My head jerks back. “What? She did?”
He sucks on his teeth, nodding his head.
“What about Chelsea?”
“She didn’t. But they were friends. Whatever Sierra was into, she likely roped Chelsea in too.”
I exhale heavily, feeling a pang of sadness for the girls. They were too young to be caught up in something dangerous enough to lead to their deaths.
“Wow,” Isla states. “There was truth to these secret societies after all.”
My eyes narrow in on Isla, and I want to ask her what she’s talking about, but refrain because of where we are. Thankfully, she gets the hint that I’m curious and continues.
“My brother always said that the people running drugs through Knox Harbor were part of a much bigger organization. Something like Illuminati.” She shrugs. “I always thought he was just talking nonsense. Maybe not.”
Interesting.
So this society might have roots here. If they do, Nick will uncover them.
The conversation shifts to Nick’s family, and my heart warms as he shares stories about them. His niece just turned one, and he recounts the celebration they had over the weekend. I met his sister only briefly, but I know without a doubt we’ll get along well. I can sense the love he holds for his family. It’s evident in the way his smile never fades when he speaks of them, and in the sparkle in his eyes as he talks about his niece, Zoey. The entire time he talks, Isla is focused on his words, smiling so wide.
You can tell she cared deeply for all of them too. Even if she didn’t know Zoey, she looks like a proud aunt.
We’ve just cashed out and are heading toward the exit when Nick grabs my hand. There’s a collective sigh behind me, signaling that Milly’s patrons have all been watching us. No doubt they’repreparing their stories to spread far and wide the moment they leave the restaurant. Just as Isla said.
That’s Knox Harbor for you. Small towns thrive on gossip, but theylivefor romance.
Nick’s grip on my hand tightens, and he looks down at me, a smirk playing on his lips. “I guess I made a statement today.”
“Yeah ya did,” Isla says from behind us, sounding like our own little cheer squad, but I don’t turn around, wanting to capture this moment with Nick.
Those dimples pop, and my breath hitches. I inhale, pulling myself together so that when I speak, my voice remains steady despite the effect this man has on me.
I grin, and nod once. “It’s official, West. You’re off the market and likely walking down the aisle this afternoon.”
He throws his head back and laughs, knowing that I’m only teasing. I think we’re both on the same page about where we are in our relationship.
I come to a stop in front of Marmalade and Rye, ready to part ways.
“I’m going to head in and see Matilda,” I say, nodding my head toward the store. “She needs my help with something.”
“I have some time. I’ll come with you,” he says, pulling us toward the door.
My feet dig in, and Nick turns to me with a blank look.
“You really don’t have to come with me. It’ll be boring for you.”
Nick lifts an eyebrow. “Are you trying to ditch me, Lyss?”
I take a deep breath, feeling my cheeks puff out slightly, then exhale slowly, biting my lower lip in contemplation. “Maybe?”
He chuckles. “What are you and Tilda up to exactly?”
I heave a heavy sigh, recognizing that if I’m going to tell him what’s happening, he might as well come with me.
“Let’s go,” I say, pulling him into the shop.
Matilda Hampson is decked out in her typical blue pantsuit, silver hair pinned up in a tight French twist.
