I lay awake in our bed as Luca sleeps soundly next to me. My mind is running too fast, trying to figure out what the hell happened to him.
I know he’d make it known if he got an inkling about my plan. He’d try to stop it right then and there. I wish he’d tell me about his jobs, lay the burden on me, let me take some of it for him, because I would.
He’s always off when he comes back from his jobs; that’s a given, but tonight was different.
I retrace my steps over and over in my head from when I was in his office, everything was put back as I found it…right? It was.
My hand absentmindedly finds the skin around my nail bed as I pick it, a nervous habit that I haven’t been able to overcome. I feel a slight sting when I pull the skin, knowing it’s going to bleed and enjoying the sharp pain it releases.
Not being able to lie in bed any longer, I quietly pad out of our bedroom and to the office, needing to affirm my thoughts.
Walking in, I go straight to the file where David sits and see nothing off kilter. Drawing my brows together, I stand and look at the bookshelf, my eyes moving down the shelves, waiting for something to jump out at me, but nothing does. When my nerves start to settle at last, I leave the office, heading toward the stairs and to the kitchen. Luca stands in the bedroom door, naked, resting his arm on the door frame.
“What are you doing?”
Caught, I honestly tell him, “I couldn’t sleep.” But I don’t go into why I couldn’t.
“Hmm. Come back to bed.” He turns and I watch his tight ass disappear into the darkness, following him.
Luca wraps me in his arms, and without a fight, my body relaxes before I drift off.
Stepping inside Hard Knocks, I feel like I’m home. The smell is one you must get used to—sweat and man, but it’s welcoming. My one constant that helped me this past year.
“Hey!” Thomas comes barreling toward us, bear-hugging me. “Ready to get into the ring?” He spins me before placing me down.
“Not this time. Here to work.” I squish up my face looking at Luca.
He lets out a boisterous laugh. “Free labor!”
Luca pops my ass, making me yelp. Yesterday’s weirdness has eased, and I’m leaving it where we left off.
Scanning the gym, I ask, “Where’s Damian?”
“He’s been in and out,” comes from behind us as Weeks joins our circle.
“Weeks.” I open my arm and give him a side hug. With these men, I feel safe; they’re my family.
Weeks fucks with my hair, before I jab him with my elbow. “Ouch.” He plays it up.
“You better get used to it, Rowan.” Weeks walks away from me as he throws the last word over his shoulder.
I look at Luca and then at Thomas, who shrugs.
“We’ll be having a houseguest.”
I look at Luca. “Weeks?”
“Few weeks tops, Rowan. I promise I’m house-trained.”
Luca and Thomas laugh, but I stand there eyeing Luca, wondering why I’m just learning this. I love these men, but having one in my space for days on end. “Luca.” I drawl out his name.
He saunters up to me, smiling big, showing off my favorite tooth of his. “He needed somewhere to go until his place is finally done. You know he’s getting ready for his daughter to come live with him full time.” He kisses my head.
I nod,don’t be a bitch, Rowan. I chastise myself. All I want for these men is nothing but the best. I’ve only ever lived with my father and Luca; those are the only two men who are complete polar opposites. Adding Weeks, I’m not sure how our dynamic will change. I don’t want to feel weird in my house. But I know Weeks will do whatever he needs to make me feel comfortable in my home.
Weeks walks back toward us, smiling. “I’m excited for you. I know how much you want her to be with you full-time. And she’s a lucky little girl.” Remembering the unicorn that hangs from his rearview mirror.
“Thanks.” He smiles shyly, looking toward the ground.
