Page 48 of Clover

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Neither my brother nor anyone in our family put out such a hit on you. I will not tolerate this insult. We are Shaw’s, and we deserve respect.” She shrieks back at us from across the table.

“You have to earn respect. Having the last name Shaw does not automatically warrant you respect, you vile excuse for a woman.” Disrespect is the greatest insult to a Shaw, and Beau just insulted and disrespected them in one sentence. Although they’ve done nothing in their lives to deserve our respect, they demand it. Which ironically makes us less inclined to respect them.

“As for the claim regarding Marco attempting an assassination, we have not been able to locate him or any of his security team. When and if he shows up, then we can address it.” Flynn states from his seat at the head of the table. Great, either the pussy ran away and is in hiding, fearing the wrath of the Shaw’s, or they already got to him and removed him from the equation. Should have known.

“You better watch yourself, Colton.” Turning her attention to Clover at my side, who hasn’t let go of my hand since we arrived, she continues her unhinged rant. “You too. You may be theirpet, but you aren’t a Colton. The accords owe you no protection.”

“Which brings me to our next order of business,” Flynn interjects before I get a chance to lunge across the table and rip Oxana’s tongue from her throat. I must have been gripping Clover’s hand like a vice because she squeezes my wrist with her free hand, and I relax my death grip.

“Since this has caused such an issue between you two, and with almost the entire Colton family vouching for her, Clover will now be a protected asset for as long as she is working for or dating a Colton.”

Oxana and her father both protest vehemently at this. I could give two shits what they think about it. I’m fucking ecstatic. Now they can’t touch her unless they want to feel the full wrath of the Colton’s falling down on their heads. Grinning like a madman, I relax in my chair and let Oxana dig herself deeper into her own grave.

“What does that mean?” Clover leans in and whispers to me. Sometimes I forget she doesn’t know all the ins and outs of things.

“It means you will be treated like a Colton. You are protected from the other families just like we are. But if you do something out of line, you will also be treated in the same manner. All rewards and punishments the same as us.” Her brows knit together, and she cocks her head slightly. Apparently still unclear as to what that really means in this moment. “It means they can’t touch you without repercussions. Like me hunting them down and killing them.”

She mouths a silent “Oh,” nodding in understanding. Still holding tight to my hand like a lifeline, she watches silently as Oxana and Preston argue with Flynn. After a minute or two, he finally gets them to shut the hell up and sit down. Clover and I remain sitting quietly, watching the three-ring circus across from us. Clover doesn’t really know how to respond to it all, but I’m giddy as a schoolgirl wearing crotchless panties. This actually couldn’t have gone any better. I am more than happy to let Oxana dig herself deeper into her own grave. She’s doing a hell of a job at it without my help.

“This will be the last we discuss this matter. If anyone goes against our orders, we will not hesitate to clean house.” His tone is firm, and we all get the point. Leave the other alone and get on with business. It’s not exactly how I’d like to settle things, but it’ll have to do for now. Oxana turns her beady dark gaze to Clover and me and, in a low-level tone, speaks through her teeth.

“You might be safe for now, but you won’t always have the protection of the Council. Eventually, someday we’ll make sure you pay for everything. You and yourfamilyhave been a blight on this organization for years, and I can’t wait to see you gone.”

“Enough, Oxana.” Preston, her father, clips sharply at her side, effectively silencing her. “Let’s go. I’ve had enough democracy for one day.” All the Shaw’s stand and exit under the watchful gaze of every Colton here.

I wonder what she meant by ‘I can’t wait to see you gone?’ Are the Shaw’s planning something? I wouldn’t put it past them, but they better have an army hidden somewhere because if they come after us, they’re going to be seriously outnumbered. Turning to Griffon as I leave, I give him a questioning look. Hopefully portraying what I’m thinking. I’m not sure if he understands it, but his face is calm and eyes piercing. He gives me one curt nod. So, I’m going to assume he’s getting my drift because that’s the last I’m going to concern myself with it. That area of business is Griffon’s territory, not my problem.

Leaving that hot mess in Griff’s hands, I turn back to my girl and escort her back to my truck. Keeping an arm around her shoulders the entire time, the farther we get from the conference room, the more I feel her relax. When we reach the truck, I stop Clover and turn her to face me. Wrapping an arm around her waist, I cup her cheek, rubbing my thumb along her soft skin.

“You doing okay, sweet cheeks?”

“Yeah, just a little dazed at it all. Still trying to get used to the whole – situation.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it eventually. We got plenty of time.” Those big sparkling ocean blue eyes stare up at me beneath long thick lashes, and in them, I see my future. My hope and desires for a future I never thought about before. Because that’s what she does to me. I’m not thinking about my next one-night stand or masking the sadness inside I didn’t know was there because it was buried so deep under drugs, alcohol, and violence. It wasn’t until I met Clover that I realized why I lived how I did. It’d been so many years that I’d efficiently smothered any emotions that weren’t lust or anger.

Not anymore. Now I can feel everything. The sadness and guilt over losing Robin, the fear of losing another woman I love, joy at every smile Clover gives me, and finally, love. Love for the woman who saw through my bullshit and called me on it. Love for the woman who apparently loved me even after knowing exactly who I am on the inside and out. The woman I love and will someday soon marry.

Chapter 26

Clover

After a morning of naked cuddling with Nix, he gives me an edible, his newest attempt to help me calm the anxiety of going outside and returning to normal. Today I need it. I have decided I need to go out and personally thank everyone who took part in getting me away from Braxton. Which includes Magnus, Zander, and Arrow. Beau, Rosie, and Lily were easy enough to thank since I live with Beau. Rosie and Lily have been spending practically every minute of every day with me. And I’m pretty sure I’ve thanked Nix plenty at this point. Then I plan on going to Faust and assuring him I’m good to go back to work. As long as I can bring Sloan. He seemed to like her, so hopefully, that will be okay.

I didn’t get much time to talk to him or Griffon. When I was in their offices, I was either chewing their heads off or ushered out to let them chew each other’s heads off. Since they were also instrumental in helping, I do have to thank them. Even if I don’t think Griffon deserves a thank you considering his behavior, but it’s the right thing to do, so I’m gonna do it.

Rosie will be coming over, and she’ll be going with me. Because I will not be alone any time in the near or not so distant future. Not until I know I can handle anything that comes my way or Braxton is dead. Whichever comes first. Nix is helping me out on the handling myself. I have the bravado and sharp tongue, but now I also have my very own Kimber K6s .357 magnum. A cute little hammerless snub nose revolver with a walnut handle engraved with a four-leaf clover. I call her Lucky. Having her in my purse or in a harness under my jacket or shirt is much more calming than all the edibles in North Carolina.

Today since fall is finally sinking its teeth into the south and cooling us off, I’m able to dawn a lightweight denim jacket to cover my shoulder harness holding Lucky. I pair it with my black pleather leggings, black Doc Martens, and a long loose white shirt. Simple and comfortable. Makes me feel stronger and more confident when leaving the house.

First stop; Magnus, because we can get donuts and cookies at the same time. Lily is working the front counter when we enter Cherry’s Pie Bakery. The smell of sugar and frosting invading my senses and instantly turning my stomach from twisted up hoses into a sweet, creamy filling. Whoever discovered the power of sweets in turning a sour mood sweet was a genius because my mood has improved immensely since stepping foot inside the bakery.

It’s cute and retro, with white and light pink checkered floors, matching glitter pink and mint green vinyl booths, and chairs. There’s an oversized chalkboard hanging behind large, rounded glass cases filled with colorful and delicious-looking pastries, muffins, and bagels of all kinds. Ranging from classic chocolate chip cookies to what looks like a rainbow unicorn macaron. It even has edible glitter sprinkled on top.

Wonder if I can sneak one of those on our way out.

“He’s in the back.” Lily lifts the end of the counter like the bar top at Colts and lets us in the back. There’s a section of the back kitchen area that’s visible from the counter we pass by before making a turn into the real back area. Before we get two steps farther, a metal bowl goes flying through the air. It crashes into a large metal shelf where cooking utensils and a variety of sprinkles go flying.

“Woah. What the shit?” I duck out of reflex even though the bowl wasn’t anywhere near us.

---