3. Tyson

3

TYSON

S he thinks I left, but I can’t fucking stay away as I turn back around and follow her. Her red hair bounces with each angry step toward the parking lot. Damn, that girl’s got fire. The way she stood up to me, refusing to be charmed, only makes me want her more.

I trail behind at a distance, keeping my eyes locked on the hypnotic rhythm of her stride. Her jeans hug those curves and thick thighs in all the right places. I lick my lips, imagining peeling them off.

I hang back as she reaches the parking lot, hiding behind a rusted pickup truck. Sofia digs through her purse, no doubt searching for her keys. She drops something and bends over to pick it up, and I drink in the view, my jeans growing tighter.

She unlocks her little red Mustang—proving to me she has taste, even if it is a new one and not a classic like mine. As she’s about to open the door, something in my periphery catches my eye—a black SUV barreling through the parking lot straight toward her.

“Sofia! Watch out!” I yell, my body reacting before my brain can process what’s happening.

In long strides, I’ve closed the distance between us. I wrap my arms around her waist and yank her backward with all my strength. Sofia lets out a startled yelp as I pull her off balance, tumbling us both to the hard asphalt.

The SUV blows past, the rush of air ruffling my hair. It barely misses clipping Sofia’s car as the driver slams on the brakes, tires screeching in protest.

I roll off Sofia and scramble to my feet, my heart pounding. What the hell was that about? I scan the area, my fists clenched.

Sofia pushes herself to a sitting position, her eyes wide with shock. “What...what just happened?”

I don’t answer, my focus locked on the SUV as it peels out of the lot in a spray of loose gravel.

The SUV’s taillights disappear around the corner, and my jaw clenches tight. Someone just tried to run down Sofia Moretti in my damn carnival. This won’t stand.

I pull out my cell and punch in Phoenix’s number. He picks up on the second ring.

“Boss?” His voice crackles through the speaker.

“I need you to pull the security footage from the parking lot cameras. Now. Some asshole in a black SUV just tried to flatten Sofia.”

“You mean Jimmy’s daughter?” Phoenix asks .

“Yeah, that Sofia. I want the plates on that vehicle. And I want the owner’s name.”

“On it, Boss.”

I end the call and turn back to the fiery redhead. She’s on her feet, brushing dirt off her jeans with shaky hands.

“You okay?” I ask, stepping closer.

Her green eyes are filled with fear when she meets my gaze. “No, I’m not okay! Someone just tried to kill me!”

I place my hands on her shoulders, feeling the tension thrumming through her body. “I won’t let that happen. Whoever’s behind this, I’ll find them.”

She shrugs off my hands, taking a step back. “Why do you even care? Aren’t you just some carnie drug dealer?”

Her words sting, but I don’t let it show. I close the distance between us, holding her gaze steady. “You’re on my turf now. That means you’re under my protection whether you like it or not. And your father is one of my clients. I can’t have his daughter murdered at my carnival.”

She opens her mouth to protest, but I cut her off. “I know you don’t trust me. Hell, you probably don’t even like me. But I saved your life and am on your side.”

Conflict plays out across her face, the desire to tell me off, warring with the knowledge that I’m right. Finally, she lets out a heavy sigh. “Fine. But if you try anything funny, I’ll make you regret it.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “Wouldn’t dream of it, baby girl. ”

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I fish it out, glancing at the screen. It’s a text from Phoenix with the license plate number, address, and owner’s name.

Game on, you son of a bitch. I’m coming for you.

I turn to her. “Listen, I know you don’t think much of me. But this whole situation? It’ll allow me to prove I’m more than just some carnie.”

Sofia rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. “Well, I should thank you for saving my life.”

Before I can respond, Jimmy clears his throat behind us. “What’s going on here?”

I turn around, meeting his gaze head-on. “Jimmy, someone just tried to kill your daughter. Came tearing through the lot in an SUV, aiming right for her.”

Jimmy’s face contorts with rage, his fists clenching at his sides. “What? Who the fuck would dare?”

I hold up my hands, trying to calm him down. “I don’t know yet. But I’ve got my guys looking into it. We’ll find out who’s behind this.”

Jimmy turns to Sofia, his expression softening. “Are you alright, sweetheart?”

Sofia nods, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. “I’m fine, Dad. Tyson...he pulled me out of the way just in time.”

Jimmy looks at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You saved her?”

I shrug, playing it off. “Just doing what any decent person would.”

Jimmy clasps my shoulder, his grip firm. “I owe you, Tyson. Anything you need, you say the word. ”

I nod, my mind already racing with possibilities. Having Jimmy Moretti in my debt could open up a lot of doors.

But right now, all I care about is keeping Sofia safe and finding the bastard who tried to hurt her. I’ll make them pay for even thinking they could touch her on my watch.

I watch Jimmy’s face closely, gauging his reaction. The attempt on Sofia’s life has shaken him. I can see the wheels turning in his head, trying to figure out who would dare cross him like this.

An idea flickers through my mind—a way to turn this situation to my advantage. Jimmy said he owed me and would give me anything I wanted. What if I asked for Sofia? To have her as payment for saving her life?

The thought sends a dark thrill through me. To possess her body and soul and make her mine in every way possible. I imagine her in my bed, that fiery red hair spread out across my pillow as I?—

No. I can’t go down that road. Jimmy’s daughter isn’t some prize to be won or bartered. And even if she were, Sofia would never agree to it. She’s made it clear she wants nothing to do with me. At least not yet, but I want to find a way to change her mind.