Page 54 of Gin & Jewels

His arms went around me, and he pulled me tighter. “I’ve missed you too, princess.”

I pulled back and looked up into his dark brown eyes. “I go to lunch soon, and I want to tell you everything.”

“Good.”

“Just let me get this order in, and then I’ll see if your mom can take the table. She usually does when I take lunch.”

“Do what you need to do. I’m not going anywhere,Krystal.”

I nodded and walked back to the table, apologizing before taking their order.

When I went to give the order slip to the cook, Shannon walked up to me. “Bradley said there are some things that he’ll explain to me later about you two.”

I nodded, not sure what else to say. After all, I couldn’t be sure what he’d told her.

“He also asked if I would cover for you.”

I cringed nervously. “Yeah? Would you mind?”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but that’s my son, and I’d do anything for him.”

I nodded a little and took a deep breath. “I know, and I promise that you’ll get answers.”

“Okay, but before you go to lunch, just answer me one thing.”

I swallowed. “Okay.”

“Did you already know him?”

“I did. It’s a long story.”

“Okay. Well, take as long as you need.”

I smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

“I’m ready,” I stated to Brad as I walked up. He slid off the stool and followed me to the back. Once we were outside, he closed the door, and I rushed into his arms again. I needed to. Not only did I miss him, but he made me feel safe—as though everything was going to be okay.

“What’s going on, Cassie?”

“Just let me tell you everything before you interrupt me.”

“On one condition.”

I pulled my head back. “What’s that?”

“That no matter what, you tell me the truth.”

“What if you don’t like the truth?” I whispered.

“I’m a grown-ass man, Cassie. Whatever it is, I can handle it.”

“But what if you think less of me?”

He thought for a moment. “I don’t think that’s possible, but if you’re in trouble, I will help you.”

I blew out a breath and stepped back. “Okay.” Then, as I paced, I told him everything from the moment I realized it was Keith and his friends robbing The Velvet Box, how I had nothing to do with it, to my mini panic attack at the wedding because I thought he might be a cop, until I got a job at Dovie’s using a fake name to make money to get back home.

When I stopped talking, he breathed out, “Fuck, princess.”