Full Bellies

The fallout was swift.

With the journals as evidence of Marcus’s long-term embezzlement and threats against Leo’s father, the competency hearing was dead in the water. Marcus fled to a non-extradition country before the police could arrive, leaving the estate—and the fortune—firmly in Leo’s hands.

Two weeks later, Highland Manor was different.

The curtains were open. The creepy portraits were taken down. Music—Leo’s erratic playlist of pop and indie rock—played over the intercom.

Leo sat on the floor of the massive, industrial kitchen. She was wearing leggings and one of Silas’s oversized t-shirts.

In front of her, on a silver platter meant for roast pheasant, sat a pile of greasy, double-bacon cheeseburgers from the shack down the coast.

Silas sat across from her. He was no longer wearing the tactical suit. He wore jeans and a black hoodie. His lip had healed, leaving a small, rugged scar.

"You know," Leo said, taking a massive bite of her burger. "I fired the chef."

"I heard," Silas said, dipping a fry in a puddle of ketchup. "He refused to stock Cheetos."

"Unforgivable," Leo agreed.

She looked at him. He was still scanning the room occasionally—old habits died hard—but he looked relaxed.

"So," Leo said, wiping grease from her chin. "I reviewed the payroll."

Silas paused. "Am I fired again?"

"Technically, yes," Leo said. "I dissolved the Personal Protection Officer position."

Silas’s expression tightened just a fraction. "I see. I’ll pack my things."

"Sit down, Kane," Leo laughed, kicking his shin gently under the table. "I created a new position. 'Head of Estate Security and Partner in Crime.'"

Silas looked at her. "Partner?"

"I don't need a jailer, Silas," Leo said softly. She reached out, covering his large hand with hers. "I need... I need the guy who puts peanut butter in my fridge."

Silas turned his hand over, lacing his fingers with hers. His grip was warm, solid, and safe.

"I can do that," he said. "But I'm still checking the perimeter at night."

"Deal," Leo smiled.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. The kitchen was warm. Her belly was full. And for the first time in her life, she wasn't hiding food for later. She knew there would always be more tomorrow.

She was home.