“That is definitely not best. The few boxes we had with us need to be brought up there, and we have to retrieve the rest from Kane’s vehicle. The moving truck won’t get your furniture until tomorrow.” I debate whether I should mention all the things I got for her to help her feel at home here, but she won’t be wooed by that, and it doesn’t aid my current objective, so I keep to my point. “It would be a suite with none of your things and none of your people.”
When Tessa and I arrived in the safe-harbor tunnel, the guards updated me on Kane’s status. He and the men with him had been run off the road, coming around a bend. Kane hit his head and was knocked unconscious. Everyone is fine, aside from being banged up.
That is only one small issue resolved though. We’re going to be walking into an inquisition, but it’s necessary.
I entwine my fingers with hers, towing her the last bit, even though her shoulders stiffen. “Time with family will be good for us.”
She stops abruptly before the penthouse door. “I’m trying here, but I don’t have it in me to be judged or warned or whatever this will involve.”
“No one’s judging you, baby girl.”
I tuck a tendril of her silver hair that fell from her ponytail behind her ear, and she sighs. She looks so small today. Between the sandals, the black tube top, and her shorts, her feisty armor is less standoffish, even with the vision of her—with her ass in the air, blasting the truck behind us—still dominating my headspace.
When I see the stress and worry marring her face, I extend some reassurance. “Mercy is in there with Remy and all my brothers. They want to see us to be sure we’re okay.”
“Right.” She huffs a little, as if my family waiting to see that she’s okay is unbelievable. “I just … I brought all this on us, and I get it. I fucked up. As an employee, I’ve put them in a difficult position, and … my family won’t answer my calls or texts. I’ve left messages, but what am I supposed to say?Please pick up because someone is trying to kill me and I can’t be sure they won’t come for all of you?Oh, and by the way, I’m living at La Lune Noire, and Maddox is investigating you. God knows what that entails, but just a heads-up that he scared the piss out of Hunter.”
She’s unraveling. It’s a bit disconcerting. And also adorable.
I bring our clasped hands to my lips and brush a kiss on her knuckles. “You really have a way of summing things up to sound dire.”
“Yeah, that’s it,” she deadpans. “It’s my delivery. Not the bullets that hit our car or my life imploding.”
“That’s fair. But your family is safe. I’ve got plain-clothes guards swarming their streets. Them ignoring you is a matter we’re going to fucking deal with eventually, but right now, it’s for the best. Take a deep breath and fucking trust me to—”
Unfortunately, my motivational speech is interrupted by Cash opening the door. “Get the hell in here. We’ve been waiting for you.”
He claps me on the back and appears a bit choked up, so I leave it at that. Then he moves for Tessa, surprising her with a kiss on the cheek and a compassionate embrace. I’m not sure it eases her anxiety, but it’s shocking enough to get her out of her head.
As soon as we wander inside, Bernard yips and rams headfirst into Tessa. The dog, not the man. This moment wouldbe a hell of a lot different if the old guy were tackling her. But as it stands, I think we both appreciate the welcome.
Not that we have a second to process it because the rest of the family isn’t far behind.
Remy shouts an enthusiastic greeting, but he dives for Bernard instead of us. Dog again. The pudgy white-and-brindle furball hops about an inch off the ground in a valiant effort to thwart the little boy before licking his face.
Jax steps over the puppy and our nephew, dragging Tessa into a hug. “You know how to make an entrance, girl.”
She squeezes him back with her dry reply. “Bringing the holiday in with a bang.”
Mercy beelines for her, knocking Jax out of the way to wrap Tessa in her arms. Jax laughs and steps to the side to greet me instead. Smart man.
Mercy’s hand curls around my wrist as she holds Tessa. “I’m so glad you’re both here. I was so scared.”
The entire scene is utter bedlam. Warmth and joy and disarray. Everything family should be. Hardships or not, the proof of a bountiful life is always apparent in how the inner circle comes together when you’re knee deep in soot. And no matter the flames that have scorched us, one thing I know for certain is, my people are always there for me, willing to slice through the pain. Still, it’s a lot to absorb. And I’m used to it. I can only imagine what’s going through Tessa’s mind.
Axel and Ryker stroll toward us, unhurried and observant. Concern and relief line their expressions. And maybe some anger. But I seize the split second before they reach me and watch my family enfolding Tessa. I hope she feels it. The shield they’ll offer her.
Remy sees his mom hugging Tessa, so he thrusts himself around each of our legs while the puppy continues to yip. I tousle his hair and scoop him into my arms.
“You gonna watch the fireworks with us?” he pants in his sweet voice, out of breath from running. “Daddy says I can stay up late to see ’em.”
“If you’re inviting me, then I’ll be there.” I tickle his belly, and he squirms and giggles in my arms before I set him down. “I’ll bring Tessa too.”
Throwing his hands in the air, he shouts, “Pixy Stix!”
Tessa whips her head toward him, eyes wide and playful. “That was one of our secrets, little man.”
“So, that’s why he practices his ABCs for you and not me,” Mercy chides, but her brown eyes are twinkling.
