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"Thank you," I say softly, feeling pathetic that I'm thanking him, but it feels like the right thing to say, to stroke his ego so he continues letting me live my life.

The last thing I want is for him to think I'm a threat.

Someone who could go to the authorities and have him sent back to prison.

I shudder.

"Eat." Sam gestures to the table, where platters of bacon, eggs, and pastries sit. "Roman will take you to the bar when you’re ready." Sam nods behind him, and I spin around, seeing that there's another man in the kitchen.

The new man, Roman, nods in greeting. "I'll be out here," is all he says before stepping out of the room.

"One last thing," Sam says. "You'll want this." He reaches into his pocket before extending an old iPhone to me.Myold iPhone. "I added my contact. You'll call me if you need anything." It’s a demand.

Sam spins on his heel, about to leave, when I stop him. "Wait! How did you get into my phone to add your number?"

The corners of his lips lift into a sly smile. "Your passcode is your birthday, Olivia. Not very original." Then he turns again, heading out the door.

"How do you know my birthday?" I call out after him, but he doesn't turn around, just leaves me with the echoes of his laughter.

TWENTY

Olivia

It feels good getting back to work.

There's a pep in my step as Roman leads me out to the car. Apparently, he's my bodyguard and driver.

Is it weird that I saw a criminal shoot someone, and now I'm being pampered and chauffeured? I try not to think too hard about it.

The door chimes as I step into the bar. One look around, and I freeze on the spot. Gone is the worn-out floor, replaced with gleaming hardwood that catches the morning light. The bar top shines, refinished to its original glory, and fresh paint brightens the walls. Even the ancient ceiling fans have been replaced with wrought-iron fixtures that match the bar's aesthetic.

"How?" I don't mean it as a question to Roman, more like my internal monologue coming to life as I try to figure out how it's possible that Sam did everything on my list, plus some, in two days?

"Impressive, right?" Roman leans against the doorframe, his bulk taking up most of the space. "Boss had crews working through the night."

It doesn't escape me that he casually refers to Sam asboss.But I guess that makes sense, since all these men work for him.

"I didn't think he'd actually do all this." I run my hand along the smooth bar top, remembering how I'd pointed out every flaw to Sam.

Roman chuckles. "You'll learn that when the boss says something, he means it."

I roll my eyes, but can't hide my smile.

"I'm going to check on my grandfather." Surprisingly, Roman doesn't follow as I take the stairs two at a time. The familiar creak of the top step welcomes me home.

"Good morning!" a cheerful voice greets me as I enter the apartment. Kelly, the nurse Sam hired, stands in the kitchen, wearing blue scrubs.

"Hi." I extend my hand. "I'm Olivia. I'm sorry I didn't really take the time to talk to you the other day. Things were…"

"Hectic." Kelly smiles warmly. "Don't worry about it. Your grandfather is such a sweetheart. We had breakfast, and I've got him settled."

"How's he doing this morning?"

"Confused, but calm. Let's sit."

I follow Kelly into the kitchen, watching as she moves around the space with practiced ease. She grabs a mug from the cabinet — the chipped blue one that's been there since before I was born.

"Coffee?" she asks, already reaching for the pot.