“It means we need to prepare,” Grayson said. “Voss won’t stop until he gets what he wants.”
“And what exactly does he want?” Zach asked as he glanced at Cora again.
“Me,” Cora answers quietly. “He wants me back. He considers the sale revoked since Grayson’s black ops.”
Zach let out a low whistle. “You really stepped in it this time, Kane.”
Grayson ignored him. “We need patrols. Double coverage around the perimeter. Anyone who sees something suspicious reports it immediately. No one acts alone.”
“And her?” Ryder asked, nodding toward Cora. “What’s the plan there?”
“I’ll handle it.”
Cora rolled her eyes. “You say that like it’s supposed to make me feel better.”
“It’s not,” Grayson countered. “It’s supposed to keep you alive.”
“Touching, but maybe next time, try asking me what I want instead of deciding for me.”
“You want to stay alive, don’t you?”
“I don’t need anyone to look out for me.”
“You don’t get a choice. Not anymore.”
For a moment, the room fell silent. Cora glared at Grayson, and he stared back. Finally, Ryder cleared his throat, breaking the tension. “You taking her to your place?”
“She won’t stay there,” Grayson stated as though it was already decided.
“Damn right, I won’t,” Cora added.
“Then where?” Ryder asked.
Grayson turned to Cora. “You have a place?”
Her glare faltered, but she nodded. “Above Laila’s bakery. It’s small, but it’s mine.”
“Then we’ll go there, but I’m staying with you.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“You’re not safe alone. If Voss finds you, he’ll kill you just to send a message to Black Ops. Staying together is the only way to keep you alive.”
For a moment, Cora didn’t speak. Finally, she nodded, though her expression was anything but happy. “Fine. But no barking orders.”
Zach snorted, and Ryder gave Grayson a long, pointed look. “You’d better keep us updated.”
“I will. And Ryder? Tighten the patrols.”
Ryder nodded. “Already on it. Just be careful.”
Grayson stepped outside, finding Cora already a few paces ahead. For now, she was safe. But he knew better than anyone how fragile safety could be.
Chapter 5 - Cora
Cora fumbled with the bakery’s keys. Her hands trembled just enough to make the simple task infuriating, and she willed herself to calm down. Normal. That’s what today was supposed to be. She was back in Bellefleur, back at work, and if she could just focus on the smell of fresh pastries and the familiar routine of the kitchen, she’d be fine.
Right?
