“Keir killed him.” The books in her hand drop to the floor, barely missing her feet as her hands go to her mouth, covering it completely.
“He didn’t?” she says, shaking her head.
“He did.”
“Why?”
“Because of what I did.” She picks up the books and places them on the counter.
“I’m going to cuddle you now.” Her chocolate brown eyes lock on mine, and she steps forward. Her arms find their way around my waist, and she holds me tightly. I drop my head and lean it against hers, smelling chocolate. I take a big inhale, and she chuckles. “I was baking choc-chip cookies earlier.” I wrap my arms around her, wanting her closer, needing her near me.
“You smell amazing.” I feel her smile against my chest, and she doesn’t pull back or let go as she talks into my pecs. “Who would have thought the big, bad Viper would need comfort after everything he has done.”
“I only had one friend,” I tell her.
Her hand pats my chest. “I know, Lucas.” Then she slides it back around and hugs me a little tighter. We stay like that with her just holding me in a bookstore surrounded by crime, fiction, and make-believe worlds.
But our world? That’s my favorite as long as Chanel’s in it.
“I can come over after my shift.” She pulls back, and I let her. “As friends, Lucas.”
“You’ll be back so soon after flying?”
She nods, reaching for her books again. “Yep. There and back tonight. I may not be the best company, but I can bring cookies.”
“My favorite cookies are the ones on your chest.” I glance down, and she throws her head back, laughing.
“You sure have a way with words, Lucas Rossi.”
“That’s what they all say.”
“I’m sorry about Sergio. He had a family, right? Are they okay?”
I look away and answer, “They will be.”
“I could send them something?”
“No, I’m looking after them. Even if she is refusing my money right now.”
“You’re giving her money?”
“Yes.”
“How much?” she asks, confused.
“As much as she needs or wants.” I smile. “So far, I sent through three hundred thousand.” Her mouth opens in shock. “It’s nothing… they would rather have Sergio back.”
She nods in understanding. “I never thanked you. Or did I?” She smiles. “For Brody. He comes home in a week, and he sounds good.”
“It’s nothing,” I reply as she starts toward the door.
“Bye, Adora,” she calls out.
Adora yells out, “Bye,” as I walk out with Chanel to her car. I open her passenger door so she can set down the books. “How is your leg?”
“It’s good. Better.”
“I’ll see you later, Lucas,” she says, getting into her car. I stand frozen in place, watching until way after she’s gone.