“Steady.” Did that word scare him? Fuck yeah, it did. But if he had a son, he’d be willing to give it a shot. And if he succeeded, maybe he’d stop disappointing everyone. Including himself.
“I’m not sure you’re capable of that.”
“Got a whole fuckin’ family behind me, Vi. Includin’ you.”
“You’re not asking for much.”
“Knew you’d agree.” One side of his mouth hiked up when she released another loud sigh.
“You’re such an asshole.”
“Should be used to assholes since your pop’s the king of ‘em.”
“Stop trying to steal his crown, Zeke. Especially if this boy turns out to be yours. If you keep acting stupid, Kyra’s going to fight you tooth and nail to keep you away from him, and with your record, the court might agree with her.”
She wasn’t wrong, but fuck if he was telling her that. She’d never let him live it down.
A deep voice came from the hallway. “You good, boss?”
Zeke glanced over his shoulder to see a buff, tattooed dude hovering in the hallway. He hooked a thumb in the newcomer’s direction. “Who the fuck’s this guy?”
Whoever it was must have thought Zeke’s question was an invitation to join them. When he stepped into Vi’s office he almost sucked all the oxygen from the room with his presence.
“This your ex-con boyfriend?”
Zeke’s head snapped back toward Vi. “You got a fuckin’ ex-con boyfriend?”
“No!” She grimaced and her eyes rose to the man standing behind Zeke. “No!Eww. This ex-con’s my cousin.”
The guy was showing off his ink and honed muscles by only wearing a tank top.
“Zeke, this is my new team member, Reaper. Reaper, this is Zeke. Or, as we like to call him, Trouble.”
Reaper’s hand shot out. “Clay Wyatt.”
Zeke clasped it and gave it a firm shake. “The sniper.”
Reaper didn’t confirm or deny that but he did eyeball Zeke’s cut. “Heard a lot about you,Trouble.”
“I’m sure.”
“Nothing good,” Reaper finished.
“No surprise.”
Reaper turned to face Vi. “So, you’re good then?”
Was this guy for real?
“Yes, he’s harmless. Thanks for being vigilant.”
With a nod, Reaper strode out of the office.
“Why’s he so damn concerned about you? You’re in your goddamn office with your cousin.”
“It’s part of who he is, I guess. By the way, Reaper’s got a sled.”
“So?” What did that have to do with his own issue?
