Page 136 of Control Freak

Gray and Emory looked suitably serious about the matter, at least.

The patrol cruiser came to a stop, and Dalton got out and opened the back door. He pulled out Brick and Curtis and uncuffed each of them.

“What is this?” Curtis asked in a wary voice.

“You’re just going to have a little chat before you go on your way,” Dalton said. “Your car is right there. I had it towed from the impound lot.”

And wasn’t it handy thatwehad a tow truck available to do that?

Dalton gave us a nod, then got back into his car without a word and drove away, leaving Brick gaping after him.

“What the fuck, man?”

“It’s an ambush,” Curtis said tightly. “Just shut up and listen if you don’t want to die out here.”

“No one’s dying tonight,” I said.

Though I didn’t feel too badly that they looked scared shitless. Served the fuckers right. Letthempanic for a change.

“So why the show of force?” Curtis asked, tone careful, as his gaze darted to the five men standing behind us and the two large dogs pacing in front of Axel.

“Just wanted you to see what will happen if you ever come after Shiloh again.”

Gray stepped forward. “You fuck with one of us, you fuck with all of us.”

“Including the dogs,” Axel said with a smirk. “Assuming you survive him.” He hooked his thumb at Flynn, who gave them a flat enough look to give me chills.

If it weren’t for Matteo’s assurances that he was the nicest guy you’d ever meet, I’d have second thoughts about him working so closely with my baby brother.

Tension grew, thick and heavy, as we stared each other down. My stomach clenched with nerves. If they pushed us, I wouldn’t be able to stop my brothers from defending me. Violently, if need be.

If Axel had his way, we wouldn’t even be talking now. He and Flynn would have delivered the message with a thorough ass-kicking.

I hated violence, though, and I was on a hair trigger after my recent panic attack. So I really hoped these assholes were smart and didn’t push their luck.

Of course, no one would ever think Brick was smart.

“You’re all bluffing,” he said. “I’m not afraid of you. I bet these dogs are just cuddly family pets, aren’t they?”

He walked straight up to Bailey, making my heart lurch. I turned, fear flashing through me. “Back the fuck?—”

Taz snarled and struck like a fucking snake, lunging forward to pierce tiny teeth into the hand Brick extended to pet him.

He yelped and yanked his hand back. “It bit me!”

Axel laughed. “Serves you right, asshole. If you really want to push it, Sugar here can take a piece of you too.”

He patted his rottweiler’s head, who growled low in her throat. Brick stumbled backward so fast he tripped over his own feet and landed on his ass.

“No, don’t! Keep those monsters away from me.”

Gray chuckled. “Count yourself lucky. Taz is fond of dicks.”

Brick lowered his other hand to cup his junk. “No, please.”

Curtis sighed and shook his head. “Jesus Christ, Brick, you’re an idiot.” His gaze flicked back to me. “So, your dogs can tear us apart, and I’m guessing that big dude back there knows how to handle himself.”

“I can make you hurt in ways you’ve never imagined,” Flynn confirmed.