“Results are in. Boy’s definitely yours. DNA confirmation is in there, so you’ve got a copy.” He taps the top sheet. “I’ve also started the paperwork for full legal custody. No one’s going to be able to contest his staying with you. Not that I think it’d be a problem.”
My breath catches at the news we’ve been waiting for.
“I looked into his grandmother,” Ghost continues. “Her record’s a mess. Almost as long as yours should be.” He flicks a glance at Vik. “She’s in Florida. Not exactly in a position to fight anything, should she have a come-to-Jesus and all of a sudden want a relationship with the grandson she’s never met.”
The tight grip that’s been wrapped around my heart finally loosens. A soft breath leaves me, louder than I intend, and both men glance my way.
“Hey.” Vik’s at my side instantly, his arm wrapping around my waist, pulling me into his chest. “We’ll figure all this out. It’s going?—”
“No,” I cut him off, shaking my head as I press my hand flat against his chest. “It’s not that. I’m just… relieved. We can finally move forward,” I say quietly. “Let him settle in without feeling like everything’s temporary. Like someone’s going to come in and rip him away at any second.”
Vik huffs out a laugh, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “I knew you were already too attached.”
I roll my eyes, but I don’t deny it. Because I am, and it happened long before these final test results showed up.
“Is that it?” I ask, glancing back at Ghost.
He hesitates for half a second. Just enough to tell me it’s not.
“Almost,” he says. “I heard something about that warehouse bust from one of my sources.”
Vik scoffs, the vibration of it rumbling through me. “We all know that search was bullshit. They went in there hoping to find something and came up empty as we planned.”
“Exactly,” Ghost replies. “Which means they’re pissed. You embarrassed them.”
The air in the room shifts, unease skittering down my spine.
“The sheriff’s not going to let that go,” Ghost continues. “Not with the new mayor pulling strings behind the scenes. The call to hit came from him.”
Vik goes still against me, like a statue’s been erected in his place.
“You were right,” Ghost adds. “The Mayor’s coming for the club.”
Vik’s hand tightens against my waist before he pulls away, pacing a step and slamming his palm against the countertop.
“I need you at church next week,” he says, his voice all business now.“ The guys have been restless with everything up in the air. The handoff’s done, and we’re clean, but they’re itching for something new.”
Ghost nods. “I’ll be there.”
“Get with Chopper before then,” Vik continues. “He’s running point while we keep our heads down. We’ll take a hit on profits for a bit, but we’ll make it work.”
“You got it, boss.”
Ghost taps the counter once, then turns and heads for the door, gone just as quickly as he came.
The silence he leaves behind lingers, making me uneasy that the mood might stick. I barely have time to process any of it before Vik’s hands are back on me, insistent as he lifts me off my feet and wraps me against him.
My legs twine around his waist automatically, my arms sliding around his neck as his mouth crashes into mine.
“Fuck, mama,” he growls against my lips. “I need to taste you right now.”
My breath catches as he grinds up against me, hard and ready to slide inside.
I open my mouth to answer, but the back door slams open, crashing against the wall. Fast footsteps follow, closing in on our moment.
“Damn kids,” Vik mutters, stealing one last kiss before setting me back down.
“And you want more,” I shoot back, a smirk tugging at my lips as I smooth my clothes back into place.
