“You were at the wedding, weren’t you?”
He smirked. “You know what I mean, you went from not wanting to marry to chopping hands off and now stalking her ex. You’ve got feelings for your wife, don’t you?”
I stroked my beard and thought about it. While my relationship with Cashlynn might not be orthodox, the feelings I was developing for her were starting to consume me. The push and pull between us had become something I craved. While I used to be happy sleeping with different women all the time, knowing I was the only one who had been inside of Cashlynn and owned her pleasure brought me rising gratification.
“We have an understanding.”
He chuckled. “That’s an interesting take on things.” He checked the time on the dashboard. “You know if you’re late to your dad’s retirement party your mom will have your balls, right?” Things had settled around us since the other night and the incident with Ted. My mom was celebrating my dad tonight and once Maddox was captured, that would gain my focus.
I glanced at the dash. He was right. My mom was making tonight a big deal. While my dad retired from being a judge years ago, the party to celebrate his retirement from his firm was tonight. My dad was well-connected from his twenty plus years as a judge, not to mention his years before as a high-powered lawyer. Since he was retiring completely now, it was up to Ezra to step up in the legal aspect and me with everything else. I’d turn thirty in two weeks and all that was left for me to fully take over was being announced as the family head.
“We’ll make it.” I made sure my personal shopper dropped off outfits for me and Cashlynn. All I needed to do was get home, shower, and dress.
My eyes narrowed when I saw a car pull into Maddox’s driveway. “There he goes,” I said, closing the folder.
River’s demeanor changed and he straightened in his seat. Going into my pocket, I pulled out my black leather gloves then leaned down, unzipping the bag at my feet. I pulled out the rag and bottle.
“You keep watch while I grab him.,” I told River, opening the bottle and pouring the liquid inside into the rag.
Maddox was smaller than me in height and size. I knew he’d give me no issues.
I checked the scene before climbing out of the car and heading toward the house. Maddox staggered out of the car, using his cane to walk. He was unsteady, even with the cane. By the way he swayed, I was sure he was drunk. I’d learned he spent a lot of time at bars and a lot of money on liquor by the financial statements Emmet included in his file. The more I read about him, the more I wondered how he’d ever ended up with Cashlynn.
Pulling my hood over my head, I crept across the street with my hands in my hoodie pocket. The rush from the hunt slammed into me.
Maddox fumbled with his keys at the door. He clumsily dropped them and cursed under his breath. Not giving him a chance to pick them up, I rushed him. He started to yell but was cut off when I wrapped my arm around his neck, squeezing tightly. He struggled to break free. My blood pumped excitedly through my veins as my heartrate picked up. I tightened my hold around his neck. He slapped my forearm. While it would have been easier to drug him the moment I noticed him, my blood boiled and I wanted to see him struggle and attempt to fight.
Eventually the struggle dwindled and his hits on my arm became fainter until he went completely lax against me.
Releasing him, I turned his body then leaned and picked him up, tossing him over my shoulder. I kneeled and snatched up his keys before heading back toward the car. I looked around, seeing we were still alone. River waited near the open trunk. Stepping to it, I tossed Maddox inside. River stepped forward, binding his legs and feet together then duct taping his mouth before shutting the trunk.
I rolled my neck between my shoulders. “Now we drop him off then get ready for the party.”
____
“I thought it was just rumors but you really went out and married a Cavana. You’re one crazy son of bitch for that.” My body tensed when the hand slapped down on my shoulder. Turning, I made eye contact with Roger. He was a detective on Silver Stone’s police force, but crooked as fuck.
The more he laughed, the more I felt my blood grow hot and my eyes tighten. I glared down at him and reached for his wrist, twisting it, causing him to wince.
“Wanna try that again?” I gritted.
“Hey man, I mean no harm,” he groaned with his face twisting in pain.
My grip tightened. “Speak on my wife again and I’ll slit your fucking throat, McKinley.” I flashed him a crude grin before shoving him away from me. I turned back to the table, grabbed my drink, and walked off.
I had spent most of the night familiarizing myself with my dad’s associate in the legal field. Most of them would be useful in the future. When Dad wasn’t introducing me to people, he and Ezra were working the room.
I was headed back to the table where I left Cashlynn and Carson when I noticed Emmet and Lucas talking quietly amongst themselves. I squinted, noticing Emmet slide him a folder. Lucas looked around and nodded as Emmet explained something to him. Lucas nodded with an intense expression on his face.
Continuing to the table, I took a seat next to Cashlynn. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here.
“I’m confused. Your dad was a corrupt judge, right? So now that he’s retired, how does your family expect to get away with the shit you do?” Cashlynn asked.
I gave her my attention. “And what exactly does my family do?” I smirked.
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t act like you guys are as clean and righteous as the public thinks. Remember I know who your family truly is.”
The corner of my mouth lifted. I brought my drink to my mouth, sipping it slowly and staring at her over the rim.
