Reckless: A Bad Boy Sport Romance Read Free Page A

through an alley behind a line of Asian markets. But as I got closer to the opening that led to Fulton, I felt a small, but sharp prick, just slightly to the right of my spine. I skidded to a halt, my shoulders hunching upwards instinctively.
    “Don't move, lady. I don't wanna have to hurt you –”
    “What –”
    “Don't look at me! Just hand over the bag, and –”
    “Okay, okay, take it easy, pal.”
    I jerked my head back and stared straight ahead, thinking hard. My skin was crawling from his hot breath beating down on the nape of my neck. He sounded young and inexperienced, his words all strung together. That said, he was holding some kind of blade to my back, so I had to keep reminding myself not to make any sudden movements.
    “I'm just going to take one step forward and put down my purse –”
    “Wait – aw, shit!”
    I leaped aside just in time. The kid tripped over his own laces, tumbling forward. As he pushed out his hands to keep himself from face-planting on the floor, a freshly sharpened pencil rolled across the ground, stopping by the tips of my cream pumps. I picked up the pencil, raising my eyebrows. I was almost impressed. The size of the balls on this kid.
    “Really?”
    The kid looked up at me, his eyes darting back and forth. He sprang off the ground and swatted at my purse, but I saw it coming. I gripped the other end of my purse, clamping the strap under my arm as I pulled away from him.
    “Damn it – let go, kid!”
    “Ay, yo, Ms. C! And Socks? Is that you, bro?”
    My assailant and I paused, turning our heads at the mutually familiar voice. Leonard Thompson, or Thumper, as he liked to be called, moseyed over to us with an oblivious grin on his face. “Socks” let go of my purse, nearly throwing me off balance. He dusted off his red-and-gold LeBron jersey, meeting Thumper halfway.
    “It's been a minute, man. How come I ain't see you around at the court lately?”
    “I've been real busy – got all those extra classes I gotta make up for before they're gonna let me graduate. And I've been kicking it at the studio with Ms. C –” Thumper looked around at me. “What were y'all doing back here, anyway?”
    “Oh, you know, just getting mugged by your lovely friend over here. Socks, is it?” I muttered, returning his pencil. “I think this belongs to you.”
    “Yeah, sorry about that.” The kid pocketed the pencil, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
    “Come on, man.” Thumper crossed his arms, his smile waning. “I thought you said you'd cut this shit out – if I can get my shit together, so can you –”
    “Yeah, I know, but this is – this is temporary –”
    “What about school?” Thumper pressed him. “I haven't seen you around in a couple of weeks.”
    “Dropped out,” Socks replied, averting his gaze. “Money's a little tight –”
    “That's fine – you can kick it with us at the studio for now. We'll figure something out.” Thumper slapped a hand on his friend's sagging shoulder. “You're cool with that, right, Ms. C?”
    “I don't think Ms. C –”
    “Of course.” I nodded, motioning towards the other end of the alley. “Why don't you take Socks to Ike's for a sandwich first? You guys can come in a little later – we're just doing a little freestyle session today.”
    “Thanks, Ms. C. Come on.”
    Socks looked back at me with a weak smile before dawdling off behind Thumper. But as I turned to leave myself, I stopped again. I rubbed my bare neck, spinning around urgently until I spotted the tiny diamond winking from the dirt and gravel. My heart sank.
    I retrieved the pendant along with the 2 pieces of its snapped silver chain and crept out of the alley.

Chapter Three: Brooklyn
     
    2005
     
    “Damn it! Where is he?” I glanced back to check the clock on the pink bathroom walls. “It's been over an hour – he hasn't answered any of my calls or texts. I'm starting to get worried –”
    “Relax, Brooks. I'm sure he'll show up soon. His