Page 47 of Bayou Sunset

He paid her no attention as he briskly walked along the pier. Daisy Mae resigned herself to the realization that she would be lifted and carried to her vehicle, feeling like a wayward child.

It finally dawned on her to ask, “How ya know where I be?”

“Didn’t Romeo tell you? I’m your bodyguard while he sleeps. I’ve been watching your place and saw you sneak out.”

When she got home, Steve would have a lot to answerfor. She was confident that he wouldn’t be pleased when he discovered that she had drugged him to search Mario’s boat.

She wondered if her actions would drive him away. Although she didn’t seek protection, she longed for Steve to stand by her. Did she make a major mistake tonight?

Maybe her tooth fairy would carry her to a world where things were perfect.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

ROMEO AWOKE SLOWLY, feeling groggy and disoriented. He rolled over in bed, struggling to open his heavy eyelids. Surprised by how deeply he had slept, he couldn’t shake off the sensation of drowsiness that clung to him.

He quickly became aware that something was not quite right. He had never experienced such a deep slumber during an assignment before. His eyes popped open.Daisy Mae!Even without calling her, he knew that he was by himself.

He found himself waking up alone in a confused state. Realizing that he was fully clothed and not under the covers as he had expected, he suspected that she must have drugged him.The tea.She hadn’t consumed any of it, and it had a bitter taste that he’d refrained from mentioning. How had he missed it?

As he eased himself off the bed, he heard the front door creak swinging open. Processing the situation, conflicting emotions swirled in his mind. On one hand, he was consumed by anger at her for drugging him and putting herself at risk by leaving. On the other hand, he felt relieved that she had returned unharmed.

As he hastily approached the bedroom door, it swung open, revealing Casper. Dressed entirely in black, his concerned expression was visible in the dimly lit room.

“Thank ya,” Romeo said before Casper could speak.

The agent nodded, turned, and walked back into the living room.

As Romeo stood there, bracing himself for the impending confrontation, he couldn’t shake off his uncertainty about handling the situation. The clenching knots in his gut wouldn’t allow him to forget the fact that she had not only drugged him but also made the reckless decision to venture off alone, fully aware of the potential danger to her safety.

As he made his way into the living room, he spotted Daisy Mae settled in an armchair, her arms tightly crossed, shooting an evil glare in Casper’s direction. The agent must’ve intervened just in time to prevent her from causing trouble.

Romeo glanced around and noticed Daisy Mae abruptly standing up from her seat. Rather than confronting him about assigning Casper to watch over her, she handled the situation differently, completely throwing him off.

She rushed to him. “I be so sorry, Steve. Ya be okay?”

He peered at her through narrowed eyes, trying to discern the meaning behind her words. Unsure of what she was trying to convey, he hesitated momentarily before giving a simple nod. Was she genuinely showing concern or simply using flattery to gain his support in the impending debate about her protection detail?

Her worry was palpable as she wrung her hands, emphasizing her distress. “I didn’t mean to do it, but ya left me no choice,” she confessed with a quiver in her voice.

He knew that wasn’t the least bit true, but he only raised an eyebrow in response. “Really now?”

“It be Mario, and it feels like no one listens to me. Can’t ya see? I had to prove it all by myself.” She turned to Casper and pointed a finger accusingly. “And den he stopped me.”

“I saved your ass,” Casper replied firmly as he wearily dropped onto the couch and ran a hand over his tired face. “You’re extremely fortunate that I intervened before Mario had a chance to confront you.”

She put her hands on her hips. “I coulda handled myself.”

Romeo bellowed, “Enough!” His voice was unexpectedly loud, but the frustration just poured out of him. He looked at Daisy Mae. “Sit,” he directed.

Shock etched on Daisy Mae’s face, she hurried to claim the empty armchair.

Casper attempted to leave, but Romeo halted him. “Stay,” Romeo insisted, and Casper acquiesced with a nod.

“What the hell happened tonight?”

As Daisy Mae started to speak, Romeo interrupted her abruptly. “Ya already admitted to drugging me and leaving. I want to hear from Casper,” he demanded.

Daisy Mae huffed in frustration and crossed her arms, displaying a petulant and childish demeanor.

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