Page 39 of Untouchable Billionaire

"They can't take it off me either."

I walk closer.Going slow to keep everyone calm.I'm guessing this is a gang initiation.The young men eye me, and I stare them down.They are confident that four on one or four on two are odds they can win.

"Give me the knife, old man.I got your back."I hold my hand out for the knife, and all hell breaks loose.The old man turns it on me and lunges.I sidestep him, grab his forearm, twist it behind his back, and take it from his fingers.Then I shove him to the ground, step over him, and confront his assailants.With a deranged grin on my face, tossing it nimbly from hand to hand, I dare them to be brave.It is equally balanced and feels like my buck knife in my hands."You think accosting an old man makes you a gangsta?It only makes you a coward.You think four on one is good enough odds?Bring it on."I sniff the air."Ah!I miss the smell of sweat, fear, panic, and fresh blood."They all stop as one, realizing I'm dead serious about that.Punks!I flip the knife end over end, grasp the blade, bring it by my ear, cock my arm, flip my wrist, step to my target, and fling the knife with all my force.The loud thud it makes when it hits and the vibrating sound it makes as it settles down inside its new home draws everyone's eyes to the tree: everyone but mine.As soon as I released the knife, I closed the distance on the ringleader, and I smash my fist in his face.Before he can fall to the ground, I've hit him two more times.He's out cold when he lands, and it's the second loud thud the punks hear.They turn their eyes big as moons on me, and I smash my fist in the face of the next closest one.He wobbles but doesn't go down.I shove him out of the way while I step over the unconscious body and draw my fist back to attack bully number three.He steps back, turns, and runs after bully number four."You better run, you worthless piece of shit!"I yell after them, then look down when something grazes my leg.Bully number two is dragging the leader out from under me.I stare him down, and he says."Yeah.I learned my lesson.Don't fuck with old folks."

"I saved someone's life tonight.It might have been yours."I tell him."Old soldiers don't go down without a fight.Some of us even enjoy them, but others play to win no matter the cost."

He looks past me at the old man who is walking to where his knife is in the tree.Then he squats down, puts his buddy on his shoulder then carries him to the street.I hear the rumble of a car coming down the road and hope this doesn't turn into a drive-by shooting as I walk to the old man.

"You a Seal or something?"He asks me.

"Nope.Just an Army Aviator."

He laughs."Damn.Flyboy!Thought you were a real soldier."

I laugh with him."Marine?"

"Oorah!"

He holds his hand out, and I shake it."Thanks."

"You're welcome.It looks good there.You should leave it."

"Yeah.I think it's safe there."

"You got food tonight?"

"I ate at the shelter."

"Alright.I hear they are good people."

"Yeah."He pats me on the back."Thanks again."

"Sure."I turn around and head back.My mind is clear, and the tension, along with the frustration, is gone.

As I walk, I start making my plans.I may not be able to taste Seary's sweet southern sexiness for three more months, but that won't stop me from preparing for a long-term fucking arrangement with her.I've got changes to make to the East Wing of my house.

February 14

The jet touches down, and I stretch, smiling.I text Maria.

Just touched down.Be there after I visit the Club.

Have a good time.We're having Black Barbecue Pork Chops.Don't be late.

Yum!

Leaving the airport, I drive straight to Been Jammin'.When I arrive, Jimmy recognizes my Jag and positions himself to park it for me.When it's my turn, he opens my door."My man, Moore.You're here early."

I step out."I'm here to ensure everything is ready for tonight."

"Tonight?You mean tonight's the night?"

I chuckle as I hand him my keys."Yes, it is."

"Are you finally going to tell me who?"

"Nope."My smile feels like it's brighter than the sun.