Page 26 of Ginger

He nodded once, then looked at Bronx and Reno. "You two should have come to me first."

"We just found out ourselves," Reno said. "We were going to bring it to you tomorrow."

Houston didn't look convinced, but he let it go. "Get her settled for the night. We'll figure out the bar schedule tomorrow."

As we left his office, I felt both relieved and anxious. A month wasn't long, but it was something. Time to make a plan.

"You can stay with us tonight," I told KiKi as we walked back to our apartment. "I'll sleep on the couch."

"No," Bronx said firmly. "She can have the couch. You're not giving up our bed."

I started to argue, but KiKi touched my arm. "The couch is fine, Ginger. Really."

Once we were back in our apartment, Reno grabbed beers for himself and Bronx and a soda for me. KiKi declined anything, saying her stomach was still unsettled. I had a feeling it would be a long night. Hopefully, things would look better tomorrow.

Chapter Eleven

Ginger

I pulled the covers over my head, but the insistent knocking continued.

"Ginger? You awake in there?" KiKi's voice filtered through the door.

"I am now," I grumbled, rolling over to squint at the bedside clock. Eight thirty. Not exactly the crack of dawn, but still earlier than I'd planned on starting my day.

The door opened and KiKi poked her head in. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead. I'm starving, and Reno said y’all needed to buy groceries. I don’t think I’m up for seeing everyone in the main kitchen downstairs. Want to get something out somewhere?"

I sat up, rubbing sleep from my eyes. "Give me twenty minutes to look human?"

"Deal. Meet you in the main room." She grinned and disappeared.

Nineteen minutes later, I'd managed a shower, some mascara, and an outfit that didn't scream "I just rolled out of bed." KiKi was waiting by the front door, scrolling through her phone.

"There's a café about two blocks from here," she said.

"Sounds perfect."

We were halfway out the door when a familiar voice called out behind us.

"Ladies. Where are we headed?"

I turned to see Bronx, looking annoyingly alert for this hour, his gaze scanning the area like he expected trouble to materialize from the shadows.

KiKi shot him an exasperated look. "We're going to breakfast. Alone. Girl time."

Bronx crossed his arms. "After those men demanded we hand over Ginger? Not a chance. She doesn’t leave here without protection, and no offense, you’re not badass enough."

"It's broad daylight," I argued. "And we're going to a public café. Don’t you think it would be okay?"

"Perfect. I love cafés." His expression made it clear this wasn't up for debate.

"Fine," KiKi huffed. "But you're sitting at a different table. I don't need you glowering at me over my breakfast."

Bronx's mouth twitched. "Wouldn't dream of it."

When we stepped outside, KiKi walked over to a small sedan, popping the locks with her key fob. I started to follow, but Bronx grabbed my arm.

“Not you. Only way you’re getting there is on my bike.”

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