Take (Fury Brothers #4)

I didn’t know what to say. So much had happened over the last day, and I felt like I was drowning.

“We have to find out who attacked you,” Reath said.

“All right,” I whispered.

“And Frankie, your house isn’t safe.”

“What about the alarm you said—?”

Reath shook his head. “That’s not enough.” His gaze met mine. “You’re staying here, with me.”

11

REATH

“That smells good,” Frankie said.

I carried the takeout bags into the kitchen. “It’s from Cochon. New Orleans is all about the Creole food, but this is the best Cajun food in town.”

She wandered closer. “I don’t really know the difference.”

“Creole is called city food. It has a more French, affluent influence. Cajun is country food. It tends to be more rustic, and spicier.”

“Well, I can serve it up. I’m the takeout queen.”

I smiled. “You don’t cook?”

She wrinkled her nose, and it was cute as hell. “I’m planning to learn while I’m here. I’m smart. Surely I can learn to cook a decent meal.”

“I’m not much of a cook, either. Lola usually feeds me.”

Frankie’s head jerked up. “Lola? Who’s Lola?”

“Our housekeeper. She cleans, cooks, keeps us in line. She’s also the nanny for Colt’s daughter, Daisy.”

“Oh.” Frankie smiled. “I guess if you have a Lola, it makes it easy not to cook.”

“Especially when she’s so good at it.” I pulled out some plates.

“You sit down,” Frankie said. “I’ll serve up.”

I sat at the head of the table and watched as Frankie opened drawers. She served up the crawfish pie, shrimp stew, and the chicken and andouille gumbo. She also managed to find a candle and set it in the center of the table.

I raised my brows. “I own a candle?”

“You do. Lola, again?”

“Probably. Or more likely Colt’s woman, Macy. She loves candles.”

Frankie returned to the kitchen and came back with loaded plates.

We sat and ate, and Frankie talked about all the things she liked about New Orleans.

It felt easy. I didn’t bring women home, and I hadn’t shared a meal with anyone at this table, except my family.

Frankie leaned her elbows on the table. “Thanks again, Reath. I was really afraid today.”

“I’m glad you’re safe. You should’ve told me about your project.”