Page 38 of Swerve (Boosted Hearts 1)

My phone started ringing, ending our conversation, thank fuck. Jude’s name flashed up on my screen. I answered. “What’s up?”

“Got something for you.”

“Talk to me.”

“Scott’s laptop. It’s locked down tight, so tight none of the guys here can get into it. Told them I know a guy.”

“When can you get it to me?”

“I’m on my bike now. I’ll be at your place in a few.”

“Meet you there.” I disconnected, shoved my phone back in my pocket, and quickly filled Hunter in.

“Let me know if you find something.” The look he gave me was hard. Hunter knew me well, which meant he more than likely knew I would take Scott out as soon as an opportunity presented itself, backup be damned.

I gave him a chin lift, purposely not answering, and strode over to Ruby. She looked up at me, startled when I kept coming. I planted my hand on the back of the couch and leaned in, heard her soft intake of breath when I pressed my lips to her smooth skin, kissing her forehead.

I lifted my head, caught her eyes. “Be back later.”

Her mouth kinda hung open. Fucking cute. I wanted to kiss her again, kiss that mouth more than anything.

Instead, I straightened and headed out.

I was going to find Scott, and I was going to make him pay.

* * *

Ruby

Jude sat with Josh on his lap reading him a story. The guy was the size of a Mack truck, could be meaner than a bear with a sore head when he was in a mood, and could be terrifying when he went after someone that had pissed him off. But put a kid and a woman with a face covered in bruises in front of him and he turned into the best nursemaid and nanny in the known world. Jude had a soft side that was so damn squishy, I’d think he was made of marshmallow if I didn’t already know him and what he was capable of.

Hopefully looking at me didn’t bring up too many bad memories for him.

“You want a beer?” I asked, heading to the kitchen.

Hunter and Lulu had gone out to dinner to celebrate some anniversary. I didn’t know what for, but I’d seen Hunter growl something in her ear before they’d left and Lulu had flushed bright red. She didn’t know, but they were staying in a hotel the night. I assumed I was in for a quiet night with Josh, but then Jude had arrived armed with a six-pack and an overnight bag, as well as the entire Die Hard series on DVD.

“Yeah,” he rumbled. “You got any chips?” He glanced down at Josh. “This little guy’s looking wiped. We’ll start the marathon once he’s out.”

“Good plan. Let me check out the food situation.” I opened the pantry and started riffling through. I found two bags of chips, snatched them up, and turned with a triumphant grin on my face. “We shall dine like kings tonight.”

My gaze shot to the other side of the apartment. Neco was standing in the open door. Apparently, he had a key now. Jude was still on the couch with Josh, and was twisted around, looking at Neco over his shoulder.

“Wasn’t expecting you,” Jude said as Josh wriggled off his lap, groggily stumbling in Neco’s direction with his arms up.

Neco scooped him up and planted a kiss on the top of his head. “You can go if you like. I’m staying.”

I swallowed, mouth suddenly dry. He was staying?

Jude stood, walked to the kitchen, and got his own beer since I was still standing there gaping like a trout.

“Nah, me and Ruby are gonna watch Die Hard, it’s all sorted. Plus, Hunt and Lulu are away tonight. I was gonna camp out on the couch, keep our girl company.” He took a deep pull of his beer, snatched one of the bags of chips from my hand, and went back to the couch.

“I’m staying tonight,” Neco said. “She’s covered.”

Jude shrugged, grabbed the DVD, and started setting up, obviously not planning on going anywhere. “You putting the little man to bed or should I? We were just about to get started.”

I saw Neco’s jaw tighten, just a fraction, but enough I knew something was annoying him. “I’ll put Josh to bed.” Then he headed down the hall, Josh cradled in his arms.