“That’s right, but I’m only shaking you down. Don’t tell the other coffee shop owners. They’ll be jealous.”
She rises on her tiptoes, and at the last minute, I turn my head to the side so that her lips brush my cheek. It burns where she’s touched me.
“Payment made,” I declare, backing away.
Eden looks thoroughly confused, and it takes everything I’ve got not to sweep her into my arms and tongue her deep enough that she feels it in her pussy, but I’m going with the theory that I need to keep her wanting more. She’s unsure of me, but maybe her lust will drive her into my arms. God knows that lust is making me do crazy things like drinking coffee when it gives me the hives. I drag my sorry ass back inside my car and drive off, stopping just past the corner so I can watch her go into her home. She has her fingers over her lips like she’s savoring the taste of me, like she wants more. Same, sweetheart, same.
Chapter Twelve Eden
I was so tempted to go home with Miles. To steal one night for myself. It took everything in me to turn him down, but I knew it wasn’t the right thing to do. I refuse to be selfish like my father always is. His needs come before anyone else’s. That shit always hurt, but over time I’ve gotten used to it. I don’t want Ryan to ever feel as though he doesn't have someone in his life that will always be there for him. Even when he wants to tell me to get lost.
I flip the lock back into place before making my way through the coffee shop and into the back where my computer is. I want to check my emails before I head up for the night.
I let out a scream, dropping my purse onto the ground when I see a man standing there. Fear takes up residence inside of me as my heart begins to race. I put my hands out in front of me and back up a few steps, trying to put as much distance between us as I can.
“Where’s Tony?” the man asks. He’s in a suit. It’s not a fancy custom one like Miles wears. Still, it’s strange to break into someplace wearing a suit. Aren't you supposed to be in all black or something?
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. I haven't heard a peep from my father since the night I’d been out at his house.
“This is his coffee shop, no?” He takes a step towards me. I fight myself to not retreat another step, worried it might make him mad. I can’t take any chances with Ryan being upstairs. I have to play this smart and try to get this man out of here.
“Yes. I run it for him.” He clicks his tongue loudly as his eyes roam up and down my body, making knots form in my stomach. My heart is pounding so hard I swear he must be able to hear it.
“Eden!” I jerk my attention toward the back door at the sound of Miles' voice.
“I’ll be back. Tell your daddy I was here.” My stomach drops more. He knows who I am. He takes off toward the front door as Miles comes running toward me.
“Are you okay?” His hand comes to my face as he looks me over. Before I can respond, the sound of a gun going off steals all my attention.
“Is everyone okay?” I hear Ryan ask.
“I told you to stay upstairs,” Miles grits out in a tone I’ve never heard from him before.
“Shit. I heard a gun. E?”
“I’m fine,” I say to reassure him. Miles pulls me into his chest, holding me close. I’m not sure he’s ever going to let me go again.
“The police will be here any second. I already called them.” I tilt my head back to look up at him. His eyes are on the door that leads into the coffee shop. I can tell it’s taking everything he has to maintain his self-control and not go after the man.
“How did you know?” I ask.
“Ryan called me. Thought he heard something. Thinking you were still out with me, he called to double-check. I knew you’d just gone in, but something told me to check so I came back. I told Ryan to stay upstairs.”
“Oh.” I melt into him a little more.
“I came in the back. When I saw the lock busted I texted Violet to get the cops here ASAP.” As if on cue, the sound of sirens fills the air. I rest my head on his chest, my heart rate finally starting to slow down. He came back. My eyes start to water, but I blink it away quickly, not wanting to be a total mess when the police get here.
“Clear,” I hear someone shout.
“We’re in the back. I’m Miles Monroe, and Eden is with me. It's clear back here too.” A moment later, the door is pushed open by a few uniformed cops.
“There was a shot,” I rush to say.
“Yeah. He shot the glass in the front door to make himself an exit.” I close my eyes for a moment. Thank goodness no one was hurt.
“Can I come down now?” Ryan shouts from the top of the stairs leading up to our place.
“Yes,” Miles tells him. He comes bolting down the stairs, pulling me from Miles’ arms into his own. I hug him back, so freaking thankful the man hadn't gone upstairs. I don’t know what I would’ve done if something had happened to him.
“She can’t breathe,” Miles informs Ryan. It’s true.
“Shit.” He releases his hold on me.
“I take it everyone is okay?” one of the police officers asks.
“I think so,” I answer. For the next hour, I give the officers my statement. They make me repeat it a few times, making sure they’ve got
