Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40859 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 204(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40859 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 204(@200wpm)___ 163(@250wpm)___ 136(@300wpm)
“She was none the wiser to any of it, even when the fucker was an hour later than usual. Apparently, she had a wedding so she put the flowers in a cooler and kept working. She didn’t open the box until this morning when you were out front.”
“Damn,” I mutter to no one in particular. “I’ll be in touch later. Keep Ghoul on it.”
Creed nods as I stand to exit our small office space off the end of the clubhouse that is for officer only meetings like this one.
Pulling up, I can’t believe I’m doing this. I get rapport and she doesn’t know anyone else in my club, but I’m not sure I need to be the one doing this. Maybe I should have picked her up and taken her out. Only I don’t know the threat to her yet. Here, she is safe. Except, I can’t say the same for me. This place is anything but safe for my sanity.
What is it about her that calls to me?
Hopping out of my truck, I grab the takeout bag and make my way to the porch.
On the far left side of the covered porch, I have an outdoor couch. A sectional with a table in the middle. The table converts to a fire pit, one that has never been used. This outdoor patio set was the last thing Ayla bought before that fateful night.
We have no family memories there.
It is possibly the only safe space for me to share a meal with Michele. There are no memories to haunt me sitting here.
Ringing the doorbell, I wait for her to get to the door. She’s smart. She listens. Checking the peephole, she doesn’t unlock the door until she sees it’s safe.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure she would stay. Once the prospects dropped off her car, she was free to leave. While I can be ruthless to an enemy, I wouldn’t do the same to someone I don’t have a target on them. On the flip side of that, an innocent person, especially a woman, I will never force into anything. She had her options.
Wisely, she chose to stay here.
As she clicks the door locks and emerges, I move down to the couch and table. Pulling the takeout containers from their bag, I begin setting up our space.
“Jennings,” she says my name with trepidation. “What are you doing?”
“Gotta eat, buttercup. Thought we could do it together.”
She approaches as I begin to put straws in our cups. The soft touch of her hand to my shoulder shoots like electricity through my body. I jerk my head to look at her.
“We could eat inside,” she offers.
I shake my head and go back to my task. “Got those build your sub kits from the deli beside your shop. The cashier said there isn’t a sandwich there you haven’t tried and not loved.”
She gives me a slight smile. “I don’t know if I should be happy they noticed or mortified.”
I shrug my shoulders non-committal in nature. “I think it’s a good thing personally.”
She doesn’t push me about going inside again, rather, she moves around me and the table to take a spot on the couch. With paper plates, condiments, utensils, napkins, and everything under the sun for a sandwich laid out, I take a seat on the other side of the couch making us in a ninety degree angle from each other.
“Eat up, buttercup,” I instruct as I begin to build my own sandwich.
To start with we both eat in this casual silence. I find people in general struggle to be quiet. Why is it that silence can be scary for some?
Halfway through my sandwich, I decide it’s time. In order to expect something from someone, it’s best to give something either beforehand or in return.
“It’s been a long damn day,” I begin with casual conversation. “Did Zero bring everything you need from the store?”
She nods taking a large bite of her sandwich. Covering her mouth while she chews, I wait as I sense she wants to speak. Once she swallows she replies, “he did and then some. Thank you. I don’t think I’ll be here long. I appreciate your hospitality. My cousin is on her way from New Jersey. When she gets here, I’m sure we will be safe at my house. Thank you for your kindness.”
My interest is piqued. Color me curious, is this cousin Giulia Bianchi? I make a mental note to text Tyrant and have him look for familial ties between the two. “Tell her to come here,” I instruct and she shakes her head.
“Oh no. I appreciate your help, but seriously, she never travels alone. Her private security will be with her and keep me safe until we can figure out this mix up. I have already inconvenienced you enough.”
She avoids eye contact telling me there is more to this. And private security gives me all the answers I need. She is indeed related to Giulia Bianchi. There is no way that woman ever travels without security.