Page 125 of Sweet Surrender

But it doesn’t change the fact that I feel it.

“Thank you,” the last customer still sitting in the café area calls out as they leave.

The chime on the door is the punctuation noting that I’m finally alone. Finally able to lock the door and be out of the public’s sight. I lock the door and when I turn around, I freeze.

Vince is sitting on a stool in the kitchen area, his arms crossed over his chest, watching me with an unreadable expression. My two helpers come out of the back office with their purses, whispering excitedly as they sneak glances at him.

Jase may be a part of BENT just as much as Vince is, but no doubt, Vince is more well known.

And my helpers’ reactions reinforce that theory.

I wave bye to them as they exit out the back door that clearly Vince came in through and then turn my attention to the man in my kitchen. To one of Jase’s closest friends.

His scrutiny unnerves me.

“Vince.” I wipe my hands on my apron, keeping my voice even. “Surprised to see you here.”

“Figured it was about time I checked everything out.”

I guard my expression as I study him. “Are we referring to my cookies or to me?”

He holds my gaze, his eyes narrowed, but he doesn’t answer my question. “Seems like business is booming. Must be the BENT magic touch.”

I cross my arms. “Or the good cookies.”

His lips twitch. “Hmm.”

I sigh. Clearly I’m being vetted. “This will be a whole lot easier if you say whatever you came here to say.”

He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I’m just curious what you’re going to do when this is over.”

My stomach tightens. “Excuse me?” Why am I on the backfoot for the second time in twenty-four hours?

“The contract.” He glances over his shoulder to make sure we’re alone before continuing. “The marriage charade. I mean the guys and I are absolutely grateful for you stepping in and helping Giz out, but what’s next? Isn’t it going to be hard to go back to your normal life now that you’ve been living in luxury?”

Fuck you. The words are on my tongue, sharp and biting, but I swallow them back. Instead, I force a strained smile. “I wasn’t aware my life was any part of your business . . . or Jase’s for that matter.”

He shrugs. “Actually, it is. That’s how we operate. As a team. All for one and all that shit.”

“Really? If that’s the case, then where were you to stop Jase from getting that reputation that’s gotten him in trouble? If you’re a team, isn’t some of this shit on you and the guys?” I ask, mimicking the way he said it to me.

“Gizmo’s a grown man capable of making his own choices.”

“Exactly.” I level him with a glare.

“So what’s the plan? Get pregnant and trap him with a baby?” He makes a noncommittal sound. “No, I’m thinking you’re more the write a tell-all book to screw us all over type, right?”

“Fuck you, Vince.” I don’t mince words. Can’t.

Vince grins like I’ve just confirmed something for him. “Well, that’s a good start, but sweetie, I’m married.”

I roll my eyes. “It was figurative.”

“No shit.” He tilts his head, pauses for a beat. “No one ever wants something from Gizmo without getting something in return. He’s too nice of a guy. So I’m asking you to name your price. Give me a figure and if it’s within reason, I’ll pay it. Then when this is all over, you can go on your merry way and leave him be.”

I blink, his words like a punch to the gut. And here I thought Vince was a good guy. His wife was so kind. I actually liked them but now it feels like their acceptance of me was all an act. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

“Why?” He raises his eyebrows. “It’s the truth, isn’t it? It’s why you agreed to all of this.”