Garrett gestures to the men.“These men came to Wild Deuces earlier tonight looking to intimidate whoever was working.We sent them packing.The girls came here afterward for a drink and a little fun, and those men busted through the door.”
Mason points to the man who threatened me.“This one says there’ll be more.They aim to get what they didn’t get before.They didn’t give any names, but I’d put money on Eldridge being behind it.”
Sheriff Cates’ jaw tightens.“Read them their rights, boys, and get ‘em loaded up.We’ll have that conversation down at the station.”They walk out the door and he turns back to us.“If they’re with the Eldridge crew, they’ll be lawyered up before we get ‘em booked.”
I try to hide the shaking of my hands, but Sheriff Cates turns to me, notices, and gestures to the lamp.“What were you going to do with that?Next time you call 911 you stay put.Stay wherever you were when you called.You and that lamp weren’t going to get the best of three grown-ass men with a mission to overpower you.”
I try to keep the emotion out of my voice, but after a couple drinks and the events of the day, my runaway mouth just has too much to say.“That’s easy for you to say.I am not going to sit by idly while some creep bursts through the door of my house and threatens me and my friends.It’s not going to happen.I did nothing wrong.Why don’t you go chew their ass and leave me alone.”
The older man’s features soften.“Look, I know it’s a hard pill to swallow, but we’ll get them, okay?I’m just worried about you, that’s all, Jules.”
I know he knows what I went through, what we all went through, and he’s just doing his job, but still, knowing that isn’t helping this dam of emotion that threatens to burst one little bit.
My heart is beating so fast.I try to calm it, but it feels like a runaway train.“They’re coming back.Maybe not the guys you have in custody, but they’ll send others, they said so themselves.And when they do, I swear, they better bring a whole fucking team because I will defend myself with any means I have.I will not become a victim again.Got that?If you don’t do something, you’ll have to lock me up eventually too.”
Sheriff Cates blows out a breath.“We’re going to fix this, Jules.Take a seat, ladies.I’m going to talk to the men outside.”He gestures to Beckett Garrett, and Mason to follow him.
Lacy’s eyebrow arches in challenge.“Whatever you say to them you can say to us.We’re not fragile little dolls who are scared of our shadows.We just want to know what’s headed our way so we know what to expect.That’s more than reasonable.And the four of us have already talked about it.We’re not running so that better not be the plan.This is our town, and we’re not running and hiding while the people we love are in danger.Screw that.”
Garrett puts his arm around Lacy and whispers something in her ear, and slowly her ire begins to calm.“Fine,” she says grudgingly, coming to stand by me.“Let them go talk.”
PJ walks over to us from Mason’s side as the guys walk out the door.“Let him talk to the guys.They’ll tell us what’s going on once he’s gone and we’ll plan together,” she says.“In the meantime, let’s get this place cleaned up.”She walks to the cupboard and opens the door she knows I keep the good stuff in.“I need a good whiskey, anyone with me?”
I shake my head.“I’m still feeling the effects from the two drinks at the bar.”
Patti puts her arm around me.“Sit, I have strict orders from Mr.Green Eyes that I am to give you water, food and ibuprofen in that order.”
The ladies pass anI know what she’s thinkinglook between them.I point to the kitchen.“Don’t you have somewhere to be?”I’m hardly in any mood for their matchmaking.
Patti throws her hands in the air in mock despair.“I’m going.I’ll pop a few pizzas in the oven.Make myself useful.Besides I know you have some of those delicious pies from the high school fundraiser left.You bought enough.”
Lacy nods.“Good idea.I’m hungry, too.Besides the guys can always eat, no matter that they ate those big-ass burgers at Wild Deuces.They must burn calories like crazy.I’ll cut up some stuff to go with it,” she remarks, heading to the fridge to rummage around before setting out cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots at the washboard by the sink.
Patti has barely had time to turn the oven on or pour a drink before all four guys walk back in with somber looks on their faces.Garrett gives us the news.“The Larussios are sending some of their men, Tommy and his boys.You met some of them last year.They’re already in the air and will be landing at the strip in less than an hour.”
Mason starts his spiel, but he doesn’t get very far.“We want you to be safe, and…”
PJ narrows her eyes at Mason.“We’re not hiding out somewhere.None of us want that.Please don’t tell me that’s your plan.”
He puts his arm around her.“If I had my way it would be, but we can’t take everyone in town with us and hide them.We need to be here to protect everyone, including all of you.”
“So, what’s the plan?”I ask.
Beckett grins at me.“Looks like you’re stuck with me for a while.Consider me your shadow.Wherever you go, I go.You go to the bar, you drink with me, you want to dance, you dance with me, that clear?”
7
Beckett
Jules looks up at me with those deep blue eyes, this time filled with something other than flirty invitation.There’s a vulnerability but also a resolve that she doesn’t want me to see.She turns to the sink, helping Lacy wash vegetables while Patti grabs a few pizzas from the freezer.
She’s been hurt, scared and fearful, but it’s clear she’s had enough of being on the receiving end of what these douchebags want to deal.I slide in next to her and Lacy takes the hint, drying her hands on the towel, nudging Patti towards the door, and giving me a conspiratorial wink.
I take the vegetables as Jules washes them and pat them dry before cutting them on the big white board next to me.I lean over while she’s washing some broccoli and hold a piece of cauliflower that I’ve smothered with dip.“Open.”
Her big expressive eyes meet mine with shyness that causes my cock to shift.“You need to eat, darling.”She leans forward and takes the floret from my fingers, the warmth of her lips caressing my skin.
She chews and then swallows daintily.“So, I’m stuck with you?”
