Page 30 of Promising Her Forever

“I don’t know. They’ll tell us when we get back to the property. Let’s get the signs up since the three shops will be closed tomorrow and head home. Sal will be meeting us there too.” Francesco answers.

“I hear they told Rella yours and Daphne’s reactions to the shifters.” I chuckle.

“She couldn’t stop laughing. And she said it’s a good thing that the bullet went through her upper shoulder and not her side. Or laughing would suck.”

“Yeah, that sounds like Rella.” I laugh as we work to put up the signs.

“This makes me sad that the bakery has to be closed.” She sighs as she looks around.

I hold her. “I know, but hopefully it’ll be over soon and we can get back to our lives.”

“I really hope so.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Fionn

It’s been a few days since the shooting. We got the bullet proof glass into all the shops and got them reopened. Fiorella’s still in the hospital and giving Jérôme a hard time about being there. She wants to get back to her store.

Scrapper has met with Playboy and of course Playboy denied everything. But he held to his word and took his cut and the other three that were with him. Scrapper and his crew will be staying in Lake Renegade for about a month in case we have more trouble. Which we all know is coming. Playboy was way too calm when they stripped him of his colors. He didn’t put up a fight or argue he just smiled and handed over his cut. And that’s what worried me the most.

“Fiorella’s getting released today. I think it’s because Jérôme’s tired of her yelling at him.” I laugh.

Riley laughs. “I talked to her yesterday and she said she would win. I guess she did. Do you think Playboy has actually given up?”

I don’t want to lie to her, but I don’t want to scare her either. I walk over to her and hug her.

“No, mo fhíorghra, I don’t think he’s given up. I think he’s waiting for us to drop our guard.”

“Yeah.” She sighs. “That’s what I think too. I hate worrying all the time. The only thing that makes me feel safe is you. I don’t worry when we’re home together. I almost want to say let’s stay home and hide out. But then Playboy wins. And fuck that.”

I chuckle. “I know, love. I’ve thought of asking you to stay home too. But I know that Espresso Joy is your dream. And I refuse to take that away from you. So what I can do is protect you the best way I know how.”

“I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

“I wish I could tell you that it was over.” I say as I kiss her head.

“One day it will be, right? I mean it has to be.”

“It will. At this point, he has to leave the US soon so I have a feeling he’s going to do something before he leaves.”

“So what do we do?”

“We do what we’ve been doing. Living our lives and keeping our eyes open.”

I drop Riley and Daphne off at the coffee shop and wait while they get the morning coffees ready for me to take to the station. Because of everything that’s going on, I thought that being a part of the sheriff’s department would help. I can help look for Playboy and his crew. Last we heard, he was in the city and staying away from Lake Renegade. But in my gut I know he’s plotting and planning.

I always head to the coffee shop to have lunch with my girl. I love being able to see her at random times in the day.

“I’m heading out for lunch, you want me to bring you back something?” I ask Salvatore.

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll call in mine and Raven’s order. Maybe I’ll ask the others? You mind picking up lunch? That way Lila doesn’t have to.”

“Sure. Just call it in and I’ll pick it up when I’m done.”

Just as I’m cleaning up to leave, we hear dispatch over the radio.

“Fire at Espresso Joy. Need fire, police and ambulance.”