Every line of his body goes taut, his hands clench, and then he whirls toward Keegan. It’s impressive that Keegan doesn’t step back, because honestly, I’ve never seen him so mad. Even when he didn’t take my courting gift well. Turns out, a dead body isn’t the way to his heart.
“I told you I would not put my son at risk! And you want me to work with a killer?” He sends me a scathing side-eye, before saying, “If I’d known he was involved, I wouldn’t be here!”
“Well, isn’t it a good thing you didn’t know then?” I respond, blinking innocently as I point out the logic behind it. Jude clamps his hand onto my shoulder and squeezes—hard. I glance over my shoulder at him, unsure what I did wrong, but based on his expression, I decide I should probably shut up. Maybe.
Carter steps forward, holding his hands out, palm forward, as if to prove he’s innocent. I almost snort. Everyone’s hands here are covered in blood, even if they want to pretend differently. “Look, Brannigan, I’m sorry this came as a shock to you. I was…unaware of your, er…exact history. But please, we desperately need you. Our love needs you.”
“And we have other patients, too! It’ll keep you challenged, I promise!” I go for my most winsome smile, but Brannigan just pinches the bridge of his nose and mutters under his breath. I think it may have included a string of curse words, which, far be it for me to judge a father, but…somehow me killing someone is wrong, but that language isn’t?
From the look of disgust he gives me, it wasn’t quite motivational enough. I mean, personally, I’d be excited over a challenge. Jude squeezes my shoulder tighter, and it makes me weak in the knees. I turn toward him again, widening my eyes, because I don’t think now is the time to be flirting.
Keegan clears his throat, and draws Bran-Bran’s attention to him instead. “Look, I understand that this isn’t ideal for you. I promise, we will ensure you’re safe. You’ll have bodyguards. While we cannot control all aspects of Javi’s…nature, I can promise you that if you ever feel threatened, we’re here for you, and we will make sure to take action. You’re the only one who can help us. And…Javi is right. We have complex patients that need someone like you.”
“Daddy!” a young child exclaims as he comes into view. Brannigan’s eyes widen as alarm takes over and he steps back, trying to shield his son. As if I’d harm a child.
Grinning widely, I shrug off Jude’s hand, since it loosened at the sight of a kid, and kneel down. I softly ask, “Are you Rowan?”
“How do you know my name?” He glances at me hesitantly, but like most children, shows no fear.
I reach into my pocket, even as Brannigan makes a high-pitched noise of distress, and pull out a sucker. “Well, Rowan, I considered your dad a close friend in college, and when I found out about you, I was really happy for him. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Are you allowed suckers?”
Showing he has some level of caution, he glances up at his dad, who grudgingly nods, even though he’s unhappy about it. I hold out the sucker, and Rowan sneaks forward and grabs it, unwrapping it, before he stops and says, “Thank you, sir.”
I can practically feel the men behind me melt, and I want to roll my eyes at them, but I don’t because he is a cute seven-year-old, I guess. He's definitely going to be spoiled around here. In fact…
“Do you like animals? We have kittens here, and my friend Lio has a dog who loves to play ball. We even have a couple goats coming, but you’d need to talk to their owner before approaching.”
His eyes widen in wonder, and he gives a small jump. It’s not much, but he’s still recovering. I’m satisfied with his coloring, though. Still, I’ll feel better after Dr. Ranlen does a full check-up.
Brannigan sighs, and I raise an eyebrow, daring him to let his son and the patients who need him down. Like I knew he would, he folds quickly. “Fine. But I want to interview these bodyguards.”
Carter exhales in relief, and Keegan steps forward, holding out his hand to shake on it. Brannigan eyes it dubiously, but eventually accepts the handshake. I know this man, and a handshake is as good as a vow to him. Standing up, I try to hold in the smugness that’s likely radiating from me. Based on Jude’s glare, I don’t succeed.Oops?
“Well, we’ll let you get settled, so we can start tomorrow. I’ll let you talk more with Carter, Jude, and Keegan.” Giving him another wave, and throwing a wink at Rowan, I duck out before the others can force me to stay. I have too much to do anyway. Like possibly acquiring a kitten for a little boy…
Live animals have to be acceptable if dead bodies aren’t. Although, I still plan on adding Bran-Bran’s father to my list of kills. I’ll just have to make it look as if it was a boring accident. Such is life, not everything can be fun. I really would have preferred hearing the man’s screams. Still, a kitty or two will make up for the disappointment. What Jude isn’t told about ahead of time isn’t my problem…
“Sir… Monroe is here…”
“Oh, good. Go ahead and show him around back, Reginald. Thank you.”
The concerned look on the butler’s face is amusing, but I don’t let on. I admire his professionalism, but I also understand why Javi likes fucking with him. Around here, being too serious can be a hindrance. Though encouraging the psychiatrist to be a menace would be a fucking nightmare, so boundaries and pay cuts when necessary.
The butler goes off to direct Monroe and his…pets to the backyard, while I track down Jude and Javi.
Roman and Lio are waiting with Javi in his office. “Are the goats here?” Roman asks, jumping up from his seat.
I sigh. “Yeah, the goats are here. Come on.”
We head to the back door, but before we can get through it, Keegan’s voice stops me. “Incoming, Papa.”
Spinning around, I smile and crouch to catch Cole as he runs into my arms. “Are you too excited to sleep?” I ask him.
“Whoever told him about the goats gets to do naptime round two,” Keegan says as he steps closer to me, but keeps his eyes on Roman and Lio.
I chuckle a little, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “If they handle naptime, does that mean Papa and Daddy get our ownnaptime?” I ask innocently, but the look my love gives me is full of heat, and it goes straight to my cock.
“As…stimulating as this is,” Javi says. “There are children present, so keep it in your pants. At least, until after we get to play with the goats.”
