Page 81 of Forgotten Comeback

“And yet here you are.” I stare him down.

“Here I am,” he agrees. “What’s it going to be?”

“Go fuck yourself. And for clarification, I’m not asking to masturbate with you.”

He chuckles, reaching into his back pocket.

“What’s that?”

“Something that’s going to help change your mind on the job offer.”

Crossing the room, I snatch the photo from his hands. All the blood drains from my face. It’s a photograph of me smiling brightly, holding the Round 2 sign above my head, with Gavin in his corner.

“It’d be a shame if this photo were to find its way to Fabio. What do you think the boss of AC will do when he sees this and believes you’ve been working for the family’s enemy all along?”

I wad up the photo and throw it at him; it bounces off his chiseled chest. “I’ll go to Fabio and come clean,” I say hotly. “I had no idea who you were.” And obviously, I still don’t knowwho this man is, other than someone who’s going to get me killed!

“You could,” Gavin agrees. “Depends on how big of a gambler you are. Stakes are pretty high; I’m guessing the only reason you’re alive right now is because of your friendship with Kat.”

It’s my turn to remain silent, because he’s right.

“But that friendship card’s already been played, and I doubt a mafia capo with the nickname ‘Venom’ will let you walk a second time.”

“Why are you trying to ruin my life?” I grit my teeth.

“All about perspective, Taylor. You can look at this as me ruining your life, or you can look at this as me presenting you with a golden opportunity.”

“You really are delusional,” I cry.

“Your income level remains the same, but now you have time to devote to your art,” he tempts me, a little devil perched on my left shoulder.

I tease my bottom lip with my teeth before asking, “How would I explain the ring girl income without a formal job? I’m assuming this is an under-the-table gig.”

I’m considering this insanity.

Why am I considering this insanity?

Chapter

Thirty-Two

Gavin

The wheels are spinning in Taylor’s sharp mind. She’s considering my offer, which means she’s still in the game.

Keeping my face neutral, I tell her, “You quit your job at the Diamond to open an art studio; there’s your income source. As for health insurance, find a policy you like, and you’ll receive the cash equivalent,” I promise.

Taylor shakes her head. “That would be outrageously expensive. I have a preexisting condition.” She squares her chin, taking a deep breath. “As Dominic so eloquently put it, I’m ‘certifiable.’”

“The most interesting people are,” I assure her.

“Does that include yourself?” Taylor challenges.

A grin stretches across my face. “Knew you found me interesting.”

She rolls her eyes. “IfI agree to this, then I’d need a signing bonus to compensate for the loss of my house.”

“You didn’t own the house,” I point out, wiping the winning grin from my face with the back of my hand.