"Sophie! I''ve never seen anyone so fiercely protective! How could you miss something as big as that bulldozer? I''m just grateful Colby didn''t tear the house down-I''d be lighting a candle in thanks!" Seeing Odie all worked up, Sophie cleared her throat, leaned in, and whispered, "I''ve added an extra twenty grand to your ount, let''s just leave it at that."


    "Well, that''s better."


    Odie was still processing her words when it dawned on him that something was off. He furrowed his brow, "Do you think I care about the money?"


    "Mr. Odie, I''m taking him with me now. I''ll make sure he straightens up. And Liu! Get that bulldozer sorted, and don''t forget to tidy up Mr. Odie''s yard on your way out. Look at all the dust in here." With that, Sophie tugged Colby towards the Minton residence''s exit.


    Once they reached the gate, Sophie swung open her car door and asked, "Do you want me to invite you in, or can you manage on your own?"


    "Honey, let me get the door for you."


    "Nice try!"


    Sophie was all business as she continued, "So, what were you up to here?"


    "Just giving him a little scare."


    "With a bulldozer or a hammer?"


    "...Actually, I used a knifest night."


    For them, having lived life on the edge,municating with a knife was no biggie.


    Colby asked softly, "Are you mad?"


    "Not really."


    "Or... upset?"


    "Not that either."


    "Then...?"


    "I''m just amused by you."


    Sophie was caught betweenughter and exasperation. Turns out, you really canugh when you''re angry.


    Threatening with a knife, driving a


    bulldozer into someone''s yard,


    hauling a hammer to fix a


    vel


    door each of these could easily be mistaken for mob antics.


    Sophie reached out, gently pinching Colby''s cold cheeks, "Listen, this is Devonport. You don''t have to live like a wild card anymore. Tone it down a bit, alright?" This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Hearing this, Colby held Sophie''s hands, "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    "And, think about how you''re gonna exin your weird behavior these past few days."


    Sophie''s words darkened Colby''s eyes for a moment before he replied in a low voice, "Alright."


    Satisfied, Sophie reached out to ruffle his hair, "Good boy-"


    His hair was soft, surprisinglyforting a detail Sophie hadn''t noticed before.


    Colby bent down a little and asked, "Does this feel better?"


    "Are you calling me short?"


    "I didn''t mean..."


    "Forget it."


    Sophie pulled her hand back, ready to get in the car, but Colby swiftly moved closer.


    He was


    registquick that Sophie barely


    registered his presence before he had hand, her palm meeting his soft touch.


    Colby said, "You can touch me however you like, darling, you''re the highest in my eyes."


    "...Colby, that''s hardly apliment."


    Sophie gave Colby a yful smack on the forehead before getting into the car.


    Once inside, Sophie scrolled her phone, "I''m heading out tomorrow, you don''t need to worry about me being alone." "Where to?"


    "Elodie wants to see me about something."


    As soon as she said it, Sophie felt a slight wobble in the car.


    Looking up, she asked, "What''s up?"


    "Did she say what it''s about?"


    "No, but unless she''s doing more business expansion in Devonport, I doubt it''s anything else."


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!