Page 18 of Between Steel and Secrets
I’m not thrilled that classes will be resuming and my chances of running into Bristol become non-existent, unless I’m visiting my twin, Sophia, at Great Falls or we’re playing against their team, the Predators.
“Hopefully, we didn’t cause more trouble today,” Ashton grumbles. “We cleaned up some shit, but I can’t be certain more problems won’t follow.”
“Life of the job.” I glance back at Harper and Luca’s bedroom. “Unless you mean trouble because of that—” I gesture behind me for their door.
“Harper paying a visit to the police puts all of us on notice. We need to be careful.” Ashton glances at each of us.
“I’m always careful,” Nova says, pulling her legs up on the sofa beside herself as she leans against Ashton.
He wraps an arm around her shoulders and nods. His eyes are heavy, he looks tired but alert.
“Do we need to start worrying about taking shifts, someone staying awake, watching security feeds outside the house?” I know we’ve already agreed to not let Harper and Zeke be alone.
Ashton sighs and runs his hands along Nova’s arms. “I don’t think that’s necessary yet. We’ll know rather quickly whether everything turns to shit or not.”
“That’s not exactly reassuring,” Nova says.
I bring my beer back into the living room and head toward the loveseat across from Ashton and Nova.
“It wasn’t meant to be.” Ashton pulls Nova onto his lap. “You don’t have to worry; we’ll keep you safe.”
Nova smirks and stretches her legs out on the sofa. “I wasn’t worried. I can take care of myself.”
I sit and take a swig from my beer. “Do we know anything about the men who were harassing Harper?” I ask.
Ashton nods, his hands caressing Nova’s hips, pulling her closer protectively. “Their mafia don is dead. Now, we wait to see what happens.”
Five
Luca
I want to talk to Harper in private, but I have Zeke attached to my hip, and it’s getting well past his bedtime.
I shove open the bedroom door, glaring at Harper. She’s finished unpacking our bag, the empty suitcase open and shoved up against the wall. Seated on the bed, she’s got a book in her hands, capturing her attention.
“I’m going to put this little dragon down for the night. Do you want to tuck him in?”
Harper abruptly shuts the book without even glancing at the page.
“I’ll put him to bed.” Harper stands, without so much as meeting my stare. She holds out her hands to take him from me.
“No bed. Play time.” Zeke wiggles in my arms.
“I don’t mind getting him ready and tucking him in,” I offer. It’s as much of a peace offering as I’m going to make because I’m pissed at her betrayal, but I’m not about to take it out on our son.
“He’s mine. I’ll put him down.” She untangles Zeke from my hold and carries him out of the bedroom and into his room.
I bite my tongue, watching her walk away.
That stings.
I give Harper five minutes, enough time to get him changed for bed, before I poke my head into his bedroom. She’s getting him settled under the covers for a bedtime story.
He lies back and reaches for his stuffed dragon, gripping it tight in his arms, hugging it to his chest.
I have to walk away.
I need a minute to myself, to keep my head level.
