“Don’t be long. When you get back. We’ll go for a ride,” he said.
***
“I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”
I glance at Cole and smile as he settles in the seat opposite me. “I hope you don’t mind. I needed a reason off the riverboat and your name slipped from my lips.” Cole smiles at the waitress as she pours two coffees. She winks at him as she hands him a piece of paper which he slips into his pocket. “Do you normally accept another woman’s number when you’re with another woman.”
“Mia, Hunny, it may have slipped your attention, but you’ve just slipped from another’s man’s bed to meet me.”
“Stop been picky.” I take a sip of my coffee and glance to the window. I don’t know why I called Cole and not Poppy.
“So, what’s the problem?”
“Problem.”
“That you needed to run from lover boy’s bed.”
“There isn’t a problem.” I take another sip of my coffee. “What do you know about Joel Delaney.”
Cole picks up his coffee mug but doesn’t take a sip as he watches me. His smile slips and his gray eyes are intense. “The Joel Delaney.”
“Why do you say his name like that.”
Cole shrugs. “There’s only one Joel Delaney I’m aware of. And what I know of him. He’s a bastard.”
I nod. “You know Alex was married once.”
Cole’s fingers flex on his mug. “I heard a rumor he ran off with his childhood sweetheart.” I must have flinched because Cole reaches out and covers my hand with his. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“You didn’t. Alex and Jono used to be friends and he’d spend time at our house.” I smile. “Anyway, Jo-Leigh was long before me.”
“So, what is it you want to know about Joel Delaney.”
“Did he kill Jo-Leigh?”
“Wow. That’s some accusation without evidence. Is that what Alex said.”
I shrug. “I don’t know what part Delaney played in Jo-Leigh’s death. Just that Alex say’s Delaney has a price on his head.”
“Are you telling me this off the record, Mia.”
“I’m telling you as a friend and hope you use your judgement.”
Cole nods, “has something been said to you.”
I finish my coffee, then nod at the waitress for a refill. “When Alex returned to Noir Valley after Jo-Leigh’s death there was some trouble between him and Jono.” I glance up as the door to the diner opens and watch Day and Oyster walk in. Day scans the room and his gaze lands on me. Although he smiles, it fails to reach his eyes. I turn my gaze back to Cole. “Forget I said anything.”
“Mia. Is everything okay.”
“Yeah.”
“You don’t mind if we join you. Do you.” I glance at Day. An answer isn’t needed as he sits, while Oyster takes the only other vacant chair at the table. “It’s a great morning. Isn’t it?” Day turns to me. “I thought you would still be tucked up in Alex’s bed.”
According to Poppy, Day is the love of her life. What she sees in him, apart from his looks, I don’t know. I smile at the biker. “Alex and I have been talking about having a threesome. I was asking Cole if he’s interested.”
Day glances at Cole then turns to me with a shake of his head. “He’s not a brother. We only share our women with other brothers.” He leans forward. “If you’re looking for a third, I’ll be happy to oblige.”
“Your women. I’m no-one’s woman.” I smile. “Besides, if you ask him. I’m sure Cole would be more than happy to join The River Demons.”
Day scratches the back of his ear. “It’ll still be a few years before he came to your bed.”
“Not if Alex knows he’s the only third I want.” My hands are clammy, and my stomach churns as the blood swims around my head. I know baiting Day isn’t a good thing, but I don’t seem able to stop myself.
Day drinks his coffee. His gaze on Cole and he nods. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea. Are you planning on staying in Noir Valley for a while?”
Cole’s smile is cold, and I shuffle in my chair. “I like Noir Valley. There’s plenty of attractions to keep me here.”
Day nods, “we’re having a race later this afternoon. Come along. Show us what you’re worth. We could do with a new man.”
Cole nods then stands as he drops some bills on the table. “It was nice catching up, Mia. Maybe I’ll see you later.” His smile deepens and there’s laughter in his eyes. “We can talk about this proposition. It sounds like fun.”
“Sure. I’ll catch up with you at Demon’s Lair.”
I watch Cole leave the diner. Then as I reach for my purse, Day’s fingers clamp around my wrist. “You’re not going anywhere. Are you, Mia?” I shake my head. Poppy is under this man’s protection and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize her. “You wouldn’t have been talking club business with him, would you, Mia.”
I shake my head. “I told you. Alex asked me what one of my fantasies were, and I was talking to Cole about it.”
“Make sure that’s all you were talking about.” Day stands and leans forward. His mouth close to my ear. “If you have any fantasies which involve other men. I’m available.” I nod as I
