Standing By (Road House) Read Online Free PDF

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