Dom’s face hardens. “Need help burying a body?”
“I think I might.”
“You know we’re all here for whatever you need. Even Shane. He might be preoccupied with Lilly and the baby, but I’m sure he can lock Magnus up if we need him out of the picture,” he says with a grin.
“Magnus’s in Rome at the minute. I’m heading back out there. Matteo’s meeting me today, but I’m gonna need you to keep tabs on the boy and Rose. I can’t be with her twenty-four seven. Especially if I’m still in Rome with Matteo.”
“I got your back. And when you’re ready, tell the kid. He deserves to know who’s got his back, too.”
I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah.” I throw on my suit jacket and fold fresh clothes into my holdall.
Walking into the kitchen, I grab my keys from the counter. “Right, I’ve changed. We’ve got to head out.”
Rose stands, smoothing her skirt again. The way she wears her uniform is like a coat of armour shielding her true self.
Lilly’s eyes soften as she watches her. “It was lovely to meet you.”
“You too. Good luck with the baby.” Her smile is genuine this time.
“Thanks. And, uh, whatever’s going on with you two…” She glances between us. “I hope it works out.”
Rose doesn’t reply. Just walks towards the door like it’s suddenly urgent.
As we step into the hallway, I murmur, “You okay?”
She shrugs, not looking at me. “Fine.”
“Cheer up. Could be worse.” I give her my widest grin. “At least I don’t have a harem.”
Her lips curve with a hint of a smile. “I’m actually impressed you have friends.”
“How did you like Poppy?”
“She was nice. Why?”
I shrug a shoulder. “No reason. She’s marrying my brother.”
Rose snorts. “In that case, I feel sorry for her.” Her lips lift in the corner. “She’ll have to put up with you as her brother-in-law.”
I let out a small laugh. Because Rose doesn’t know it yet, but she’s part of our family now, just like Poppy is.
We get into the car and drive off, needing to talk, but I just don’t know where to begin. For now I stay silent, the atmosphere charged with everything unspoken.
20
DAN
Iloosen my tie as I sit in economy next to a mother and a baby who’s already started screaming and we haven’t even taken off yet. It’s gonna be a long fucking flight.
“I’m sorry, sir.” The woman bounces the kid on her knee. “She’s teething.”
“Don’t worry bout it.” I dab the moisture on my forehead and lean back in the seat, focusing on my breathing and not the hundred million things buzzing around my head.
I have a son.
A fucking quick-witted, smart-ass, amazing son. A smile curves my lips as I think about him and I pull my phone from my pocket and text Dom.
Can you get me tickets to City’s game on Monday? I think they’re playing a friendly.
