I try not to let it get under my skin, but it tookyearsof following orders for him to treat me like a capable partner when it comes to making decisions.
“Magnum, you’ll be with me today,” Moretti says. “We’re going to drop off the things Chapman is waiting for Vanessa to return. After that, I’d like you to do reconnaissance at Grigoryan’s office and possibly his home. I’ll be focusing on the preparations for mine and Vanessa’s claiming ceremony.”
My elbow rests on the table, and I lie my head on my palm, blinking at him until he gets the hint.
“I haven’t forgotten about you,” he says, rolling his eyes. “Vanessa needs rest. I’m trusting you to stay with her and ensure she doesn’t overdo it. She was feverish again last night, and I had to get creative to bring it down without shoving my knot inside her.”
My eyes narrow.
“Wow.” Magnum chuckles. “Way to come out and say you think he’s less likely than me to stick his dick inside her when they’re left alone together.”
“Like there was a question about that.” Moretti scoffs.
I wonder how hard it would be to find a new job? Both of them are starting to get on my last damn nerve. The only one I’m not annoyed with is Vanessa.
Moretti and Magnum leave, and I’m still hanging around the kitchen, waiting for Vanessa to pop up. If she doesn’t come down soon, I’m going to head upstairs and check on her.
Angel comes in, eyeing the food as she rocks the baby. She looks at me, and before she can open her mouth, I know what’s coming.
“Bring her over,” I say, smiling. “I’ll hold her while you eat.”
Angel doesn’t have to be told twice. She crosses the room, handing off Kassie. The baby is wide awake, and the second her mother hands her over, she starts to tut.
I chuckle as her lips push together. “Uh-oh, you realized it’s not Mom.” Nodding toward the counter, I say, “Go on. Eat while you can.”
“Thanks, Hawk. You’re a lifesaver.” Angel spins around, taking off to make herself a plate.
I grunt and rock the baby in my forearm, grinning down at her. She’s gotten so big, and I look forward to running into Angel so I can hold Kassie for a few minutes.
I figure it’s good practice for when I have kids of my own one day. I don’t want to need someone to tell me how to do everything, and learning now means I won’t be terrified of doing something wrong later.
Kassie’s face reddens, and she starts to fuss, so I pull her up to my shoulder, patting her diaper. She’s so light, but I make sure to keep hold of her neck as I sway in my seat.
“You’re a fussy lady this morning. Aren’t ya? Did you give your mom trouble last night?” I ask, nuzzling my cheek to the side of the baby’s head.
“She did, and Ziggy and Anson didn’t get in untillate,” Angel says, like I was talking to her. “I swear it must have been after the three-a.m. feed. They haven’t been out that late since before she was born.”
“They were still handling something for the boss when I left. I’m not surprised they got in late.”
Is it my responsibility to reassure her they were working?
Fuck no, but I still do.
I wouldn’t lie for them if I knew they were out doing something shady. Since I know they were actually working and probably desperate to get home to her and Kassie, it costs me nothing to set her mind at ease.
Angel gets quiet as she eats, and I get back to keeping the baby happy.
A few minutes pass, and movement catches my eye in the archway.
Vanessa leans against the wall, watching me. The look on her face is unfamiliar, but I smile, raising a hand to wave her over.
She shuffles toward the table, and I begin to worry she might be under the weather.
She’s in an oversized knit sweater that hangs off one shoulder and gray sweats that look like they belong to Moretti. They’re bunched around her calves about a hundred times.
“You okay, sweetheart?” I lean back, keeping hold of Kassie with one hand and reaching the other arm out to welcome Vanessa.
She’s a little taller than me while I’m sitting, which gives me an entirely new perspective. I’m normally looking down at her. She really does look exhausted. She’s even sporting dark circles under her eyes.
