One of Hope’s brown eyebrows arches upward. “Yeah, well, Jos thinks she’s moving into your room in the townhouse.”
“She knows?” I ask, unsurprised that my youngest sister has been informed. This only means they all know, and I’ll never hear the end of it.
I have four sisters, but not in the traditional sense. Hope and Tracker took us in, and sometimes sisterhood forms simply through understanding each other better than anyone else.
Hope shrugs, moving back to the sink. “She’s still at home. She gets all the goods. It’s the only perk she has.”
“What did you see today? Were they telling us everything?” Track pushes his plate away, jumping into why he’s really here.
I slump in my stool. “If not, their tells are practiced and precise.”
He crosses his arms, completely unaffected by my sharp tone. “I know you’re pissed,” he starts. “But you’re ready for this. It’s your final training.”
“Final training? Is this some kind of test? Get me in there. See how long I’ll last. You know I’ll die trying.”
He stabs me with a glare, his entire body stiffening. “No.”
“Why are you doing this? Why now? You know what living with him means for me.” I try to keep my tone even, but I’m doing a shit job.
He runs a hand over his scruff. “I want this for you.” His voice is uncharacteristically soft. “I want you to know that you can. That you don’t have to be afraid. Ryder. . . ” He pauses, leaning forward and resting his arms on the table. “You are the strongest, bravest, most fearless person I know.”
I force myself to breathe, or I won’t make it through this conversation.
“You quit running and hiding a long time ago. This is it. This is the final piece that will set you free. Free to have the life I’ve always wanted for you and you’ve earned.”
I swallow hard, my nails biting into my palms. “Me living with this guy and tracking down these threats will do that?” I don’t make it a habit to question this man, but in this case, I’m willing to risk it.
His eyes meet mine across the small table. They’re as gentle as I’ve ever seen them, and they stab me right in the center of my chest. “You would’ve never done this on your own. Given yourself a chance to see. . . ”
I breathe. “So, you’re forcing me, no matter the cost?”
He shakes his head. “No. This is your job. If you’re really that against it, that afraid, you can quit.”
I stare at him long and hard. He knows I won’t quit. This is my life. He’s set this before me and known all along I’ll do it. Backing down is never an option. He trained me.
The man is tough as nails, but he’s all mush when it comes to one of us girls. Right now, he thinks he’s doing something for me. Maybe he is, but it doesn’t really matter. I’m assigned to Cole Matthews, and until I bring down whoever is threatening him, I’ll be his protection.
I push off my stool. “I need to get going. I have to pack.”
Track nods, the corner of his lips twitching. “I meant what I said today. You are the best.”
“Well, hopefully, I don’t get us fired,” I say as Hope slides her arms around Track’s neck from behind.
“Sunday dinners won’t be the same.” Hope’s tone saddens. “Lyla’s already gone half the time. Jamie and Vanessa are getting busier, and now you.” Her lower lip pushes out slightly. “You could bring him sometime.”
“Yes. That would be wonderful,” Track grumbles. “I want a phone call every day. An update on the case, and I want to hear your voice.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And lay off that shoulder.” He holds my gaze. “You have to promise me you won’t do anything crazy. If you have a lead, I wanna know about it.”
“Yep. Got it.” I salute.
“Ryder.” His voice shifts to a low growl, and Hope snickers beside him.
These two. They’re the only kind of parents I will ever know, and I couldn’t have dreamed up better ones.
I try to hide my sarcastic smile, but it’s no use. “Fine. I promise.”
