Nash: A Rough Romance by Piper Stone (book series for 12 year olds txt) 📕

his finger and wiping it through a darkened stain. He brought it to his nose and took a deep whiff. “It is. Yours?”

“No, I think I shot at least one of them, maybe two.” While there were additional spots, it appeared obvious that at least one of them had been shot.

He snorted before wiping his finger on his jeans and standing. “Well, since we didn’t see any dead bodies, unless their buddies buried them in the snow, I’d say your shots weren’t killing blows, buddy.”

I moved into the kitchen, hissing as my anger continued to grow. They’d broken everything they could get their hands on. Fuckers.

Seconds later, I shifted into the bathroom. The harsh lighting told me what I’d suspected. They’d taken the time to bandage at least one wound. All the items they’d pulled from the closet remained tossed around the small room.

Snarling, I fisted my hand as I stormed further inside, suddenly remembering my damn wallet. I’d placed it in the nightstand drawer, obviously not having any time to retrieve it before we had to get the hell away from the place. I pushed the overturned chair out of the way and made my way into the bedroom, cursing after turning on the light. My eyes settled on the top of the nightstand. My wallet.

It was open, my military identification in plain sight. And next to it? An ‘X’ written in blood. I felt Scorpion’s presence and turned, allowing him to see the mark. “They know who I am.”

He sighed and glanced around the rest of the room. “Is there anything here they would have taken?”

I looked into the wallet, surprised they’d left the cash. My phone had also been left on the nightstand, likely dead given the lack of charge. At least I’d be able to take a few items with me. “I doubt they took a damn thing.”

“Well, buddy, get some shit together. You need to talk to the sheriff. If they’re alive, they’re still in town. And if I had to guess, it won’t be long before this Dante asshole is too. I don’t have any doubts your lives are in danger.”

Snow.

I was beginning to fucking hate it. Every flake, every icicle, even the color white. My anger remained just below the surface as I drove down the mountain, likely exceeding the speed limit based on the still dangerous conditions. But I didn’t give a shit.

I’d followed my instincts the majority of my life and this time, they told me that a freaking enemy I’d never met, couldn’t give a shit about, was on his way to destroy my life. I snorted at the thought. Mitch should mean nothing to me, but I found myself unable to find any distractions other than the gorgeous woman who’d entered my life like a fireball.

One that threatened to consume both of us.

“Slow down, buddy. You’re going to kill both of us,” Scorpion said in a stern voice although he laughed.

“You and I both know the shit is about to hit.”

“No, you don’t know that. How the hell could this asshole find you? I know Missoula is a big little town, but even though they identified who you are, that doesn’t mean they’re going to make a single connection to where you’re staying.”

I snorted as I shot him a look. “You and I have been around the block long enough to know that assholes like this refuse to stop. They are true predators in this world, using their money and threats to get exactly what they want. Who says they don’t have someone on the payroll at the sheriff’s office?”

“Christ. It’s obvious just how much you’re into this girl and I don’t blame you, but don’t let your love for her cloud your judgment.”

“Who the fuck says I’m in love with her? She’s a pain in my ass all the time, her mouth caustic as hell and she refuses to follow any of my rules.”

The full ten seconds of silence made me grimace.

“And I don’t believe in love at first sight,” I snapped in addition.

“Uh-huh. Well, given your reaction, I’d say I have my answer.”

“Fuck you.” I shook my head, twisting my hand around the steering wheel. Thank God we were only ten miles from town. I continued grousing as I yanked the burner cell phone from my pocket, eyeing the connection. While there were only two bars, it might be enough to make a call.

Before I had a chance to dial Mitch’s number, the phone rang, the unknown number making me bristle. “Yes,” I said harshly.

The person on the other end hesitated before a female voice cleared her throat. “Nash?”

Exhaling, a moment of relief flooded in. “Sheriff Robertson. Tell me you found out something worthwhile.”

“Well, I don’t know how worthwhile the information really is, but your gal’s story checks out. Dante Giordani is considered one of the most ruthless men in Chicago with direct ties to the mafia there. He’s been arrested several times, never convicted. He also owns several legitimate businesses, but from what my friend who works at the Chicago PD told me, there’s always been suspicions that he runs his illegal activities through them. Never proven of course.”

“What about Mitch’s involvement?”

“Michelle Donovan worked for an accounting firm. From what is in the police record, she witnessed a violent crime and agreed to testify. Unfortunately, even with her eyewitness account, Mr. Giordani was able to get off without so much as a slap on the wrist. After that, my friend was unable to tell me much else given the DA sealed the evidence as well as a number of records,” the sheriff stated.

“Is that usual?”

“Well, it is if the witnesses have been threatened. What you don’t know is that one of those witnesses had a mysterious car wreck barely two days after the trial ended. While there’s absolutely no connection they could find to Dante or his men, it would appear the DA wasn’t taking any chances.”

“And what about this DA?” I continued grilling