Ipull into a coffee shop so we can find out more about this Raven person Heather is sure can help. Personally, I think we can handle this, but if we can trust him, then I suppose it couldn’t hurt to have the extra help.
I get out of the car first, with my hand on my gun in its holster. I prefer my bow, but this is less conspicuous.
After scanning the empty parking lot, I’m confident that there are no threats.
“Clear.”
Killian gets out next with Heather at his side. He places his arm around her, holding her close to him as Knox exits the vehicle.
I open the door and let them go in first. Heather stops and looks up into my eyes with a soft smile on her lips, and I give her a quick peck on the cheek. This woman drives me crazy. That’s all it takes—a smile. Something so simple but so fucking powerful I feel it to the depths of my soul.
We walk in and take a booth in the corner against a wall so no one can surprise us from behind. Killian sandwiches Heather between him and Knox, and I sit across from them.
She glances at Killian and asks sweetly, “Are you being sweet or protective?”
He feigns insult and places his hand over his chest.
“Am I not always sweet, Killer?”
Heather pulls her bottom lip between her teeth and shakes her head with a giggle.
“Not even most of the time.”
An older woman approaches our table with menus and a warm smile on her face.
“I’m Bea, and I’ll be your server. Can I get you started with a drink?”
To no one’s surprise, Heather pipes up while twirling her blonde hair around her finger.
“Coffee, and please tell me you have hazelnut creamer.”
Our waitress smiles brightly and confirms they have what she wants.
“We do.”
I hold up my fingers.
“Four coffees, please.”
She turns on her heel as Heather blurts out her appreciation.
“Thank you, Bea! You’re my actual hero!”
Knox grabs her hand and squeezes it gently with a smirk on his face.
“It’s that easy, Tesoro? If I buy you cream, I’ll be your hero?”
“There’s a dirty joke in there somewhere.” Killian says, and we laugh, but glancing at Heather, I notice the emotion bubbling up.
She takes her time responding, gazing at each of us, one at a time, her eyes appearing thoughtful, really considering her words before speaking them.
“You already are. All three of you are.”
She drops her gaze to the table and speaks low this time, the emotion visibly taking her over.
“Each of you has given me something I never thought I’d have. When I’m with you, I feel something I’ve never had before.”
She takes a shaky breath, and I place my finger under her chin, lifting her head until her eyes are on mine.
