Page 2 of Ravish

“Of course there’s a problem, and you’re part of it,” Keith said. “Your leather shop is bringing in a criminal element.”

“Oh for goodness sake, Keith. These men are not criminals and neither is Colby.”

“I don’t think you realize,” Keith went on, ignoring her completely, “I can ruin you all.”

Lara’s temper flared. She hated it when her family flaunted their wealth. That was one of the reasons she had very little to do with them. “You might, but do you have enough money for all the lawsuits that will be coming your way? Especially the one from me?”

“All right,” Officer Wolfe said. “That’s enough. Outside Mr. Meyer, and you too.” Office Wolfe pointed at Walter. “Now,” his tone hard.

Keith glared at her. “Very well.” He turned and marched to toward the door.

“This isn’t over,” Walter muttered as he followed.

Lara clasped her hands together so no one would see them shaking. She turned to the bikers.

“I’m sorry, guys.”

“Not your fault,” the biker who stood to defend her earlier said.

“Please stay as long as you want, and I’ll have Eve refill your beverages,” Lara turned, and Colby was right there.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his green eyes filled with concern.

“I’m fine. Just angry.” Angry and scared. Confrontation wasn’t her strong suit, but she wasn’t about to let anyone harass her customers. She marched away and went behind the counter. She saw Colby grab an empty chair and sit down to talk to the bikers. “Eve, please refill their drinks, and see if Mr. Durham wants anything. On the house.”

“Sure thing.” Eve sauntered out from behind the counter.

Lara kept a smile on her face as customers began to show up and order. At least this had happened before the lunchtime rush, or the entire town would have seen what happened. She almost laughed, since she was sure it was already making news on the gossip tree.

She glanced out the front window of the café to see Officer Wolfe talking with Keith and Walter. Yep, she was pretty sure her Aunt Tammy would hear all about this before long.

Lara kept smiling for customer after customer. Officer Logan walked back in and talked with Colby and the bikers, then came to the counter. She explained her side of the story, and he told her not to hesitate to call if she needed help.

A little while later, she saw the bikers had left. Colby had switched to a smaller table as Eve hustled over to the now empty table to wipe it off. It was hardly necessary. Those guys always cleaned up after themselves.

It was after one when the lunch rush started to subside, and Lara could draw a deep breath. She thought she’d be used to it, but today seemed busier than normal. Maybe it was time to get more help in here. Well, she did have Megan, her other employee. Time to see if they could work out a better schedule.

“I’m going to do refills on coffee,” Lara told Eve as she picked up the two carafes, one regular, one decaf, and made her way around the café, refilling cups as needed. She paused at the table where Colby sat by the window.

“More coffee?” she asked.

“Yes, please. Regular.” His deep voice sent a frisson of delight over her skin.

She poured his coffee and was about to turn away when he spoke again.

“Thank you for protecting my friends.” He paused. “Who were the two idiots?”

“My brother and my ex, and you don’t have to thank me. The bikers are good guys.”

“I’m a good guy too.” He grinned at her.

“Jury is still out on that.” She walked away, but a smile teased her lips. While Colby might raise her blood pressure in a good way, she didn’t need a man in her life.

The café door opened, and Sierra and Max breezed through the doorway. “Lara,” Sierra called out, making a beeline for the counter. Max saw Colby, walked over, and sat down.

Sierra and her friends Crystal and Tessa came to the café all the time. Heck, Crystal stopped by here most mornings for coffee and breakfast.

“Hi, Sierra. What can I do you for you today?”

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