Monica straightens the store while Tyson and Deanna cash out customers.
I have to let Emoni know her clothes distribution hookup is the best. Pays to have friends in the mafia. The mafia wives and I decided it would be best if they’d help celebrate my grand opening after the trouble, I’m in is resolved. This morning, they texted happy grand opening in the group chat.
I remember how much fun I had at my wedding reception because of the mafia wives. I never had friends like them. I’d had fake friends because my family was rich growing up. These ladies are the real deal.
My fingers toy with the wedding band beneath the massive diamond on my left hand, and a jolt of worry shoots through me all over again. I can still see Declan from early this morning—pacing in front of the window, Glock in hand, jaw clenched hard enough to crack.
I didn’t ask if trouble was coming. I didn’t have to. The air itself felt charged, thick with the kind of danger that moves fast and without mercy.
I know exactly who I married. A possessive, lethal biker who would burn the world to ash before letting anything touch me. I blink coming back from the memory.
“Can I start a dressing room for you?” I ask the woman sorting through a rack with an armful of clothes.
“Yes, please. I love the pieces in this boutique.” She beams.
She’s dressed in plum leggings and white sneakers, her cream long-sleeve top loose around her waist but fitted on her arms—effortless and expensive. Long, lush blonde curls spill over one shoulder, brushing against a sparkling diamond stud. She screams money. Exactly my kind of customer.
“Thank you,” I say. “If you’d like, I can add you to our preferred-customer database. We only call when we get pieces we know you’ll love.”
Her hand settles lightly on my arm. “That would be fantastic.”
“My name is Meridea.”
She flashes perfect white teeth. “I’m Laura Danaver.”
Her last name tugs at a memory, but I keep my face neutral. Maybe her father crossed paths with mine. She looks close to my age—did we go to the same high school?
“Nice to meet you. I’ll take those.” I lift the mountain of clothes from her arm and carry them toward one of the four dressing rooms.
The back door opens and shuts. Billie Rae who goes by Mia steps inside. My gaze flicks to her briefly.
“Good afternoon, Mia.”
Billie Rae was one of the young women rescued from the sex trafficking ring. I insisted that some of the women work in Blue Haven to give them a fresh start. The mafia wives took women under their wings also.
Samantha Latters, an assassin wife, insisted they all learn combat. The assassin wives weren’t at my wedding but we’ve chatted on zoom calls. The assassin wives and mafia wives get together every other year and go on a girls’ trip. I heard they get into a lot of trouble. They said their next trip will be assassin, mob, and biker wives. Has a nice ring to it. We’d be a force to be reckoned with. I digress. Samantha said they might have to watch their backs for the rest of their lives. At least they’d know how to defend themselves. Mickey ‘Mack truck’ is working with Billie Rae. I think he jumped at the chance to help because he likes her. He wouldn’t admit it though. He’s just as brooding as Declan. Only difference is he now splits his time between hacking and Billie Rae.
A small smile curves her mocha cheeks. “Good afternoon, Meridea. Let me help you.”
She takes half the stack from my arms. “Thanks.”
“How are you adjusting?” I ask.
“Blue Haven is a welcome change to my previous life. I love it here. I can’t thank you enough for taking me on.” Her voice carries that thick Tennessee drawl, warm enough to wrap around you. I wouldn’t be surprised if she could bellow out a tune.
“We’ve had a steady stream of customers today. Will you be okay with all the people in and out the shop?” I ask as we hang clothes on the hooks.
She glances over her shoulder before meeting my eyes. “Mickey said we’re facing danger.”
“Not you. Me,” I whisper.
Her brows gather, and she takes my hand. “Meridea, you gave me a second chance at life.” Her sweet Southern accent thickens with emotion. “I’ll go down swingin’ for you.”
I pull her into a hug. “We’ll stand together.” My Georgia drawl slips out.
She melts into me, nodding. “Yes, we will.”
We step apart, both sniffling. My chest warms. I absolutely love my new family.
