His new bionic-looking brace attaches at multiple points along his arm, with metal, hard plastic, and an adjustable hinge at the elbow. He’s finally accepting that this injury will take time and effort to heal.
“Yeah, just in case I need to appear official.”
While Ethan and I watch, completely amazed, she pulls his bag toward her, takes out his bulletproof vest, and helps him into it. “Your badge?”
He nods, and she threads it through his belt while he attempts to buckle his vest.
“Here. Let me.” I extend my hands, then, unsure what to do, I pause.
“Slide the four pieces together. It’ll lock into place.” He observes as I follow his direction. “We should get you one, actually. Have you ever shot a gun?”
“A few times in my backyard. Not something I’m interested in. Not something I want to worry about around Aurora and kids, you know?”
“Understood.” He twists his torso so I can attach the other side. “Someone did try to shoot you though.”
Ethan clears his throat. “We can talk about it later. That shit won’t be necessary in the future.”
No matter what he has planned—even if it’s moving Aurora to New York, which will kill me—security will always be a factor. But I’m not the smartest choice for a gun. I have no training. I become paranoid and overwhelmed at times, and misusing or misplacing a deadly weapon is not something I ever wishto experience. I’ll leave that level of responsibility and focus to Reece.
Our girl straightens, stretches her back, and hands him his dog tags. “You want me to get your boots?”
He slips the dog tags over his head and tucks them under his shirt. “Please. They’re by the door.”
While he holsters his firearm, she rushes out of the room, a soft smile on her face.
“She needs to rest,” Ethan grumbles, his gaze following her. “Fuck, I can’t wait for this to be over.”
“She likes to help. It eases her anxiety.” Reece rifles through his backpack. “I’ve got her passport and birth certificate. I’ll grab her ID and prenatal vitamins. I’ve taken pictures of her…” He waves with a flick of his wrist toward the bathroom, “products. I’ll see what my sisters can find.”
My brows knit together. “Why do you have pictures of her stuff?”
He meets my scowl head-on. “For times like this, when we have to run. Don’t you have a bug-out bag?”
“Yeah, it contains cash, keys, and cards, not her skincare routine.”
He smirks. “I like to make sure she’s well taken care of.”
“Is that another joke? Holy shit. I’m proud of you. Keep it up, and I’ll think you’re flirting with me.” I knock my shoulder into his.
Ethan scoffs, Reece’s expression falls, and I burst out laughing. He’s so serious. Has heeverbeen in a situation that wasn’t fucking stressful, where he could joke and fool around? I’m almost afraid to meet his parents.
Chapter 32
Ethan
I’m about to throw up. I trust no one in this city. I don’t know what I’ll do if the LAPD tries to arrest Jackson or take him in. I’d never let it happen. I’d lose my mind—and my temper.
“Let’s go over this.” Reece tosses his backpack down in front of the entryway. “The only information they wanted from Lucas was what you told investigators,” he says to Jax. “If the LAPD stops us, you’re the one they’ll be after.”
“Yeah, no shit,” Jackson quips and drops his own bag to the floor.
“I’ll step in,” Reece continues, “and claim jurisdiction.” He turns to Aurora. “That’s when I want you to call Bennett. Remain behind me until I have to intervene. Then, you go with Ethan. If you can’t get in touch with Bennett, call Lucas.”
Dimitri offered to stay in case Jax needed a lawyer, but I declined. He should be with his boys. The twins cause enough trouble.
“Got it.” She nods. “Only one thing: I already texted Bennett. She’ll meet us downstairs shortly.” Becoming occupied with her phone, she asks Jax, “Are we taking an Uber or one of your cars?”
A scowl forms on my face. “Baby girl, what are you doing?”
