Page 44 of Devil’s Snare

“Out.” I was starting to feel like privacy was something bikers struggled to understand.

“I get that. Just need to know what to tell Cin.”

“I’m meeting a friend for coffee.”

He nodded. “I’ll follow you.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary.” If there had been a problem or any danger, surely I would have heard from Ethan or Cin by now.

“All due respect, ma’am, but if I don’t watch over you, Cin will have my ass. Then I’ll answer to G.D. And it’s my duty. Ol’ ladies always have protection.”

I relented. “Okay. But keep your distance. I don’t want my friend to get nervous.”

“No problem. She won’t know I’m there.”

Good. “What’s your name?”

“Just prospect right now.”

Was that a thing? I didn’t know.

“Well, I’m not calling you that. What is it?”

“Juke.”

“Thank you, Juke.”

He smiled and dipped his chin.

Juke kept his word. I didn’t see him when I parked and walked inside the coffee shop, but I knew he was out there, keeping watch in case of danger. Weird. It was a concept I hadn’t considered that I would be in if not for Cin and dating a biker.

Was that what we were? Because being an ol’ lady sounded a lot more serious than being a girlfriend.

I tried not to focus on Ethan or Cin. My head was kinda spinning from how they went from hating one another to working together to find my ex. I didn’t know what to make of it.

Penny stood as I entered the shop and waved. I joined her at the table and set my purse down. “Hi. I’m going to order. Be right back.”

She nodded. “Take your time. I’ll just be sipping on my delicious pumpkin spice mocha latte.”

“That sounds good. I might get one too.”

I ordered my drink and a muffin, tapped to pay on my phone, and joined Penny. “Oh, this is good,” I mused aloud when I sat and took a sip. Pumpkin spice was one of my favorites.

“The best fall flavor,” she agreed.

“Was there any specific reason you wanted to meet? Or just need some girl time?”

She smiled. A bit timid, but I’d take it. “I guess girl time is the answer.”

“I don’t mind. I definitely don’t get enough.”

“How’s the craft business going? Did you finish that new design you were showing us?”

It was sweet that she remembered, since I only mentioned it once at the beginning of the class. “Yes. I think my customers will like it. I already uploaded a new demo video online today.”

“That’s great.”

“Do you have hobbies? Or anything fun you like to do?”