She nods, then keeps her head lowered while everyone files out of the kitchen.
I’ve become very protective of her, and for a moment I hesitate, but then Cassia says, “You know she’s safe with me.”
I give Jenna another kiss on the forehead before I tear myself away from her, and once I step outside, I stalk to the veranda, instantly feeling moody.
I notice Dominik and Grace walking toward the dock and figure he needs some space. He’s always been a bit of a hermit and gets stressed when he’s around people for long periods of time.
When I reluctantly sit down, Santiago says, “You’re looking good.” My eyes snap to his, then he adds, “And so does Jenna. Dare I say things are working out between the two of you?”
I nod, and wanting to change the subject, I look at Leo and ask, “When are you returning to Italy?”
He lets out a chuckle. “Why? Can’t wait to get rid of me?”
I shake my head.
“I’m kidding,” he mutters. “Cassia and I are leaving tomorrow. But you’ll have Santiago and Dominik as backup. Not that you’ve needed any.”
There’s no bite to his tone, which sets me at ease.
As I glance back at Santiago, my eyes touch on Ciara for a second. I think they’ve been married five to six years, and they have two kids.
“Was the road clear when you came through?” I ask.
“The bodies were gone, and they were uploading all the motorcycles on flatbeds, but you left a shit show behind. Cops crawling all over the place.”
I shrug. “They threatened Jenna.”
“Well, that explains it then,” Santiago chuckles. “Any of us would’ve done the same.”
“So what’s next?” Leo asks.
“I’m just going to hang around for a week or two longer and make sure the MC has been dealt with and everything is running smoothly at the factory, then we’ll probably go to Lisbon.”
“You need to bring Jenna to the island. I think she’ll like it,” Santiago says.
“Talking about the island. You and Dominik can head back. I’ll be fine. Just leave a team of guards.”
“You just can’t wait to be rid of us all, can you?” he teases me.
“Of course not,” I say the words with a straight face, but a moment later, the corner of my mouth lifts, and Santiago doesn’t miss it.
“I’m growing on you, aren’t I?” he asks.
“Like a rash,” I mutter.
Dominik and Grace come to join us, and he mentions, “I’m taking Grace home. She misses the kid.”
I gesture at Santiago. “I was just telling him you can all head home. I think the worst is over.”
“Nah, I’ll hang back until you leave,” Santiago says. “You know, to make sure you don’t kill everyone in the St. Louis area.” There’s a mischievous glint in his eye, then he adds, “So I’m inviting myself to move in here tomorrow because I’m not staying at the motel alone.”
Merda.
I inhale a deep breath, then nod because I can’t be rude. “Just be cautious around Jenna.”
He lifts an eyebrow at me. “Seriously?”
A short chuckle escapes me, stunning everyone. “Yeah-yeah.”
