He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze. “Your brother loves you. He’ll understand.”
I’m desperate to believe that. Curled against him, with Elody’s laughter drifting down the hallway and Laiken’s steady presence wrapped around me like armor, I almost do.
“I really hope you’re right,” I whisper.
Laiken’s gaze stays steady on mine. What I find in his eyes is the quiet promise of a man who shows up and knows how to stay.
“I am.” He drops another kiss against my forehead, lingering for half a second before shifting, as if he’s about to say something, until the elevator dings.
The sound slices straight through me, and my eyes widen despite myself.
“It’ll be fine,” he says again, gentler this time, as if he knows the first reassurance wasn’t quite enough. “I’ve got you. I will always have you.”
He kisses me once more before rising to his feet. I stay on the couch for a beat longer, my hands flexing against my knees as my stomach roils, nerves flaring beneath my skin.
This is it.
There’s no more hiding.
As Laiken heads toward the entryway, I push myself up and trail a few steps behind, my bare feet sinking into the plush rug. I’m suddenly aware of everything at once. The faint trace of his cologne that clings to me, the warm gleam of the penthouse lights against polished marble, and the distant sounds of Elody playing in her room.
Life continues even though mine is about to shift.
The elevator dings again, softer this time, as the doors slide open.
My brother’s voice reaches us before he does. “Hey! We’re here.”
Rina’s laugh follows, filling the space as they step inside. Even though Oliver is dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt, he looks as if he belongs on a billboard wearing an expensive suit. His hair is slightly mussed, like he couldn’t be bothered to comb it.
Rina is at his side, wearing a cream-colored coat with a scarf tucked neatly around her neck. The moment her gaze meets mine, her expression shifts. It would be impossible to miss the concern, reassurance, and understanding in that one look.
Oliver’s attention flicks to Laiken first and then to me.
His brows lift slightly as he moves farther into the penthouse. “Hey, kid. How’s married life treating you?”
Before I can answer, Rina closes the distance between us in three quick strides and wraps her arms around me, hugging me tight enough for emotion to well in my chest.
“Don’t worry,” she whispers near my ear. “It’ll be okay.”
I swallow hard as the pressure builds behind my eyes.
When she pulls back, I nod once, knowing that if I try to speak, I’ll burst into tears. There is so much emotion churning inside me.
Oliver clears his throat, glancing around the penthouse. “So, where’s your little tornado of energy?”
“She’s in her room playing,” Laiken answers easily. “I told her we’d order pizza in about an hour.”
My brother pats his stomach. “Good. I’m starving. I made sure to save my appetite, since tonight’s on you.”
Laiken huffs out a laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you back next poker night. It’s at your place, remember?”
Rina’s brows lift as she turns toward Oliver. “Oh?” Her tone is deceptively calm. “That’s strange. I don’t recall you mentioning anything about it.”
He winces before quickly recovering. “Remember the spa night I set up for you and the girls?”
A slow smile curves Rina’s lips. “Sneaky.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is strategic,” Oliver counters, flashing a grin.
