A Disgruntled Mother

"Mrs. Martin, have you been to your in-laws' home? Have you meet Ava?" Ace asked, keeping his tone casual. He didn't really care about Ava, but he knew appealing to Matthews's maternal side was his best shot at stopping those Apaches from tearing through his avocado orchard—and most of his estate.

Matthews narrowed her eyes, skeptically asking, "No. But why do you suddenly care?"

Ace followed her gaze to the house, where Lilith stood by the window, waving at him. He ignored her enthusiastic gesture and turned back to Matthews.

"Why wouldn't I care? Ava's my friend," he said smoothly. "Which is why I'm strongly suggesting you go home. They're not going anywhere with those Apaches watching over the place."

If calling Ava his girlfriend would've convinced Matthews, he would've done it, but he did not want to make things more complicated than they already were. "Friends" was good enough.