Page 91 of Blood and Bonbons

“And he’s about to be asun-in-love with you.”

She frowned as she followed me out to the car.

“Why?”

I held up my cut hand to remind her, and she made a face.

“Why can’t I have an overprotective hunk hovering over me?”

“Pfft. At the first sign of attachment, you boot them.”

She slid into her seat. “I’m too young to settle down. I’m not done sampling the selections yet.”

We both knew it had nothing to do with her age and everything to do with her lifestyle. She feared having yet another person worrying about her treasure hunting who might try to hold her back from what she loved.

Something told me Anchor could give Vena a run for her money, though. He was the kind of guy she fell hard for and wasn’t overbearing. At least, not that I’d seen. He always kept his cool and discreetly asked if I wanted him instead of jumping in without invitation.

If anyone could take Vena off the market, I’d bet it’d be him.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

We madeit to Blur well before the start of our shift and stowed our things in the lockers. Neither of us clocked in, though.

“Come with me,” I said, grabbing Vena’s arm.

“Where?”

“Shepard is going to have questions, and you’re going to confirm it was an accident. He’s not going to believe I’m unlucky enough to have two injuries in a row.”

She rolled her eyes. “Or he can stop playing the alpha man role and see that it’s just a boo-boo.”

I pulled her with me, only pausing long enough for her to wink at Anchor and for his cheeks to flush under her pointed gaze. Maybe he wouldn’t survive with Vena after all.

When we reached Shepard’s office, I lifted my hand to knock on the closed door. Inside, I heard someone say, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

I hesitated.

“Three murders under our watch,” Shepard growled. “If you’re late for rounds again, you’ll be out. It’s our responsibility to keep Blur and everyone here safe. Go!”

Gunther opened the door and paused when he saw us. I quickly dropped my hand to my side.

“Everly, come in,” Shepard said.

I awkwardly switched places with Gunther as he made his retreat. Shepard’s furrowed brows smoothed until I lifted my hand and showed him my taped palm.

“Another accident?” he asked slowly.

I pulled Vena inside. “She can verify it.”

Shepard eyed Vena as she nodded.

“She needs bubble wrap and a change in careers. A baker is obviously going to be too dangerous for her. So, um, did I hear right? Another person died?”

I almost cringed at Vena’s obvious change in topics. But Shepard didn’t even bat an eye at it. He let out a deep sigh and nodded.

“Three nights in a row. I’m sending Anchor home to stay with you again tonight.”

“Uh, we’ll be fine,” I quickly said, knowing Cross wouldn’t like Anchor on the couch for a second night.

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