Page 73

The bar door opens with a flash of sunlight, and I stiffen until I see Jameson Dean and Hudson Blackwell saunter in. Both look a little worse for wear but are grinning as they spot me and make their way over to where I sit.

On the way, I see their gazes rake over Violet as though assessing her condition rather than checking her out, and I give the two props for not eyeing up my girl.

Before the guys can even take a seat, the door opens again and Gabe and Kace walk in. Kace is using a cane due to his injuries from the fire that almost killed him, but he's up and mobile, and that's all that matters.

They join me at the table, dragging over another chair for Kace. I'm not sure where the rest of the crew is, but that's okay. Right now, my tolerance level is low, and it’ll be trying to handle my closest friends.

"Word has it you have news," Gabe, our fire chief, says without hesitation.

I sense Violet's gaze from behind the bar and wink at her, earning an eye roll. "Yeah."

"How bad is it?" Kace asks as he props his cane against the chair.

"I just sent that message out. How are you all here already?" I frown. "You're not Saints. How did you know?"

That observation and question have all four men narrowing their gazes on me, and I realize they aren't here because of the text.

"Your truck is right out front," Gabe says.

"Yup. That," Hudson says, digging into the bowl of untouched peanuts the bartender placed in front of him after arrival. "J and I were heading back from Finn's," he says, referring to his brother's farm just over the bridge.

The Blackwell brothers held a variety of businesses, both on island and off, including the miniature animal farm and petting zoo featuring horseback riding and even a wedding venue in a big, fancy barn.

"So what's the deal?" Kace asks in a low voice.

I glance over to look at Violet and stiffen when I don't see her.

"She ran back to the office to place an order," Gabe says.

So much for keeping an eye on my girl. Thanks to these bozos, I hadn't noticed her leave the room.

"She's fine, Sul," Kace says, then yanks his head at Jameson. "Go wash your hands and peek in the office on the way."

Jameson shrugs and goes to do as ordered as one of the rookies of the crew.

"Tell Sully I'm fine," I hear Violet state loudly, her voice carrying into the room.

All the men chuckle, including me, and I force myself to relax a bit. I already made sure the alley door was locked up tight and the office and bathrooms were empty upon our arrival. "MacGyver—Chase," I correct, using the man's given name versus his club name—"confirmed that the third man is Violet's ex due to a tattoo she saw the night of the robbery. The other two snitched and said he hired them for the robbery and promised them the cash. His goal was access to Violet."

Kace whistles long and low.

"That explains a lot," Gabe says.

I nod, my shoulders tight enough that I roll them to try to loosen up. "Shift starts tomorrow morning, so I've called in the Saints for security. I've been sitting here, setting up a schedule."

"You can always take some time off," Gabe says.

"No, he can't," Violet says firmly.

I look up and see my grumpy sunshine glowering at us from a few feet away, pink cheeked from being the topic of discussion.

"He's not taking off work. I'm not cowering in fear," she continues. "End of story."

That's my girl. Fierce, proud and determinedly independent. And as vulnerable as every other woman out there to the guys who pretend to be men just because they're physically stronger. "That means you agree to allow the Saints to watch over you," I say in no uncertain terms. "He could be watching, Vi. Waiting for when you're alone for another chance to strike."

She wants to argue so badly that she practically vibrates with the effort it takes to hold it inside. But after a long moment and a tight nod, she whips around and charges back toward the bar.

"You're in the doghouse," Hudson murmurs with a gleeful grin.