AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They’ve come so far, each pursuing their dreams despite the shadows that haunt us.
We talk and laugh, the alcohol loosening our tongues long after we finish eating and pay the check. Kody tells more stories about the distillery renovations, his passion shining through. Leo teases him, his smile contagious.
I lean into Kody, tracing the scar on his palm. He closes his fingers, catching my hand and bringing it to his lips. “I love you, woman.”
“We both do.” Leo reaches across the table, his hand covering ours.
I close my eyes, savoring the warmth and intimacy of our bond.
As dusk darkens the window and rain spits against the glass, I excuse myself to use the restroom.
“I’ll be right there.” Standing, I point at the door five tables away and smooth down my dress. “You can watch me from here.”
They nod, their eyes following me as I walk away. I can feel their protective gazes even with my back turned, reminding me how deeply they care.
It’s a private restroom with a single toilet. I lock the door and do my business. Then I take a moment to gather myself, splashing cool water on my face and looking at my reflection in the mirror.
My mind drifts to the future, the dreams we share, and the life we’re building. Monty’s a vital part of that.
He can’t be behind those messages.
I’m starting to believe there’s no threat at all. Someone was just fucking with me, and they’ve moved on.
We need to remove the cameras before they cause actual harm to our family.
As I leave the restroom, a man steps into my path. His smile is crooked, his demeanor non-threatening, but his sudden approach raises my hackles.
“Hey.” Eyes unfocused, he slurs in my face, “God, you’re beautiful.”
Wobbling, he reaches for the high-top table beside me. I don’t know if he needs it for balance or if he’s deliberately stumbling against me, but in a blink, his ribs knock into mine, and his hot breath coats my neck.
Oh, God, no. The dumbfuck has no idea he just started World War III.
Pushing him off me, I angle my head toward our table to stop what’s coming.
But it’s already empty.
29
Frankie
—
An inhuman bellow of rage singes the air, sending a chill across my scalp.
“No!” I spin, slamming into Kody’s chest.
His arms come around me. Behind him, Leo stalks toward the drunk man with a calmness that lifts the hairs on my nape.
“Whoa!” The man’s hands fly up in surrender. “I didn’t mean to—”
A fist cracks across his face, whipping his head to the side in a spray of blood. His body follows the momentum, crashing onto a table and breaking it.
“Leo, no!” Pulse spiking, I shove against Kody’s grip. “Stop!”
Leo tackles the man to the floor, letting his fists fly in a haze of homicidal fury. Over and over, his knuckles connect with sickening thuds, a Viking waging all-out war.
Kody breaks away in a blur, joining in the assault, his strikes precise and relentless.
