The men jumped back at the sheer size of the weapon. Pan screeched to halt, flipped the boy on the back of the bike and tore off through the alley. Unsteady hands gripped her stomach as they raced through the darkness. Shots rang out just as they turned the corner.
“Bitch!” Max screamed at her. “You think I don’t know your bike?”
Yeah, he knew it was her. This was going to be fun later.
Chapter Four
Pan weaved in and out of traffic. She wasn’t certain they would be able to follow her, but Max had eyes and ears around town. They would need to head to some place quiet. A place that they wouldn’t think to look. Pan grinned. Only one place would work.
The city slowly started to fade as they followed the roads outside of town. Finally, a good twenty minutes later, they stopped at a small diner. She was happy they had made it in time. Most things shut down around here at ten. Half an hour more and they would be hunkered down in some shed.
“Hop off, kid.” Pan loosened the grip he had on her waist.
“Where are we?” the boy asked.
She took her helmet off and shook her long, brown locks.
“A friend of mine owns the place. We can chill here until things die down.”
She turned and finally got a good look at the boy. Slightly unkempt black hair framed his tan cherub-like face. His hazel eyes were so wide and expressive she felt just inches away from pulling him into a bear hug. The wonder and awe she found there touched her in ways she hadn’t expected. Quickly, she looked away. Something seemed familiar about him.
“Let’s go on in.”
Pan led the way.
When they had settled into a booth, Anna popped by with a pot of steaming coffee. Pan thought the teen boy’s eyes were going to pop out of his head with how hard he stared at Anna. Not that Pan blamed him. Anna was short and busty. Like pop a button and put an eye out busty. Her long, blond hair was always tied back, and that, for some reason, only seemed to set the guys off more.
“Well it’s been a while, Pan.” Anna poured her a cup of coffee. The teen quickly flipped his mug over for a cup as well. Anna arched a brow but poured anyways.
“It has. Just hiding out for a bit.”
“From the good guys or the bad guys?” Anna stood and planted a hand on her hip.
Pan laughed loudly. “Bad for now.” She turned to the teen and stared at him pointedly. “But I haven’t gotten the full story yet.”
“You all going to eat anything?”
Pan glanced at the counter. Anna’s famous apple pies were proudly on display. She figured nothing could butter the kid up more to talk than warm apple pie a la mode. With the order for two put in, Anna wandered off, leaving the two alone to talk.
“So,” Pan fiddled with the silverware. “Wanna tell me what the hell was going on back there?”
The boy’s lips clamped up. This was going to be for more difficult than expected.
“’Kay, well how about your name?”
“Nic.”
“Well hi, Nic. I’m Pan.” Pan stuck out her hand and was thrilled when he shook it. “So I’m just gonna come right out and say it, Max is a bad dude. Whatever you got going with him, I’d quit right now.”
“Aren’t you worried?” Nic ran a hand through his hair. “You really shouldn’t have gotten involved. Now he’s going to be after you.”
“Max?” Pan cracked her knuckles. “He and I have some unfinished business.”
Nic eyebrows shot up, and Pan nearly choked on her coffee. Apparently, he hadn’t expected her to want to pick a fight with Max. Heck, hardly anyone picked a fight with a man like him. He was the go between for a number of unsavory organizations, and some groups that weren’t so organized. People turned to him when they needed a problem to disappear. He made it happen.
Anna came back with the pies, and they both fell silent eating. When they had finished, Pan continued with her questioning.
“So. You going to tell me what the hell was going on back there?” She leaned back in her seat and put her arms on either side. One thing she’s learned from years around men was to make yourself as big as possible.
Nic shook his head. Pan sighed. Whatever it was, he wasn’t talking.
“Well you have to talk to someone about this. Anyone else know about what’s going on?” She stopped to take a drink of her coffee.
“Yeah, my brother knows.” He looked down at his fingers and twisted the napkin.
“So who’s your brother? Maybe I know him.”
“Emilio Diaz.”
Pan’s eyes flew to his. Well damn. Now that she thought of it, the kid was the spitting image of Emilio. Another heartbreaker in the making.
“Well, we had better get you home. I’m betting your mom and sister are having a fit.”
Nic shot her a sheepish smile. Yup, the kid already knew how to work over the ladies.
***
Emilio cursed as he pulled up to his mother’s house. Just like fingerprints, a person’s bike was very much a unique thing. At least the good ones were. Pan’s bike sat in front of the house, mocking him. Like it was the most natural thing in the world to have it sitting there.
This was going to be bad. For one, it was bad enough living with you mom, sister and brother, but now he had to have a very uncomfortable conversation with them just feet away. It wouldn’t have been so bad if he’d had his old apartment, but like with everything else, his father had screwed that for him when he split town. His mother couldn’t afford to meet the mortgage payment without his help, so he did what anyone would do, he moved home.
Emilio put the stand up and climbed off his bike. He figured he would just go in, hash it out and put an end to the silly dream Pan seemed to have about the two of them.
When he walked into the living room, he found his whole family gathered around her. His blood started to boil. It was not okay for her to just try and make a place among his family.
Pan looked up and gave him an awkward smile.
“What the fuck!” Emilio stormed over to Pan.
“Emilio!” his mother shouted in surprise. “Watch your mouth!”
He ignored her protest. “What, it wasn’t bad enough that you follow me around at the bar, but now you’re following me home?”
His arms shot out wide, and Pan jumped back at the gesture.
“I thought I made it very clear,” he barked. “I’m. Not. Interested.”
He could see her flinch with every word, and felt guilt for it, but she had caused this. Just couldn’t leave well enough alone. Had to pull his family into this.
Pan all but jumped off the couch and turned to his family.
“It was nice to meet you,” she said. The words seemed to choke in her throat.
Emilio watched, stunned as she turned to Nic.
“No more alleys for you. Be careful.”
His heart raced when she turned to him. All the pain and anguish he had tossed at her, written clearly on her face. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she fled past him.
He jumped when he heard the bang of the front door and the roar of her driving off.
Emilio turned to his family and doubled over in pain. He looked up to find his brother breathing heavy, his fist clenched in rage.
“You’re such a dick! She saved my life, and you ran her off.” Nic burst out of the room and stomped up the stairs.
“Asshole,” his sister, Maria, muttered as she walked out.
“Somebody want to tell me what the hell is going on around here?” He stared at his mother, the voice of reason.
“Well, maybe you should have asked that first instead of running your mouth.”
She walked into the kitchen and Emilio followed.
“Sit down, and I’ll get your stupid ass something to eat. And then we can talk about that nice girl that saved your brother.” Emilio flinched. His mother got out bread, cheese and meat. If he was getting a sandwich, there was no doubt his mother was mad.
“Why do I get t
he feeling I’m going to look like an ass in the end?”
Mama Diaz stared pointedly at him. “If the shoe fits…”
***
Emilio sighed. Yes, he was an ass. Several sandwiches later and one brave tale of rescue, Emilio quickly realized what an ass he had been. Here he’d accused her of basically stalking him when all she had been trying to do was return his brother safely home.
“So what’s the deal with you and this woman?” His mother’s knowing brown eyes pinned him. She had never been one to mince words. Coming from an Italian family meant getting to the point. Her wavy, black hair framed her sweet face. It was no wonder she got away with being as blunt as she was.
“There’s no deal.” This was the last conversation he wanted to have with her.
“But you want there to be?” A well-defined brow lifted in question.
“Doesn’t matter. I can’t get her involved in this.” Emilio put his plate in the sink to avoid looking at his mother.
“Seems to me like she already is.”
He turned around to look at her.
“Not like this. It’s dangerous.”
“She’s already in danger from what I got.” Nic popped into the kitchen and stared hard at his brother.
“What do you mean?” Emilio said. His heart beat hard in his chest. This was not good.
“Well first of all, she stepped in to save me. She was waving a big fucking knife around.”
“Language!” his mother shouted.
“Second, she said something about having unfinished business with Max, and he said something about knowing her bike.” Nic sat down and gave Emilio a meaningful stare. “And no one has unfinished business with Max.”
Emilio nearly swallowed his tongue. His brother was right. No one had unfinished business with Max. It just didn’t work that way. Max was the guy you called if you wanted to tie up unfinished business.
He walked over to the table and put his head in his hands. All this time he spent staying away from her. Keeping her out of trouble. Only to find the damn woman had walked right into it. Not that he wasn’t grateful. Knowing they were beating his brother made him want to start breaking heads, but this had to be handled with care. Max was no idiot, and Emilio wanted to make sure whatever happed would stick.
He sighed. This was going to complicate things.
“Well I need to get to bed,” his mother said. “Long day at the hospital tomorrow.” His mother kissed them both and went upstairs.
“Nicoli, what the hell were you thinking?” Emilio couldn’t hide the emotion in his voice.
“What?” Nic crossed his arms, ready to do battle. “I did what I had to. They call, and you come.”
Emilio slammed his palm on the table.
“No! They call and I come. Not you!” He could feel the veins in his neck pulsing. “What do you think would have happened if Pan hadn’t gotten to you?”
Nic shrugged. Emilio had to stand up. Pacing might help keep his emotions under control.
“These men make people disappear all the time. Why do you think dad ran out?” He stopped and stared at his brother. “Listen, he ran out owing them a lot of money. There’s only so much I can pay at a time, but you let me deal with them.” He squatted in front of Nic and grabbed his shoulders. “You are turning into a fine man. Mama and Maria need you. I’ll handle the rest.”
“What about Pan?” Nic looked like the boy he was, a boy forced to grow up way too quickly.
Emilio shook his head. “You let me worry about Pan.”
Nic stared hard at him and finally nodded. A big yawn forced him to his feet.
“You hurt her,” Nic said as he reached the door to the hall. “Don’t do it again.”
Emilio watched him climb the stairs and breathed a sigh when he heard the bedroom door shut.
He pulled his cell out of his pocket and flipped through. Calling her was the only option. Emilio only hoped she would listen.
Chapter Five
“Just clasp, damn you!” Pan felt like throwing the boot across the room but knew it wouldn’t accomplish anything. Besides, it wasn’t the boot’s fault she was in such a pissy mood.
All day she’d listened to the phone ring and fought to not pick up. For once, Emilio was chasing her, and she didn’t want to be caught. After the way things were left last night, she didn’t know if she could see him without twisting his junk so hard he sang soprano for the rest of his days.
The latch slipped into place, and she stood to examine herself. She’d ditched her normal tank, jeans and boots. What was the point of going on a date if she wasn’t going to dress up? The green flirty long sleeve dress flowed just mid-thigh. It had been years since she’d put on a dress, but it just fit her mood. Her long, chestnut hair matched nicely with the dress. She had debated curling it but decided that was a bit too fru-fru for her. Despite all this, she had given in to the need for boots. But at least these had a heel and looked less like the kind to kick ass and more the kind a man would want wrapped around his waist.
Pan looked down. Yes, this dress and boot combo was killing it in the leg department.
A knock came from downstairs. Pan grabbed her purse and went down to greet Tyler.
As she got closer to the door, she noticed a black car with dark-tinted windows just across the street, a car that stood out like a sore thumb and most certainly didn’t belong parked outside the store. Pan stared hard at the car, trying to make out anything she could. As if they knew she were watching, the car started up and zoomed away.
Pan sighed. Just another thing to worry about. She’d already talked with Luc about the incidents and pushed for Iris to take some time off from the store. He’d wanted them both to take some time off until things cooled down, but Pan knew the chances of Iris allowing the store to be closed that long. Then, they would be right back where they started, or she would have to worry her sister by telling her why they needed to close. Not really at the top of her list.
Pan shook her head. She was not going to let this ruin her night and opened the door to a very handsome Tyler.
“Wow,” Tyler said. “I didn’t realize we were getting so dressed up.” He looked down at his own clothes.
He looked fine to her. Jeans, clean rock t-shirt and boots.
“I just wanted to try something different.” She gave him a warm smile. “So, where are we going to eat?”
Pan locked the door and turned around. Tyler gave her a sheepish smile.
“Well, I didn’t really know what you liked to eat, so I thought I would let you pick.” He ran a hand through his spiked hair.
“Great!” Pan walked to his car. “We can go to Blondie’s. My friend Anna just took over the place and could use the customers.”
“Sounds good to me.” Tyler opened her door and then went around to his own.
The two kept things very on the surface as they drove to the diner. Aside from the occasional direction, they mostly talked about bikes. This was fine, but it was becoming very clear to her that they just really didn’t have that spark.
By the time they had parked and seated in the diner, they were laughing and joking like they would any night.
“Oh, Pan, I’m so glad to see you!” Anna rushed over to their table. “Did you take care of that poor little guy from yesterday?”
Pan smiled. Anna was always worrying about others. It was how she ended up suckered into owning the diner.
“Yup. Home with his mama.” Pan ignored the questioning looks from Tyler.
“I’m so glad. Looked like someone had really worked him over.” Anna blushed and looked between Tyler and Pan. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Tyler.” He stuck out his hand, and Pan noticed the glint in his eye. Yes, that was the glint of a man in lust. Not that she was surprised. Anna was a knock out. If she wasn’t so shy when it came to men, she would have long ago been married.
Anna cautiously took his hand and smiled nervously. Pan co
uld see her breathing increase and the pulse strumming in her neck.
“Yes, well,” Anna stepped back quickly, bumping hard into the table behind her, “How about some pie? Yes, pie would be good.” And just like that, she was off.
Pan could tell how affected Anna was when she heard a crash from the back. Poor girl must have really been booking.
She turned to Tyler who was still staring at the doors Anna had disappeared behind. His head shot around when she cleared her throat. Pan arched an eyebrow at him, causing him to duck his head.
Pan sighed. “She’s single.”
Tyler’s head shot up.
“You’re going to have to work for it though. She’s shy with men.”
Tyler nodded but then scrunched up his brow. “Did you just give me the green light when we’re on a date?”
Pan reached across and patted his hand.
“We both know we’re better as friends. And I’m telling you right now,” Pan squeezed his hand a little, “If you are just looking for some ass, move on. Anna needs a full-time man.”
Tyler sat up straight and nodded.
Anna came out and slid two pies in front of them. It hadn’t really been the dinner Pan was wanting, but with the state the poor girl was in, she was surprised to even see her again.
She and Tyler started chatting again about bikes and before she knew it, the pie was finished. They smiled awkwardly at one another.
“Ready to ditch this date and go to the bar?”
Tyler laughed. “Sounds good to me.”
Tyler tossed down some money to cover the bill plus tip.
Pan waved at Anna from across the room. Yes, they would make an interesting couple. She chuckled.
***
Emilio sat at a table with the guys, hoping to see her. He had to tell her that he was sorry. The phone in his hand was useless. She’d been ignoring his calls all day.
Standing By (Road House) Page 3
