Once he's settled under the covers, I quickly change into one of his t-shirts—now my preferred sleepwear—and join him, curling carefully against his uninjured side. He lifts his arm, inviting me closer despite the pain it must cause.
"We'll fix this," I promise, resting my head gently on his shoulder. "And then we can get back to the important things, like rebuilding my car."
He chuckles, the sound rumbling under my ear. "Is that all you want from me? My mechanical skills?"
I tilt my head to meet his eyes. "Well, not all," I tease. "Your cooking isn't bad either."
"Brat," he murmurs fondly, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Good thing I love you."
"Good thing," I agree, settling back against him. "Now sleep. Tomorrow, we take down your evil ex-wife."
"Yes, ma'am," he says again, this time without argument.
I lie awake long after his breathing evens out, my mind racing with preparations, contingencies, worst-case scenarios. The plan is solid, but Vanessa is clearly dangerous. Unpredictable. If something goes wrong...
No. I refuse to let fear paralyze me. For five years, Diesel has been rebuilding his life, becoming the man I fell in love with. I won't let Vanessa destroy that. Won't let her take him from me, not when I've just found him.
Tomorrow, we fight back.
Morning brings heavy snow and a text from Vanessa agreeing to meet at The Velvet Antler at eight. Diesel is moving better, though he still winces with certain movements. We spendthe day preparing—setting up our phones to record, going over what he'll say, what I'll do if things go wrong.
By seven, we're as ready as we'll ever be. I help Diesel into his jacket, careful of his ribs. He looks pale but determined, jaw set in that stubborn line I've come to know so well.
"Remember the plan," he says as we climb into my rental car. I've been driving us since he's still on pain medication. "If anything seems off, you call Parker immediately. Don't try to intervene yourself."
"I know." I squeeze his hand. "Same goes for you. If she doesn't take the bait, if she seems suspicious, walk away. We'll find another way."
The drive to The Velvet Antler is tense, both of us lost in thought. The snow has tapered off, but the roads are still slick, requiring my full attention. We arrive twenty minutes early, as planned.
"I'll go in first," I remind him. "Get settled at the bar. You come in ten minutes later and head straight to the back room."
He nods, eyes scanning the parking lot for any signs of Vanessa or her people. "Be careful," he says, voice low and serious.
"You too." I lean over to kiss him, trying to convey everything I'm feeling in that brief contact. "I love you."
"I love you," he responds immediately, like it's the most natural thing in the world. "See you soon."
Inside, The Velvet Antler is quiet for a Tuesday night. A few regulars at the bar, a couple in a corner booth. Silas nods to me from behind the counter, his gaze questioning. We hadn't told him the details, just asked if we could use the back room tonight. He agreed without pressing for information.
I take a seat at the bar with a clear view of the door and the entrance to the back room, ordering a glass of wine I haveno intention of drinking. My phone sits on the bar beside me, already recording.
Ten minutes stretch into eternity. Finally, Diesel enters, scanning the room before giving me the slightest nod and heading to the back. He looks like hell, but there's a strength in his posture that tells me he's ready for this.
Five minutes later, the door opens again. Vanessa glides in, tall and elegant in a black coat that reaches her knees. She's stunning in an intimidating way—all sharp angles and perfect makeup, hair pulled back in a severe bun that emphasizes her high cheekbones.
Two men flank her, both large and obviously not there for the wine selection. One stays near the front door while the other follows her toward the back room. My stomach tightens with anxiety, but I force myself to remain seated, sipping my untouched wine.
They disappear into the back room, and I casually move to a table closer to that section, pretending to check my phone while straining to hear anything from behind the closed door. The wine bar's background music makes it difficult, but I'm hoping my phone is picking up more than I can.
Twenty minutes pass. Thirty. My nerves are stretched to breaking point. What's happening in there? Is Diesel okay?
Just as I'm about to throw caution to the wind and check on him, the door to the back room opens. Vanessa emerges, expression unreadable, her bodyguard close behind. They leave without a backward glance, passing so close to my table that I can smell her expensive perfume.
I wait until I hear their car start outside before rushing to the back room. Diesel is still seated at the small table, looking exhausted but triumphant.
"Did you get it?" I ask, hurrying to his side.
He holds up his phone. "Every word." His eyes meet mine, a fierce satisfaction in them. "She admitted everything. The hit and run, the threats, what she wants me to do for Ric. It's all here."
