new angle. He smiled sweetly, laying it on thick as he said, “Come on. You’re Boss Cold. You rule over all of Strassen Springs, you’re like the most powerful gangster that’s ever lived... all those wits and instincts, right? You’re clever enough to find another way to get Augustus to leave you alone. Without involving me, or hurting anyone else.”

Cold’s lip curled into a faint snarl, clearly knowing that Jimmy was blatantly playing to his ego. It worked anyway. “Fine. I will find another way to deal with Detective Duplin... what else?”

“A job,” Jimmy said quickly.

“Oh?” Cold actually laughed. “Do you not enjoy your time working for me?”

“You said yourself you might drop me after I pay you off,” Jimmy said stubbornly. “I need a real job. Something I’ll be able to depend on. I have bills to pay, and I still want to help my father.”

Cold’s fingers began to move, deftly untying the bow around Jimmy’s neck. He dropped it to the floor, and began to slowly unbutton Jimmy’s shirt next. “I may be able to arrange something... is that all?”

“Don’t lie to me again,” Jimmy said desperately, trying not to get distracted by Cold’s nimble touch. “You’re right. For this arrangement to work, there has to be trust. I know... what you are. But what you did, using me like that, what you tried to do with Augustus... and Rowena, too? You lied to her—”

“Careful,” Cold warned, his amusement faltering in favor of an icy glare. “What I do for my sister is none of your concern.”

“Fine,” Jimmy protested, “but don’t lie to me again.” He swallowed thickly. “Please.”

“Very well,” Cold said, finished opening Jimmy’s shirt and gazing over him approvingly. “You should know as long as we’re reworking our deal, I have some revisions of my own.”

“And those are?”

“You may think of Rowena as your friend, but she’s my sister,” Cold said harshly. “I will do anything to keep her safe, and how I go about it is none of your business. Do not ever question how I treat her again. Are we clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Second, due to your mouthy performance today, I’m going to cut your nightly payments from ten down to five grand,” Cold went on, smiling cruelly.

“But now it will take twice as long to pay you back!” Jimmy protested, whining as Cold’s fingers began to loosen his belt.

“Mmm, maybe you should have thought about that before you spoke without permission at the party,” Cold chuckled darkly. “I’ll still allow you to earn bonuses at my discretion. So, perhaps you should focus more on pleasing me with that mouth instead of running it so much.”