Page 68 of Rio's Release

“That’s not an option.”

“Neither is killing a man,” I retort.

“He doesn’t get to walk free after what he did. There is no fucking way that’s going to happen.” His words are softly spoken, but I know he’s deadly serious.

“Rio, no.”

“We’ll talk about this later. I didn’t even feed you. Come on. Get dressed. I’m taking you out for food.” And just like that, he changes the subject. Perhaps because he doesn’t want to argue about this.

What I told him is a lot to process, so I need to give him time, and I am hungry.

“Where?” I ask.

Pulling me to my feet, he bumps his forehead to mine. “Our place.”

“Our place? You mean Four Horses?”I smile. It will always be our place. I like that we have that.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

A Real Date

Shelby—

We take the truck, which surprises me, but maybe it's better for keeping me out of sight. Even with Rio by my side and everything Jenny has told me about how things in town have changed, I still crane my neck, searching for Deputy Carson.

Will I ever be able to drive down these streets without looking over my shoulder?

Rio reaches over and holds my hand. And just like that, everything in me settles.

When we arrive at Four Horses, Rio murmurs something to the host, the same man who sat us last time we were here. I don’t know what he says, but the man grins and nods.

“Sî. Follow me, señor.”

He leads us to the exact table where we sat in the courtyard the last time we were here. The fountain tinkles like delicate wind chimes in the background.

I lock eyes with Rio, a small smile on my lips, telling him I remember, and that I know he asked to be seated here.

“Thank you, Juan,” Rio says, pulling out my chair for me. When we’re both seated with our menus, he cocks a brow at me. “Margaritas?”

“That sounds perfect.”

Juan nods. “Two margaritas coming right up.”

Rio reaches across the table, cupping my cheek. “No one is ever going to hurt you again. You’re with me now, and I’ll protect you with my life, Shelby. I hope you know that.”

I lay my hand over his. “I do. But that’s a promise you might not be able to keep. You can’t be everywhere.”

“Have a little faith in me, sweetheart.”

“I do.”

He leans across and kisses me, then scoots his chair closer and puts his arm around the back of mine. The glow of a new relationship has enveloped both of us in its golden cocoon, and I bask in the warmth.

There’s nothing like it. No drug, no adrenaline rush can compare.

Rio’s eyes drop to my t-shirt, and he grins. “Now that I know about the sexy bra and panties you have on under there, I can’t stop thinking about them.

I return his smile, glancing around.

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