In the Shadows (The Club, #10) (14 page)

Like what to do about the sirens outside her apartment. “What will they do with her?” Vivian asked quietly as Zeke lifted her to her feet and unlocked the front door. She winced a little when the door opened and the shrill noises increased in volume, but his steady warmth at her side, supporting her, made it bearable.

“No idea. Hopefully get her some help.”

“You aren’t afraid she’ll come back for us?”

The harsh lines of his face softened and he brushed the back of his fingers over her cheek. “No, darlin’, I’m not. Arson, kidnapping, battery, attempted murder...I don’t think Detective Mancini is lacking the evidence necessary to put her away.”

Officers spilled from the cars and rushed toward the open doorway. Zeke drew away from her long enough to set the pistol on the floor, several feet from him, and took her into his arms again. “We’ll be fine,” he promised.

“I know,” she agreed, even as police swarmed her apartment. She didn’t care how many questions they asked, how long it took them to remove Delilah from her apartment, how many interviews she was told she’d need to do. Zeke never let her go.

That was enough.

***

S
ix months later

“Nice place, Irish.”

Zeke didn’t bother to hide his grin when Preston stepped inside
Ex Libris
, ignoring the “opening soon” sign that warned off most customers. “Finally made it to Seattle, eh?”

“Tech conference. Figured I had a few minutes to burn between sessions.” Preston glanced around the inviting space, nodding sagely.

The shop was Zeke’s second pride and joy. The polished wood, wide book selection, and specialty items confirmed that. But his greatest treasure had heard the name and was hurrying over from behind the counter of what would soon be the bookstore’s coffee shop.

“You’re Preston?” Vivian asked, wiping her hands on a towel and smiling widely at the Texan.

“Yes, ma’am. You must be Vivian.”

She nodded as they shook hands. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Zeke’s told me so much about you.”

“I’m innocent, I swear. You’re opening up shop in here too?”

Vivian looked over her shoulder. “Just until the work on my shop next door is done. The insurance from the fire was enough to give me a fresh start here. I’ll miss my workers, but we found them jobs at other bakeries, so I know they’ll be fine.”

“Beautiful and kind.” Preston gave her a knowing look and then glanced up at Zeke, who’d moved to stand behind her protectively. “Makes sense now, Irish. Nicely done.”

“If you see anything you want, pull it, and I’ll ship it to you once we open,” Zeke told him.

His former boss took the hint and vanished back amongst the shelves. Vivian tilted her head back and smiled up at him. “He’s nice.”

“Guess so.”

He didn’t fight the urge to lean down and kiss her, tongue coaxing her lips to part, reveling in the soft mewl of contentment she made against his mouth.

“What was that for?” she asked, licking her lips and turning to face him.

“Because I love you. What do you say to making this an early night?”

Vivian pushed halfheartedly against his chest. “We already made it a late morning.”

“I know,” Zeke growled, capturing her hands in his. “So let’s not ruin a perfect day.”

She laughed until he pressed his hips against hers and let her feel his erection. “I guess we could head home early,” she admitted, voice breathy as she rocked against him. “I mean, we still haven’t finished breaking in the new bed.”

“Damn shame,” he said. “We should go now.”

“You’re insatiable,” she teased. “Is it really this easy to keep you happy?”

“Yes. As long as I have you.” Standing there in his bookstore, with the woman he loved in his arms, Zeke realized every word was true. His new mission statement. His promise to himself.

And for the first time in a long while, Ezekiel Harding finally gave a fuck.

––––––––

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my novella from The Club!

All reviews are appreciated
.

If you would like to read more from
The Club
series, please click on the link below:

The Club Website

M
arion Audrey Grant is fortunate to live in the rugged beauty of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. She's believed in happy endings and true love since she was very young. The realization that she had stories of her own to tell would lead her to graduate college with majors in Creative Writing and English.

Thanks to her husband’s unending support, she now works as a scribe to the intelligent women and wounded heroes who need their stories told.

To find out about upcoming releases, visit

www.marionaudreygrant.com