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My sous chef slinks up, wrapping me in his arms and ignoring the dead man entirely. “And what about me?” Orzo breathes into my ear.

Desire and need shoot out across my nerves.

There is an odd calm that washes over me as the realization kicks in.

For the first time in my life, someone has died in my vicinity because I killed them. Not by accident or a series of unfortunate events.

The bouncer died because I lured him here and poisoned him.

“Your job is to get rid of the body,” I offer.

I spin out of his hold, appraising my men and this restaurant.

Six months ago, I came to the decision that we shouldn’t hunt after whoever Romaine left with the drugs.

That we should publicly separate, and I would open this restaurant.

That eventually they would come to find me.

It only took six months, but my plan coming to fruition ignites adrenaline that dances beneath my skin.

“It’s over.” The words taste sour. As if I enjoyed luring a man to his death more than I should.

Reuben wraps an arm around my shoulders, squeezing me to him. “There will always be more problems to solve. Don’t worry.”

Spinning away from him, I step back and appraise my men.

Orzo, the first to provide safety. To help me realize it’s okay to go against the grain.

Kale, the first to teach me I can be bad and good. That the lines aren’t clear, and it is the intent which matters most.

Reuben, the first to make me believe I deserve a future. I don’t have to live in the past.

Each man is different in more ways than the last.

“You made extra, right? Without the poison? Can’t let this man eat your special without having some.” Orzo is already running to the kitchen.

“I’ll get us plates,” Kale offers.

Reuben watches me, his gaze flicking to the dead man. “You truly are our soulmate.”

Turning away, I head to my favorite booth.

The one the four of us frequently sit at.

Kale and Orzo serve the food, and Orzo shoves the others out of the way to claim the spot beside me. “Clean up crew will be here in a few hours.”

“I’ll have the prep cooks come in late tomorrow.” I take a bite, enjoying the flavors as they dance across my taste buds.

“Bran is bringing Beanie back in the morning. Apparently his new neighbor knows you. Something about saving her from a creep? And she’s Miss Clementine’s granddaughter?” Kale takes another bite of food, offering a satisfied groan. “I’m starting to understand why Food Wars is the way it is.”

“It’s not like he’s ever there anyways. I swear he won’t leave Olive’s side. And we need to watch that again soon.” My heart warms. “Whatever happened to Durian?”

“Dead,” Orzo and Kale chime in together.

“Good,” I say around a bite.

“We should head home soon. Now that our problem is solved, we have a wedding to plan,” Reuben advises.