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“I found a package on her front porch last night,” I explain. “It was full of moldy bread and this note.” I pull the note out of my pocket and hand it over to him.
He snatches it from my grasp, his eyes scanning the page.
"She mentioned others have been left at the bakery," I murmur.
"Goddammit," Dillon growls, his eyes narrowing to slits. "Razor hasn't said a fucking word about this to me."
"I'm guessing that's because he doesn't know," I say, my expression grim. "She tried to play it off like it wasn't a big deal." But it is a big fucking deal. The thought of someone threatening her, of them getting close enough to leave that fucking package on her porch, makes my blood boil. I clench my fists, barely restraining the urge to put one through Dillon's wall.
Dillon sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face. "She have any idea who's behind it?"
I shake my head, frustration simmering under my skin. "As far as she knows, everyone is excited about the bakery opening."
"That's what I'm hearing too." He drums his fingers on the desk, his jaw ticking. "I'll look into it and see what I can find out.”
Relief washes through me. "Thanks, man. I owe you."
“Mmhmm. You can repay me with cupcakes.” He smirks. “Preferably red velvet. Tell her I like cream cheese icing.”
“Yeah, I’ll get right on that,” I say sarcastically, turning to the door. Rivin rises to his feet, padding back to my side. There’sno fucking way Heidi is making the sheriff cupcakes before she makes me cupcakes. Hell no.
"You sure you know what you're getting into with her?" Dillon asks, making me pause at the door.
I glance back, meeting his gaze head-on. "Yes," I growl without hesitation. I've never been more certain of anything in my life.
"Right.” Dillon laughs, making it clear he thinks I’m in way over my head with her. "Good luck, brother. You're going to need it."
Fuck. Don't I know it. She’s terrified to let herself fall for me for some reason, and she’s a little spitfire to boot. But I'm more than up for the challenge. Like I told her last night, there’s no getting rid of me now.
Keeping her safe and making her mine is my top priority.
Sooner or later, she’ll realize that her heart is safe in my hands. I won’t break it. I won’t hurt her. I intend to treat her like the treasure she is. If I have to worship her body and hold her in my arms every damn night until she believes me, that’s exactly what I’ll do.
She's mine. Even if she hasn't fully accepted it yet, she belongs to me. And I’m not going anywhere.
The bell above the bakery door jingles as I push my way inside, Rivin's nails clicking on the black and white checkered floor. The scent of fresh paint and stale dust still lingers in the air, butHeidi’s made a helluva lot of progress since yesterday. There are now cupcakes and pastries painted on the pink walls, with tables and chairs stacked in the corner, waiting to be put down. The entire place is really starting to come together.
The sight of her on her knees in front of the counter, washing down the glass display case, kicks my heart into overdrive.
Fuck, she’s beautiful.
Her face lights up, her green eyes sparkling as they land on me. Her adorable dimples flash as she tosses her washcloth aside and climbs to her feet.
“Woof!” Rivin barks, thumping his tail against my leg. His whole damn body vibrates at the sight of Heidi. Which, honestly…same.
"Rivin!" Heidi cries, scurrying across the bakery toward us. She doesn’t even spare me another glance as she squats to greet my dog, snuggling and cooing at him.
I arch a brow, fighting a smile. "So, it’s like that, huh, Sunshine?”
She glances up at me through her lashes, mischief dancing in her eyes as she giggles. It might be my imagination, but I’m pretty fucking certain Rivin is laughing at me too.
"Aw, is someone feeling neglected?" Heidi teases, pressing a smacking kiss to the top of Rivin’s head.
The dog grins up at me, rubbing it in. The bastard.
Growling playfully, I scoop Heidi up into my arms and back her up against the wall. "Damn right, I am,” I growl, planting my lips against the side of her throat. “Guess I'll have to remind you who you belong to, angel."
“Alessandro,” she moans.
