Page 27 of Street

“Hands,” he repeated, staring her down.

Rosa glared at him. She’d learned years ago not to allow people to intimidate her. If she didn’t stand up for herself, others would walk all over her. Or worse, take her stuff or refuse to pay her wages.

“You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll go home and grab some food. If I return in twenty minutes, will that be okay?”

“You’re done unless you show me your injuries.”

“I’m not hurt.”

Fury held her gaze. “Now, Rosa.”

“Fine.” Rosa held out her left hand. “See, I didn’t cut myself.”

“Now the other.”

Exhaling in a huff, Rosa showed him the top of her right hand with her thumb tucked next to her palm. “This is a lot of fuss about nothing,” she said to distract him.

Fury caught her wrist and turned over her hand. He winced at the sight of the blisters and red skin. “Didn’t this hurt?”

She shrugged. She was used to working no matter if she had a headache, fever, or some other ailment. Rosa didn’t call in sick or stop early. She took extra shifts immediately when offered and covered for others. Every penny counted.

“Come on. We’ll go to the warehouse and let Razor clean and bandage this.”

“No, thank you. I’ll go grab something for lunch and I’ll be back. I’ll put on the gloves after lunch.” She might even wear them now that she’d seen the consequences.

Fury pulled out his phone and made a call. “Street? Your girl didn’t wear the gloves I gave her, and she’s blistered her hand. I want to take her to Razor, but she’s refusing. Want to meet us there?”

He held the phone away from his ear, and Rosa could hear the yelling. Fury held the device out to her.

Used to having horrible bosses curse and even throw things at her when they thought she’d done something wrong, Rosa didn’t get scared but sighed with resignation. She took the cell phone awkwardly with her left hand as she prepared herself for Street’s wrath. “Hi.”

“Go with Fury. I’ll meet you at the health center. No arguments,” Street declared.

To her surprise, his voice wasn’t angry but sounded worried. “I’m….”

“Now, Little girl, unless you want me to spank you in the exam room.”

She gasped and knew he wasn’t kidding. Why did sexual heat flare inside her tummy at the thought of being punished even as negative memories of being hit popped into her mind? Could she tell him she needed to avoid that consequence?

Instantly, she chose the easiest path. He wouldn’t change his mind about her going to see Razor. “Fine. I’ll see you there.”

“Ask Fury to walk you over so you’ll know the route.” With that, Street disconnected the call.

“Are we going in my truck or on foot?” Fury asked.

“Can you show me the way? You can eat lunch first,” she assured him. “Or you could just point me in the right direction.”

“Not happening. Come on, Rosa. Let’s go.” Fury grabbed his toolbox and waved her toward the doorway.

“Fine.”

In a short time, Fury boosted Rosa into the tall truck and had attached her seatbelt for her. She had to admit that her hand throbbed. She should have put those gloves on when she’d noticed her skin was pink. Stupid rookie mistake.

“You know, my hands were bleeding after my first day cutting pipe,” Fury confessed as they exited the compound.

“You’re making that up so I don’t feel like an idiot,” Rosa said.

“Devil Daddies don’t lie to each other.”