“I got this.”
Cole looked over at him with a doubtful expression.
“Just leave me your extra helmet, and get that bag of hers.”
“I’ll drop it by tomorrow.” Cole tossed his cigarette, and they headed back inside. He slid back into the booth, folded his arms and leaned his elbows on the table. “Here’s the deal, Shannon. I think you’re holding something back from me. I don’t believe I’m getting the whole story.”
Crash watched her expression. Yeah, there was definitely more to her story.
Cole continued, “And I don’t like the fact you used my wife to get to me. Way you went about that, babe? Not good. I don’t want my family dragged into the middle of your shit.”
Crash watched the hope almost deflate right out of her. He was sure Cole saw it, too.
“That said, I don’t tolerate men terrorizing women. So, we’ll give you a place to lie low for a while.”
“Really?”
“But you stay on my terms.”
“Of course. Anything.”
“Don’t be so eager, darlin’. You haven’t heard them yet,” Crash advised.
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She looked at him and swallowed.
Cole drew her attention back to him. “You’ll be staying with Crash.”
“Crash?” She looked back at him.
He grinned at her like the cat that ate the canary.
“He’ll be responsible for keeping you safe. You’ll do whatever he says, you understand?”
“You’re joking.”
“Nope. And it’s not gonna be a free ride. You’ll cook, clean, and do his laundry to pay him back for his time.”
“I have money. I pulled out cash, like you said. I was able to get five thousand. That should cover any expenses I have until this blows over and pay for his time.”
Cole nodded towards Crash. “You’ll give that money over to him.”
“All of it?”
“All of it. Now.”
“But, I’ll need it if I have to buy something.”
“You need something, you ask Crash. If you really need it, he’ll get it for you.”
“You have got to be kidding me? Every time I want some of my own money, I have to ask him for it?”
“Yep.”
“Forget it! I’m not doing that.”
“Then there’s the door, darlin’. Walk.”