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"Cousin." I repeat the word. I can see it now. They have some similar features, the same sharp nose. But Madi has more softness to her face, more femininity, whereas Sam's is hard and blunt.

She reaches across the bar, taking my hand in hers. "How are you?" she asks. There's a seriousness in her eyes, like she's genuinely concerned about me. "Be honest. If he's hurting you, I'll take care of it. I swear."

A nervous laugh escapes my lips. I'm unsure of what to say. "Fine, I guess."

"I'm serious," Madi adds. "The men in this family can act like Neanderthals. You have to be stern with them."

"Madi, you're scaring her." Roman huffs.

She whips her hair, looking at him, offended. "I'mhelpingher," she corrects him. "God knows, no one helped me."

Roman rolls his eyes, scoffing. "That's a lie."

"Keep it up." Madi slaps her hands on her hips, taunting him. "And I'll tell Sam his enforcer is bullying me." She mock pouts, and I can't help but laugh.

"That's an option?"

Madi smiles. "You have endless options, you just need to know how to work 'em."

The bell above the entrance chimes, and my attention turns to greet the new customer, only it's not a new customer. It's Sam.

There's an angry scowl on his face as he marches over to me. "I'll deal with you later." He looks at Madi first, then his attention turns to me. "You. Back room. Now."

"See, Neanderthals." Madi gestures to Sam, and she's right; his one-word sentences do feel very Neanderthal.

"It was nice meeting you," I say to Madi, genuinely meaning it. She seems kind, like someone I'd like to know.

"You too, Olivia. Please, reach out if you need me. That one has my number." She tilts her head to Roman.

Sam rounds the bar, completely ignoring his cousin as he presses his palm to my lower back. I decide not to anger him any further and let him lead me into the back room.

"It's busy out there. Joey needs my help," I say quickly, not wanting him to spend too much time back here while Joey gets overwhelmed out front.

"I don't give a fuck." His hands are on me the second we're alone, making my breath catch. He presses me against the wall of supplies, the shelf rattling as my spine hits it. Checking his watch, those dark eyes flick to the expensive timepiece and then meet my gaze. "It's six p.m. You're supposed to behome."

Bourbon and leather invade my senses, and for a brief moment, I want to melt in his arms. Tell him I'm sorry and let him drag me back to his house.

But then I remember what Madi told me, that I need to be stern with him. I have endless options, and I just need to work 'em.

"Megan called in sick. I need to cover for her," I try explaining nicely.

"Have someone else do it."

"That's not how this works, Sam. I'm the boss. It was short notice, no one else is available, and I'm already here. It makes sense."

"No," he practically growls.Caveman."Find someone else. I don't want you here after dark."

"I'm a big girl, Sam. I can take care of myself. Plus, you have Roman here."

His jaw clenches tight, his eyes narrowing. "I don't care how big of a girl you are. You're not staying."

I cross my arms over my chest, refusing to back down. "And what exactly are you going to do? Throw me over your shoulder and drag me out of here in front of all my customers?"

"If that's what it takes."

My eyes narrow on his. "You wouldn't."

Sam steps closer, towering over me. "Try me."