* * *
Keys watched the little boy,who was so adorable with bright blonde hair and big blue eyes and that chubbiness many little kids had, slide down for what had to be the twentieth time in a row.
“You sure about this?” Goose asked him from the shadows. The building they were hiding next to was across the street from the children’s playground.
“No,” Keys answered honestly, “but I know I’ll regret it, if I don’t take this chance.”
He looked down at his watch, impatiently waiting for the Gomessage from Thorne and Grimm. Since starting his business, this was the first time Keys had left Mount Grove, but things were quiet at home, and Tom needed a break from his travels. As far as anyone but the three Riley brothers were concerned, Keys was at a business meeting in Yukon, Canada. A business meeting he had fabricated, and would continue to fabricate evidence that the meeting had failed, resulting in the client choosing not to sign with Master Key Security Solutions.
Maybe it was extreme, but he would not break Rose’s trust or confidence.
Grimm: Ready
Keys took a large breath, letting it out slowly.
“You know, we had a bet that the kid was yours.” Surprised by these words, Keys looked over his shoulder at Goose. The middle brother shrugged, completely unbothered, despite the fact that Keys was his boss. “We couldn’t figure it out, why you would hide your woman and kid away like this. We were trying to guess which of your club brothers she was maybe related or married to, but that certainly didn’t fit. Your club’s too close, and we know you well enough by now to know you’d never screw over a brother like that.”
“I wouldn’t,” Keys agreed sternly. He wasn’t pleased to hear the brothers were talking about Rose behind closed doors, but he also wasn’t surprised by it. Of course, they would be curious about who Rose was and her connection to Keys. “And he’s not my kid.”
Goose snorted. “And here I thought you were a smart man, boss. But don’t worry, I’ll forgive you this once. I can only hope one day that I find a woman who makes me that stupid.”
Unsure of how to react to that statement, Keys just shook his head. “Get into position. Once I have the blood, we’ll need to move fast to keep our window.”
“Aye-aye, Captain.” Quiet as a mouse, Goose climbed up the metal fire escape of the brick building, a concealed rifle on his back.
Keys’ watch notified him of another message.
Jigsaw: You know that saying about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes? Well, your shoes suck, man! How did I not know that you did so much for the club?
Pulling out his phone, Keys typed out his reply.
Keys: You’re the one who said you could handle “being me” for a day.
Jigsaw: I honestly thought you just sat on your ass all day playing video games until one of us interrupted you!
Keys: You know how you guys are always threatening me to get in the ring with one of you??? Welcome to MY Thunderdome, brother.
Jigsaw: I take it back!!! I don’t like your Thunderdome.
Keys: Quit your bitching. I’m headed into my meeting now. I’ll be back late tonight.
Not wanting any further distractions, Keys pocketed his phone and hurried across the street.
* * *
Rose did not takeher eyes off her son. “I’m not surprised you showed up here, but I am that it took you nearly three weeks.”
“There was a lot to finish and prep before I could, and I knew you were safe the entire time.”
Keys was so close that she could smell him. It was subtle, but he had a sweet aroma, like something akin to a candy shop. Rose held herself still, not wanting to give in to the urge to throw herself into his arms.
“You stayed at the last location you let me help you move to. Are you telling me you weren’t hoping I would show?”
Rose didn’t have an answer for him, because honestly, there was a good chance she had. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. Letting out a shaky breath, Rose admitted, “I don’t know what I’m doing, Keys. I don’t know how to keep him safe, while also letting myself be happy.”
“It’s a big step,” he said softly. “I’m not offering you anythingotherthan safety, Rose. You and me, it’s off the table as long as you need it to be. But you deserve the chance to relax, to take a breather without worrying that the second you let your guard down is the moment it all goes to shit. That’s all I’m offering you.”
Rose stared at her son, refusing to look away. She might break if she did. “Why?” she asked, honestly needing to know the answer. “Why would you do any of this for me? I’m not worth it.”
