“There’s a side road on the right off US 90 about a mile after you cross into Duval county.Take that and park the truck in the brush.I’m sending Adam to pick you up.”
We walked into the bar and Chad launched himself off his stool and hurried to me.He wrapped me up in a bearhug.
“Thank God, you’re okay,” he whispered in my ear.
“Yeah, I’m sorry I had you worried.”
He leaned back, but didn’t let me go.“Girlie,youdidn’t abduct yourself.Come on, Lark has your purse.”
The food in my stomach morphed into a lead weight.
Before dragging me to a stool, Chad shifted his gaze to Ryan then to me, a smile spreading on his face.“Now I know what you were talking about months ago.God felt generous giving us more than one of him.”
My eyes widened, but a thrill shot through me hearing Ryan’s deep chuckle.
“Need you to tell my mom that.She jokes that God was testing her with the three of us.”
Chad let me go and held a hand out to Ryan.“I’m Chad.Happy you and Ivy are back safe.”
Adam wandered to us.“Nickel, Lark wants to see you in his office.”
Chad led me to a barstool.
“Why didn’t Lark give you my purse?”I asked, settling next to him.
“Because he doesn’t know me.”
“Did you tell him—”
Chad aimed a pointed look at me.“No.I wouldn’t do that to you, but I did insist on calling the cops, but he wouldn’t hear of it.”
Considering the conversation Ryan and I had back in the house, that was probably a good move.
“Hello?Youaregoing to report this, aren’t you?”Chad demanded.
I breathed in deep through my nose.“Not tonight.”
“Ivy Felicia,” he started, his voice rising.
I rested my hand on his arm.“Listen.A lot happened, I’ll tell you all about it, but tomorrow.Okay?”
Chad’s face set with a blank look.“Fine.But I don’t like this.I want something done to these bastards.”
A door near the bar opened, and Ryan came back into the room.He sauntered toward me and Chad with my purse in his hand.
“I fully understand the sandwich craving you had by the way.He is fucking hot,” Chad muttered.
“Stop,” I whispered before Ryan drew even with us.
“Here’s your purse.Lark’s on the phone with our club president.He’ll be out soon.”
Knowing I didn’t have to face Lark yet filled me with so much relief, it surprised me.
Hell, maybe it was a sign.
I gave a single stiff nod.“Thanks.”
Ryan returned my nod and sauntered away.
