Page 73 of Prince Charming

There was no chance to catch up with Arson, he discovered later that night.

Because for the next three weeks, Arson disappeared. Zero contact, his phone turned off. No idea if the guy was dead or alive.

Tag sighed, started up his bike, and rode off toward the club.

He couldn’t help his brother, not unless he locked him up.

But there was still something he could do for his girl.

It was a long shot, but he had to try.

Any hope was better than none was Tag’s way of thinking.

TWENTY

“A duel among broccoli.” - Marianna

The clerks working in the local Save a Lot market always greeted Marianna like they were old friends.

As aloof as she’d tried to be, it was impossible not to get swept up in their friendliness. Every Wednesday, she looked forward to what neighborhood gossip they’d share with her. The ladies were in their sixties but completely outrageous with no filter.

They smelled of lavender and pine, and she found herself yanked into a hug when she handed over two small Christmas gifts. “Oh, you are just the sweetest girl. How did you know we loved chocolates? It’s my damn hips, isn’t it? Anyway, let me grab your gift from my purse.” Selma declared.

“You did not have to do that.” Marianna protested with surprise.

“Of course, we did. It’s Christmas, and that’s what friends do.”

They made her open the gift right there at the checkout.

The snow globe almost made Marianna cry.

It didn’t cost her a penny to stand and chat to them for a few minutes. It was pretty obvious she got more out of it than they did.

“You should be dating.” Selma declared as she clicked her tongue and served a young man buying beer and candy. “A pretty girl like you needs a strong man around the house.”

“The only place you need a man is in the bedroom, Selma.” Chimed Kirstie, her shocking white hair was puffed in tight curls on top of her head, wearing a light up festive headband. Utterly delightful, Marianna thought with a grin.

She didn’t tell them about Tag, though the urge to share with someone was strong.

He’d been busy for a couple of days, he called though. She was buying steak and potatoes for dinner tonight in case he stopped by.

The woman in Marianna’s path took her by surprise when she left the ladies. She’d almost reached the electronic doors, ready for the snowy walk back to her apartment. One of these days she’d get a license and save for a car. If today’s meeting went well, she’d be on her way to having all the legal documentation she’d ever need.

She recognized Sofia from the bar, the one all over Tag. Up close, it was clear to see her beauty. It wasn’t easy for Marianna to forget how jealous she’d felt over her.

“Don’t I know you?” Sofia asked.

From the attitude rolling off the woman, she wasn’t about to beg Marianna to go Christmas carol singing with her. This was about Tag. She hoped her eggs wouldn’t get broken in a festive duel.

“No,” she answered carefully. “We haven’t met before.”

“Nah, I’m sure I know you.”

Marianna smiled a little. It wasn’t with humor.

She’d forgotten how territorially bitchy women became.

Did women have standoffs over a man?

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