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Kelly and Leo were behind the counter. Chloe waved from her seat at the table in front of the window. She had to be freezing sitting next to the cold glass. Katie held up her index finger to signal she’d be there in a minute. She needed something hot to warm her insides.
“Fuck, Kelly, we need to get a gas fireplace or something put in here. I feel like I’m never gonna thaw out. Can you make me a latte?” She batted her eyelashes. “Please?”
Even Leo wore a turtleneck underneath his Beanie’s shirt. “I feel you, girl.”
“Gotcha, KK.”
The door to the shop opened. Katie felt the burst of frigid air right to the bone. Two arms wrapped around her from behind. Warm lips kissed her neck. His nose was cold. She turned around.
“Sweetheart.” And those warm lips met hers. “I thought you and Chloe might have left by now, but I was hoping I’d catch you.”
She grabbed her latte and a cup of black for Brendan from Kelly, then they joined Chloe at the table by the window.
Chloe looked at her phone. “We’ve only got five minutes before we have to go.”
The door burst open again. Katie didn’t pay any real notice to the couple that came in and walked up to the counter arm in arm. She and Chloe were sucking down the last dregs of coffee, almost ready to leave. Brendan leaned in to kiss her goodbye when she felt a presence standing next to their table.
“Well, would you look at that. Hello, Jesse’s girl.”
She knew that voice. Her hair was stuffed under a woolen cap, but there was no mistaking her amber eyes.
“Brendan,” she tsked, shaking her head. “Everyone knows how fucked up you are, but robbing the cradle is just so twisted—even for you.” She cackled. “How old is she, baby? Sixteen?”
He ignored her, instead addressing the silent man beside her. “Eric, if you know what’s good for you—and for her—you’ll get her out of here.”
The man just shrugged.
“Honey, are you letting him put that big ol’ dick of his in you?” She smirked. “He used to put his whole hand inside of me. And other things. Didn’t you, baby?”
The man flinched. Brendan’s jaw ticked. Chloe visibly paled.
“Eric,” Brendan’s voice boomed.
He was going to blow. She felt his hand ball into a fist, his muscles tensed, and he clenched his teeth.
“I bet they told you all sorts of lies about me. Don’t believe a word from him.” She looked at Chloe. “Or any of them. Trust me, you will never be able to satisfy Brendan and you’ll ruin your life trying. After five years in his bed I would know.”
She lies.
“I like you, little girl. And Payton liked you because you gave him a cookie. You’re sweet and innocent, too young to know any better. So I’m going to do you a favor and just give you a warning to stay the fuck away from him. I wouldn’t want to see anything bad happen to you. Am I clear?”
“I’ll fucking kill you.” Brendan stood up and in the blink of an eye he flipped the table over onto the floor. He turned to the man and bellowed, “I said, get her out of here!”
Kelly and Leo rushed over. He pulled out his cell. “I’m callin’ the po-po.”
The man finally found his voice. “No need. We’re going.”
He led Salena out the door.
Brendan picked up the table. “Sorry, Kelly.” He turned to Katie then. “Are you okay?” Before she could answer he pulled her into his arms, kissing her hair. “I’m sorry, sweet girl, and I’m going to make sure you never have to set your pretty eyes on that vile bitch ever again.”
“We gotta go, Bren.” Chloe pecked his cheek.
“I’m not going to the club. Bring her to the house after your appointment.” Hugging her tight, he gave her another kiss. “I love you.”
Chloe whisked her to a blue Rover parked at the curb. It was warm inside, the engine already running. Katie was still shaken. Her friend squeezed her hand. “Something dark and turbulent that rages beneath a calm surface. That’s Brendan.” Then she put the Rover in gear and pulled out onto the avenue.
They were late getting to the doctor’s office, but she was running behind so it didn’t matter anyway. The nurse called Chloe back first.
