But Ezra and Ryker wanted to go straight. They didn’t want to be involved in anything shady anymore, no matter how noble. Plus, it could bring unwanted attention to them if she got arrested.
“I know,” she said with a sigh. “I know. We’re moving soon, and maybe it should be a fresh start. For all of us.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”There was a pause.“So, you’re all actually fine with this whole thing?”
It wasn’t the first time he’d asked.
“Yes. We’re all really excited about the new apartment. Ryker wants to get his own cat, too.”
There was a loud scoff.“Good luck! I have a feeling Stahma won’t want to share any of the attention.”
“But there will be three people for her to demand tribute from.”
“True. Maybe she’ll even get sick of it.”
Considering her fluffy princess had just hopped up onto her desk, purring furiously, she doubted that.
Willow reached out and stroked her soft fur, contemplating.
“Why are you so quiet now?”
“Just thinking.” She sat back. “I think I will quit. There’s no reason to put everything at risk. It was different when it was just me. Plus, rent will be split three ways, so life will be a lot cheaper.” Ryker was searching for a new job since his current one as a house painter was heavily tied to Xan’s dealings. He was sick of breathing in fumes all day anyway. Ezra was keeping his job at the autoshop. He liked working on cars.
Landon barked out a laugh.“That’s one way to look at it.”He paused.“It was good while it lasted. You helped a lot of people.”
“And now, the people I care about most don’t need that kind of help.”
“Then let’s shut it down.”
***
Their new orange cat, Nacho, was absolutely infatuated with Stahma, and she was loving every second of it. They would come home and find the two wrapped around each other at the top of the cat tree almost every day.
That’s where they were now, while Ezra and Willow were similarly curled up on the couch together and watching his favorite show. It had a bunch of guys on motorcycles, so she couldn’t complain. Ryker wasn’t home yet from his new job as a maintenance worker for a local bank. There were times he was called in to handle emergencies—like a busted pipe—but he enjoyed it a whole lot more than painting houses.
Their phones chimed in unison.
“Probably Ry,” Ezra muttered as he planted a kiss on her head.
She pulled out her phone to check the message. They had an ongoing group chat between the three of them. “He’ll be home in a few minutes.” She set her phone on the arm of the couch and cuddled closer. He had already showered, so he smelled like pine soap. “I should go heat up dinner, but you’re so warm.”
Ezra squeezed her a little harder then tipped her chin up so he could press his lips to hers. “I can do it,” he said. “You’re cute, all cozy here.”
“That still leaves me cold when you get up, though.” She kissed him again and this time gave his bottom lip a little lick.
He chuckled and leaned over to urge her onto her back. Ezra boxed her in against the cushions, her legs wrapped around hiships. The heat of him and their new position had her blood reaching a nuclear level.
His eyes softened. “How can you keep looking at me like that?” He nuzzled the tip of his nose against hers. “Like I’m important.”
“Youareimportant,” Willow retorted. “Have I not convinced you of that already?”
The corner of his mouth hitched slightly. “Think so?”
“Yes.” Her eyes searched for a moment. She was afraid to fully admit how she felt in case he—they didn’t feel the same way.
Their close calls with death steeled her, though. “I love you, Ezra.”
His eyes went wide, and his body stiffened above her. “You’re sure?”
