Page 28 of June 7

To his surprise, half a dozen men from Seaglass Cove came in and perused the aisles.

As Kevin from Boltrite consumed his second hotdog, Daisy entered the shop. Bane pushed off the counter and approached her at the door.

"Hey," she whispered. "How's the Grand Opening going?"

"You don't have to whisper." He slid his hand onto the back of her neck and stroked her skin with his thumb. "It's going as expected."

"Congratulations." She peered around the area. "You have been busy. This is amazing. Nobody would know that there used to be buses stored in here."

"Let me show you around." He kept his hand on her and moved her away from the reps. "Hungry?"

"Not really."

"Thirsty?" He pointed. "We have pop."

"Sure." She picked out an A&W Zero and popped the top, taking a drink. "Thanks."

He slid his hand down her arm and cupped her hand in his. Then, he walked her through the shop. "We try to keep enough parts on hand for locals, but we keep most of the lesser-known parts behind the counter." He pointed in the other direction. "It makes it easier to package everything when we get online orders."

"I didn't realize the parts business was so big when everything is for motorcycles. It's like when I take my Jeep into the dealership." She squeezed his hand.

"Come with me." He led her behind the counter, down the aisle of parts, and to the double doors in the back. Pushing his way in, he said, "That was the shop. This is Havlin's area back here."

He stood in the large room, almost as big as a basketball court. It was split into different areas. A large wooden table in the corner. There are couches and a big-screen television on the wall opposite. A pool table. Not right now, but later, they would add a kitchen and bar area. Near the back overhead door, at least two dozen motorcycles sat—all belonging to members of Havlin.

"This is incredible." She brought her gaze back to him. "Your motorcycle club must be well off to afford all this."

He grunted.

"Sorry. I wasn't prying. It was a compliment. I'm impressed." She leaned against his arm. "Thanks for showing me around. Now I can imagine where you go when you're not at the duplex."

He twirled her until she stood in front of him. "Give me a kiss."

She leaned against him and lifted her lips. He kissed her mouth, tasting her. He hadn't gotten his fill of her yet.

Her tongue came out and teased him. Then, she jerked away. "I should go. I only have a half-hour lunch break."

"I'll walk you out."

In the shop, he strode through the locals, chatting at the end of the aisle.

"Hey, isn't that the chick who's dad killed her mom?" asked one of the men.

Daisy stiffened. Bane looked down at her by his side and watched the color drain from her cheeks.

"Yeah, that's her."

"Sorry. I need to go." She pulled away from Bane and hurried to the door, slipping onto the sidewalk.

Bane watched until she was out of sight.

One of the guys behind him said, "I'd be afraid to date her, man. Maybe craziness runs in her family."

Bane turned and faced the group. The man who spoke looked away. Nobody had to tell him they were talking about Daisy.

He had no idea what gossip they were going on about or how Daisy was involved. All he knew was that they'd upset Daisy, which wouldn't happen when he was around.

Knowing it was the man with a shaved head, holding a hotdog in one hand and avoiding making eye contact with Bane, who'd started the conversation, he stepped into their little group. He walked the man backward until he was outside the shop and his friends were still inside.

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