mic mugs. Emery focused on steaming milk, pouring it into a mug with practiced ease, creating the perfect swirl of foam. It should have b

g it?" Sadie's voice cut t

omer before turning to face her best friend. Sadie leaned

t," Emery replied, wiping

making a deal with the enemy

being dr

r good reason. And now, the guy who wrecked your heart

e café. If I say no, he could turn around and decide to triple the rent

moment, then shook her h

trust him

you even enter

s unbearable. Because Desmond had looked at her with something close to re

ation. Mr. Halloway, one of their long-time customers, walked i

," he greeted wi

ssion, grateful for the distraction

too well,"

el Sadie's gaze burning into the side of her face

k, the café had quieted down, leaving only the low hum of

book. He hadn't left since coming in that afternoon, and despite the fa

in spaces he didn't belong. Yet, there he was, sitting in her café l

could talk herself out of it, slid

p valuable real

ed up, smirk

d be used for pa

" He gestured to the unt

d nursing it for five

ve a gene

eyes. "What are

ly as he closed the no

the c

he bui

at. "You're really seriou

be here if

said it-calm, unwavering-se

. "I meant what I said earlier. I'll think about it. But I need

dn't waver.

but Emery never made threats she w

café. No surprises, no last-minute changes. I also want a clause tha

expression unr

like

back of her mind. "You'r

fight you on this, Emer

ttle flip at the way he said

ly, "I'm not giving you a free pass

"I wouldn't expec

might actually b

, Emery sat on her couch with a gl

buzzed b

or considering it. I

er the screen. Typing.

f you screw me over, I

came almos

d expect no

er stomach twist. This was dangerous ground.

e scenario of working with Desmond. A partnership with him wasn't just a business risk- it was a ris

s for minutes. The sun bled through her curtains, and her alarm blared

r the morning rush. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, normally a comfort

walked in. "You look like you f

. Just bad

the same

apron around her waist.

ed. "You're

ay

d in, saving Emery from another lecture-for now. She busied herself with making drinks

rush, the café door swung

ton-down, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the strong forearms that Emery hated

d on a neutral expression and continued making drinks,

ing,

smo

r eyes at him. "W

cino. And

e no o

st the counter. "You're always

out the w

e counter, sliding it toward hi

cking up the cup.

dea. But customers were watching, and she wasn't

ed her apron and gestured towar

mery ignored it, leading Desmond int

closed, Emery cros

sk and leaned against the wall, stud

clo

nd

in writing. I want my control over the café

ave my

esn't mean mu

too quickly to be sure. "Then let's put it in a contract. I'

ked. "You'

I want to d

ng else-something dangerously clo

nd me the

ad across Desmond

had just stepped onto unsteady ground, and Desmond Proctor w