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“I’ve seen what’s going on around town thanks to news alerts on my phone, Wilder. You’re not protecting me from the truth.” I want him to see me as an equal, not a little lady he needs to protect, not a damsel in constant distress.
“I’m doing a shit job of that, too, huh?”
I roll my eyes. “Of keeping the real world away from me? Yes. I’m a grown woman, much older than you, in fact, and the last thing I need is to live in a bubble that’s no reflection of the truth. No matter how bad things get, I always want to know the truth no matter how hard it is to hear, no matter how much it hurts.”
“I’m sorry, Maven.”
“I know,” I tell him and gather the ingredients I need to whip up a savory dish that’s the ultimate in comfort food. “That’s why I’m going to make you something to warm your bones.”
“It’s California. My bones are always warm.”
“Not like this,” I tell him as I pile gruyere, asiago, Irish cheddar and fresh mozzarella on two thick slices of brioche, slathered with a butter and mayo combo that produces the crispiest crust.
I slip it onto the grill, and as soon as the bread sizzles and the cheese is the definition of gooey, I flip the sandwich and let it rest for thirty seconds. With a wide smile, I set the plate in front of him. “Eat.”
He looks up with a grin. “You’re bossy today.”
I smile down at him, hoping that he can’t see how much I love him with just one look. “I have it on good authority that you have a weakness for bossy.”
Wilder wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. “Only when it comes to you, babe.”
“Good to know. Eat your sandwich. I have a feeling you’re going to need it, lover boy.”
Feeling bold and brave with this newfound love in my heart, I lean forward and press a kiss to his lips. It’s too short and hot as hell, but it’s about soothing Wilder, not getting off.
“Lover boy? I think I like the sound of that.” He pulls me close again and rests his head in the center of my chest, and I let out a contented sigh, happy that this strong man can take comfort in me, even if it’s just a little.
He captures my lip in a soft, gentle kiss that transports me to another world, one where this trouble doesn’t exist, where dead bodies aren’t popping up left, right, and center, a place where danger doesn’t lurk around every damn corner.
Willow bursts through the swinging doors again with wide, frantic eyes scanning the kitchen. She stops abruptly and smiles at Wilder and me. “You guys won’t believe what the fuck I just heard.”
Despite her penchant for drama, I can tell that whatever is on Willow’s mind is serious. I step from Wilder’s gasp and closer to my friend.
“What’s wrong?”
“You remember my friend Toni? She has bright red hair and humongous tits?”
I don’t remember her at all. “Yeah, sure. Is she all right?”
Willow shakes her head. “Toni? She’s fine. That girl is like a damn cat, with nine lives, but she works at Club Dynasty with my friend Sandee, and Toni says Sandee hasn’t been to work in three days. Three days!”
“Maybe she met someone?”
“No, she wouldn’t do that. Sandee needs the money, and she wouldn’t just not show up for her shift. Something is wrong. Really, really wrong.”
“You sure?” Wilder’s tone is bland, but there’s an underlying tension. “Did you call her?”
“Only about fifty times. Toni says she was last seen with that no-good bastard Nogales. Everybody knows he’s a little fucked in the head, which is why I’m so worried.”
“Shit,” he growls and pushes away from the table. “I need to call Ace,” he grumbles and leaves the kitchen, taking his expertly made grilled cheese sandwich with him.
Alone with Willow, I switch gears and wrap her in my arms. “I hope your friend is all right.”
“Me too, Maven. This place is turning into one of those circles of hell thingies from that book. Robberies and missing girls, dead bodies floating up in our beautiful ocean. What the fuck is happening?”
A tear slips from her eyes, a stark difference from her usual upbeat demeanor. I wasn’t sure anything could get Willow down. Now I know better.
“I wish I knew,” I tell her and hold Willow until the last of her tears fall.
