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“Still sore, but feels like this is becoming my new normal.”

“Nah. You’ll be healed soon and back to normal.”

“I hope you’re right,” she says, looking through the food. “You ordered chocolate cake too?”

A chuckle escapes me. “No, Belinda snuck it in. She asked about you, then refused to let me pay.”

“Bless her,” Everleigh says. “Doesn’t surprise me, though. Did you tell her I’m a champ and no one can get me down?”

“Basically,” I say, digging into my soup. I look over and notice Everleigh is eating her dessert first.

“Best part of being an adult, I can do whatever I want.” She shrugs with a smirk.

“What’re your plans tomorrow?” Everleigh asks as we eat.

“I gotta see my parole officer first thing in the morning, then I’m hanging out with this hot chick all day.”

“Yeah? Who?”

I meet her eyes. “I dunno. Heard she owns this bougie shop in town. Also, she’s super sexy, smart, and gives great blow jobs.”

“Ooh, is she single? I’ve been known to flip flop.”

“Is that so?” I ask, intrigued. “Now I’m even more excited.”

She grins. “Yep, I’m a man and lady eater.”

“That’s hot, but bitches better back off. I don’t share what’s mine.”

Everleigh bursts into a roar of laughter.

“You have nothing to worry about, babe. You’re everything I want and need.”

I shoot her a wink. “And I hope to keep it that way.”

We continue chatting as we dip our sandwiches into the soup, both agreeing it’s the best meal on the planet. Once we’ve finished, Everleigh gets a call from Lexie, and they talk about the shop.

After I throw away our trash and let Sassy outside, I go to take a shower. Before I can even turn on the water, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number.

Unknown

You can keep blocking me, but I’ll always find you, Archer. Next time, I’ll make sure I kill that fucking mutt too.

I stare at the screen in disbelief that Krystal would put a threat like this in writing. What kinda psychopath could hurt an innocent dog and be proud of it? She’s getting braver, which is worrisome. I block the number and lock my phone.

After a few deep breaths and trying to gain control of my anger, I step into the shower and hope the hot water washes away my rage. I’m not an inherently violent person, but when it comes to Everleigh, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Sassy too.

By the time I’m clean, I’m calmer but still feel uneasy. I go to my bedroom and find Everleigh tucked under the covers.

She tilts her head at me.

“Somethin’ wrong?”

“Nah. Just have some things on my mind.”

She smiles. “Come snuggle with me.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.”