Page 10 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

I have everything I want already. So, you get today’s wish.

Dandelion

What am I going to do with you?

Have fun tonight. I’m heading to meet the guys for dinner. Be safe. Text me when you get home.

Dandelion

You do know I can take care of myself. But I’ll text you later to make sure YOU ARE SAFE.

I showered quickly and made my way to Whiskey Falls to meet the guys.

We ordered food, and Lionel, Ruby’s father and the owner of this fine establishment, came over and chatted with us for a bit before he got called away by someone in the kitchen.

“I stopped by the bookstore on my way here and peeked in the windows. It looks like you got a lot done for the first day,” Hayes said.

“Yeah, we want to get her up and going as quickly as we can so she can start making money.” Nash popped a tater tot into his mouth before flicking his thumb in my direction. “And this guy likes to build, so he put in a long day.”

“It’s going to look good. We’ll get it done as quickly as possible. Couple of weeks should be plenty of time.” I took a long pull from my beer. “Did you know Saylor was going out with that coach dude, Jeremy?”

“Jalen? The guy who’s working at Romeo’s gym?” Hayes asked.

“Jalen’s a good guy. You don’t have anything to worry about.” Romeo shot me a confused look, probably wondering why I was bringing it up in front of Hayes. Saylor was a grown woman, and she didn’t like her brother being in her business. We all knew that. They’d had many arguments in front of us about it.

“I don’t like him.” I shrugged, and River raised a brow, most likely also wondering why I was doing this. But we were straight shooters, and I wouldn’t hold back. These were my brothers.

Nash smirked because he enjoyed it when I did this kind of shit.

“You don’t even know him. He had great references, and he’s a good guy. What is your issue with him?” Romeo crossed his arms over his chest and stared at me.

“First off, his shorts are too fucking short. He calls memate. His hair is too shiny. Shall I go on?”

River barked out a laugh. “He called me mate, too. Is he Australian?”

“No. He’s from Jersey,” I hissed.

“Who gives a shit? Mate is a universal term. And his shorts are fine. That’s what dudes are wearing these days in the gym. As for his hair, I think your hair is just as shiny,” Romeo said over his laughter.

“I get it. He’s new in town, and you’re looking out for Saylor. It’s what we do. But if Romeo thinks he’s a good dude, I think we can trust that,” Nash said, reaching for his steak sandwich. “It’s a date. She’s not marrying the dude.”

Is everyone losing their fucking minds?

We knew nothing about this guy.

“I appreciate you looking out for her. She didn’t mention anything to me about going out with him, but I know she doesn’t want me getting involved in her business. I’m trying to back off.” Hayes took a long pull from his beer and then turned his attention to Romeo. “You think he’s fine?”

“Yes. And they went to dinner one time. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.” Romeo shrugged like it was no big deal.

“Actually, they are on date number two tonight.Movie night.So I’ll be watching that dude like a fucking hawk,” I said, not hiding my irritation.

River’s gaze met mine, and it spoke volumes without saying a word.

What the fuck is going on with you?

Ride or die, brother.

This is what we do.

---