Page 73 of Cold Hard Cash

“Another one?” Jimmy laughed, smiling easily and brazenly resting his hands on Cold’s hips. “Don’t we have enough deals?”

“For the ring,” Cold said, gently prying Jimmy’s hands away. “What if I was to forgive your entire debt?”

Jimmy’s heart stopped on the spot, horrified. No more debt meant no more arrangement, which meant no more nights together. “Why would you do that?”

“Is it not a generous offer?” Cold asked, raising his brow.

Too softened by the alcohol to even pretend he wasn’t upset, Jimmy felt instantly stung. “And that’s it? One ring and it’s all over?”

“Didn’t realize that ring meant that much to you,” Cold replied sourly.

“You mean that much to me,” Jimmy protested passionately, on his feet and glaring at Cold even as his guts churned and his legs wobbled.

Cold looked surprised, his hands resting on Jimmy’s shoulders to steady him. His eyes narrowed, expression darkening. “Mr. Poe, I think you’re forgetting what this is... between us. This is business.”

“You’re so full of shit,” Jimmy challenged.

“Excuse me?” Cold’s fingers flinched ever so slightly, squeezing Jimmy’s shoulders a little harder.

“You are full of shit,” Jimmy repeated without hesitation.

“Mr. Poe, you’re drunk.”

“And you’re an asshole!”

“Careful now,” Cold hissed. “I’m willing to overlook your intoxicated behavior, but—”

“Why can’t you just say it?” Jimmy pleaded, his eyes beginning to tear up. “Just admit you have feelings for me! Something! Anything!”

Hand snapping around Jimmy’s neck, Cold growled furiously, “There is nothing to admit! You’re a warm body and a hot mouth. Nothing more. Take the deal.”

Jimmy scoffed and grabbed Cold’s wrist, nostrils flaring as he spat, “You’re a fucking asshole, and you’re a goddamn liar!”

Cold yanked Jimmy close, so close their breath mingled, his icy eyes burning with rage, but Jimmy refused to back down, squeezing Cold’s wrist tighter.

“I don’t know why you keep trying to hurt me, you know I don’t believe a fucking word of it. Just because you’re too much of a coward, I don’t—”

“You stupid fucking kid,” Cold seethed, giving Jimmy a rough shake. “Don’t you get it? You could have been killed tonight!”

Jimmy’s eyes widened. With the truth right there in front of him, there was no way it could be taken back. Cold did care. He cared so much. He was afraid for Jimmy.

Jaw hanging open, Jimmy realized in horror that Cold was right. The men who had assaulted him and Rowena could have done so much worse. What if Tamerlane hadn’t been there, what if the bouncers weren’t fast enough, what if...

What if they’d had a gun?

Jimmy knew he should take the new deal and run as far away as he could. He would be a target as long as he stayed with Cold. He could keep the job at the club, sing for a few months, save up his money. He could get his life straightened out, work on getting his father freed, and never see the gangster again.

But he couldn’t.

It was stupid and incredibly dangerous, but so was what he felt for Cold. The sensation was without compare, making his heart ache so sweetly whenever the man was near. He couldn’t give it up.

Cold’s hand was still wrapped tight around Jimmy’s neck, his chest heaving as he fought to keep his emotions in check. His usually stoic face was raw and hurting; for the very first time, Jimmy saw Boss Cold look uncertain.

“But I wasn’t,” Jimmy soothed softly, alarmed to see Cold so vulnerable. He swallowed thickly. “I’m still here.”

Eyes wide, Cold’s entire body was tense, as if ready to run. “Yes, you are.”

“And I’m still yours,” Jimmy said, pressing his naked form against Cold’s fully clothed one, gently squeezing his wrist.