“Congrats, Becky,” Sid said and sounded like he meant it. “Guess I’m not the king of the kitchen anymore.”
“Sid,” Becky laughed, shaking her head. “I didn’t beat you. My grandmother did. That was her recipe, and you will always be king in this kitchen.”
Sid pulled her in for a hug, then reached over and grabbed a piece of her chicken, taking a bite. “Holy shit.” He took another bite. “Okay, you have got to give me this recipe. Well-deserved win, Becky. Well deserved.”
“I’ll give you all her recipes if you want them. I have a ton of them, and she would be honored, Sid.” Becky gave him a bright smile. “She loved to cook.”
Sid winked at her, then grabbed another piece of her chicken, pointing it at Sloan. “She’s a keeper, bossman,” Sid called out. “Treat her right, or I’ll kick your ass no matter how big you are.”
At the flush of pride warming her cheeks, he felt something settle in his chest as that quiet, uneasy feeling in his gut tightened. Something was going on with her. Something she thought she had to hide from him and carry alone. Never would he let that happen.
CHAPTER 9
Kane finished his bottle of water and tossed it in the trash. Doug was cleaning up while Ken sat at the kitchen table. Kane’s gaze kept drifting again and again toward the hallway Monica had disappeared down.
“She’s putting Dena to bed,” Ken said quietly as if he knew who Kane was searching for.
Kane looked at the man. The loss was written all over his face, but it was the hollow, empty look in his eyes that hit Kane the hardest. He moved to the table and sat.
“I’m going to find who did this to your wife,” Kane said, holding his gaze so there was no mistaking his intent. “I know it doesn’t help your pain, but she will be avenged.”
Doug stopped pretending to clean and sat across from him, staying silent. Ken didn’t say anything for a long moment, just stared at Kane.
“I believe you mean that,” Ken finally said, then let out a humorless laugh. “But I’m sorry, I don’t have much faith in the police or the justice system.”
“I’m not a cop,” Kane replied with a slow smirk. “And we have our own justice system for people who kill women.”
Ken looked away without replying, then stood. “Yeah, well, goodnight,”
Kane watched him go with a frown. “How long were they married?” Kane asked Doug when Ken disappeared.
“They were high school sweethearts. Married right after graduating.” Doug sighed, rubbing both hands down his face. “God, we had such hope in finding Beverly. And Dena… growing up without her mom is so fucking wrong.”
Kane didn’t respond. He’d lost many people over his long life, which was exactly why he kept his distance from most people other than his brothers.
“Can I ask you something?” Doug said suddenly.
“Yeah.”
“You looked pissed when you found out I knew what Monica was doing.” Doug watched him closely. “Was I wrong to let her?”
Kane knew this was a dangerous path, but lying wasn’t in him. “Dark Guardians protect the innocent. Women and children are our top priority. So yeah, knowing a woman’s putting herself in danger doesn’t sit well with me.”
Doug nodded with a long, guilty sigh.
“But,” Kane added, one brow lifting, “knowing Monica—even the little that I know—I’m pretty sure she would’ve told you to kiss her ass and done what she wanted anyway.”
Doug huffed out a laugh and shook his head. “Actually, seems you know her pretty damn well. That’s pretty much what shesaid when I demanded she not do it. She’s the hardest-headed person alive.”
Kane snorted. His eyes drifted toward the hallway. “Yeah. She’s definitely that.”
Doug’s smile faded as he stared at the table, then looked up. “She’s also the most loyal, selfless, and loving person I’ve ever known. Since Beverly went missing, Monica hasn’t stopped searching. And when we say she’s done more than anyone, we mean it. I don’t know everything she’s done… but I know some of it isn’t good. I see it in her eyes.”
Kane didn’t have to imagine it. He remembered the first moment he saw her in that bar, and he’d seen the same haunted look Doug was talking about.
“I’m glad you’re helping her,” Doug said, voice shaking. “She isn’t going to stop until whoever did this is found and punished. I can’t lose another sister, Kane.”
Kane met his stare, steady and certain.
