“It was nice to meet you, Kash.” The little fucker grins like I didn’t just threaten his life. “You should bring Mila to come see us. You can sit in my section. I always take care of Mila.”
That little fucker.
“Let’s go, Kash. Don’t make me grab the bat,” Mara threatens, digging her nails into my arm.
Mila ignores me and goes back to talking to Mateo like he didn’t just taunt me. It’s not a smart move on his part; I know where he works.
Pushing me through the doors, Mara glares at me.
“You did that shit on purpose,” I accuse, glaring right back. I know she did.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. It’s not my fault you overreacted and went barging in just because I told you someone with a penis was near her.”
“That’s not funny, Mara. Only my penis is allowed near Mila.”
She makes a gagging sound and punches my arm, leveling a dark look my way. Shit, that kind of hurt. “Don’t talk about Mila like that, orIwill killyou.”
“I’m not sorry. Saying sorry implies that I did something wrong. I did nothing wrong, therefore, no apology.”
Laughing, Mara slaps my shoulder and turns toward a new set of customers coming in. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, Kash, butremember, Mila may be the nicer twin, but it doesn’t mean she’s going to let what just happened slide.”
Looking at the clock on the wall, I realize I’m going to be late if I don’t leave now.Shit.This was not how I saw this visit going. Heading out, I stop in front of Mara, pinning her with a serious expression. “Don’t let men in the kitchen with her. I don’t care if it’s Mateo or your third cousin twice removed. Do we understand each other?”
Her eyes flare, and she gestures for me to lean closer to her level. Staring me dead in the eyes, Mara gives me a look that sends shivers down my spine, even if I’ll never admit it out loud. “Get out.”
Chapter Forty-Six
Mila
I’ve planned Kash’s murder no less than ten times since he left. It’s ranged from crazy, like laxatives in his favorite food, to things involving his tattoo gun. I’m not an angry person, I swear. I was fuming at the way Kash behaved even though Mateo thought he was hilarious. “A man who’s willing to stand toe to toe with Mara and not blink is a keeper,”he told me, leaving shortly after my big, impossible boyfriend did.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed as I was when he came barging in there like he had every right to do it. Like he owned the kitchen, orme. It might be petty, but I boxed up some treats, and I’m going to drop them off atExiled Ink. If he wants to drop into my work unannounced and cause a scene, well maybe I should too.
I love Kash. I know I do. I was never expecting to fall for someone like him. I always thought I’d find a safe guy, someone with an office job or something. We’d date for a respectable amount of time, get engaged, then married and have babies and all that. He’d be soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and gentle. I never imagined I’d steal the attention and devotion of a six-foot-tall man covered in tattoos, who yields his glasses like a weapon, cuts his hair in hopes that my parents will like him, and makes thigh tattoos way too sexy. Kash has so much life and love to share with people. He’s genuinely a good person and loyal to those important to him.
And he’s all mine.
We haven’t really exchanged the words properly, unless you count all the times that Kash has said it to me—which is a lot. As wonderful as our relationship is, he was still out of line. I can’t very well spend my life without him, so I guess I’ll have to settle for a lesson.
Getting ready to leave for the evening, I glance at Kate. “Are you sure you’re good to close up with Joelle? It shouldn’t be too bad. I can stay and help if you prefer.”
Waving me off, she shakes her head. “I got this. Go ahead and go see your seriously in trouble boyfriend. At least I’m assuming he’s in trouble?” She leans against the prep table, giving me a curious look.
“Oh, he’s definitely in trouble. I don’t know why he thinks he can come stomping in here and threaten someone for being near me when their only crime is being of the opposite sex. Thankfully it was just Mateo. He’s used to our crazy.”
Laughing, Kate picks up one of the mixing bowls, walking it to the sink. “I grew up with someone like Kash. We were just kids, but he was always so serious, and a bit on the growly side—well, at least to anyone who wasn’t me.”
“So, what happened? If you don’t mind me asking of course.”
Placing it into the sink, she sighs. “He died.”
“I’m so sorry.” I feel like such a jerk now. Here I am, complaining about Kash’s behavior, and she lost someone she obviously cared about when she was so young.
“Thanks.” She rinses the bowl, then runs it through the sanitizer before putting it on the rack to dry. “He was my best friend. I thought we’d always end up together, but that’s okay. I know he’s still with me.” Pointing to her forearm, Kate gestures to a floral tattoo. “It’s a hawthorn flower,” she explains, running her finger down the length of the design. It takes up a good portion of her arm, with a beautiful red color highlighting the petals. I’ve admired it a few times already since she’s been here, but never asked her about it.
Instead of twine or string, there’s a little ribbon tying the piece together with a heart-shaped lock dangling at the end. A wistful expression clouds her face, and I feel awful for having put it there.
Clearing my throat, I offer her a smile. “It’s beautiful. I’m sure he’s with you.”
