I don't want to let go—I never want to let go when she's in my arms—but I do.
Liam settles Addison in the crook of his arm, smiling down at her. "She looks like you," he murmurs.
"She's better than me." It's true. She's got Brielle's green eyes and wild, black hair, but her scowl is pure Blackstock. She's nothing like me, though. She's all Brielle, loud and fierce and so goddamn sweet it hurts.
"Go steal my sister for a minute. I've got this little one."
I hand over her bottle and step back, watching as he cuddles her against his chest, already whispering and cooing at her.
I shift my focus back to Brielle, who is talking to a group of editors. She's so alive, so fucking electric, that I can't look away. The world could end right now, and I'd just stand here, burning with the certainty that I did at least one thing right in my fucked-up life.
She catches my gaze, her expression softening.
I crook a finger, beckoning her to me.
She excuses herself with an apologetic smile, heading straight for me. The entire room ripples as she moves, all eyes on her, but she only sees me.
"You look like you want to murder someone," she says, looping her arm through mine.
"I always look like that," I say. "But if you're offering to let me, I'd like to start with the prick in the blue jacket. I overheard him saying that you're hot for a new mom."
As soon as he realized I was within earshot, he went white. He's been dodging me ever since, keeping the entire room between us. Fucking coward.
Surprised laughter spills from her lips. "Hot for a new mom, huh? Maybe I should let you add his head to your wall."
"Just say the word," I growl, my hand settling at the small of her back, right above her ass. I'm never subtle about claiming her. She doesn't want me to be.
She leans into me, her scent making my balls throb. "Where's our little monster?"
"Liam stole her from me," I say.
Brielle glances over, smiling when she sees Liam trying to juggle Addison and a cupcake at the same time. Addison is awake, reaching for his cupcake with her little lips pursed.
"She's going to be a force," Brielle says, a little awe in her voice.
"She already is, just like you." I stroke the back of her hand, needing her closer. "I need you for a minute."
She glances over at me, one brow lifted. "Do you now?"
"I really, really do."
She knows that tone. There's a wicked little glint in her eye. "You want to sneak off and leave our party?"
"Your party," I correct her.
"You only showed up because I threatened to fire you as my husband if you didn't, huh?"
"I showed up because you're here," I murmur, running my thumb over her ring. "I'm always where you are, princess."
Her expression softens as she leans up, kissing my jaw. "Lead the way, Blackstock."
We move through the crowd together. I hear little snippets of conversation as we pass—her name said with reverence, my name with grudging respect. They're all watching us, but I don't give a shit.
We reach the hallway that leads to her private office, and I pull her in close, trapping her against the wall for just a second.
She looks up at me, her eyes bright. "You're going to mess up my hair."
"Good," I mutter, kissing the tip of her nose. "I can do what I want."
