Hunt acknowledged their opinions with a nod. “Tonight, I’ll get the mug shots of Lottie’s brothers. Just keep an eye out for them. Until we know what they’re after, they’re a ticking time bomb.”
Archer nodded. “I’ll get Elise to dig deeper too.”
The women’s laughter flowed out again as Rhys leaned forward, his whiskey glass dangling from his hands. “You’rethatworried about them?”
Hunt nodded. “Yeah, I am.”
Archer asked, “This isn’t something you should get involved in.”
His badge would be on the line. “I’m aware.”
“Good, I’m glad you’re accepting that,” Archer said. “Give me the mug shots, then leave this alone. I’ll take it on.”
Archer had Ronan and Hawke, both retired Navy Seals. They could handle this, but… “You can run point on them. But, Lottie, she’s mine to worry about.”
“It’s a risk being involved with criminals,” Archer pressed, a muscle in his jaw twitching. “Plus, you’re involved with someone who has fake identification. If you don’t get involved, you can play dumb.”
“Where Lottie is involved, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.” Hunt’s ringing phone cut off what Archer was going to say. He hurriedly grabbed it from his pocket. “Kieran,” he said, jumping to his feet.
“He’s here,” Kieran said, emotion cracking his voice. “He’s here, Hunt.”
“We’re on our way.”
9
“Timothy Gavin Black,” Kieran said, holding the sleeping newborn, swaddled in a blue blanket, his eyes shining.
Feeling like an intruder in a very private moment between deeply close friends, Lottie stayed back near the door as the friends circled around Kieran, celebrating a new little one into their found family. While Elise and Zoey had forgiven her and understood, Lottie hadn’t made peace with Rhys and Archer yet, and neither of them had paid her much attention at the house except to say hello. Suddenly she realized Hazel was watching her, lying in the hospital bed, her light-brown hair up in a messy bun. Her light-blue eyes understandably tired. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Hazel smiled softly. The type of smile that let Lottie know she still belonged.
Lottie smiled back, hoping Hazel saw her appreciation of her friendship, before Hazel smiled back at her husband and everyone doting on her new baby.
Lottie’s heart flip-flopped as Hunt took the baby from Kieran and kissed the baby’s head. He looked so comfortable with the infant in his arms, and Lottie’s stomach took a nosedive. She’d never considered children, not with her family. She’d been raised in hell. Never would she do that to another child. But unexpected warmth touched her chest as Hunt smiled down at the baby, pure joy on his face. The excitement in the voices around her became a hum in her ears as he shared in Kieran and Hazel’s happiness.
For as long as Lottie had fought to stay ahead of her emotions, she knew she’d let them win over logic. With her brothers now in New York City and angry as hell, Lottie realized her grave mistake—she’d brought danger to the lives of everyone in this room.
She shouldn’t have come. She shouldn’t let her brothers know they even existed.
With the air evaporating from the room, she, as silently as she could, headed out the door and back into the maternity’s hallway. How could she let this happen? She was putting them all at risk.
When she finally reached the outdoors, she found a circular metal table with seats attached. She headed for the railing where hanging flower baskets hung every few feet apart. Knowing that her brothers could never find her here, she tipped her head back and breathed deep.Because Dad told me that you will be the end to our family.
What had her father meant?
“Babies aren’t your thing?”
Startled, she glanced back, finding Rhys standing behind her. “I like babies. It’s just…” The words she needed to find were out of reach. She finally decided on, “With everything going on, it’s safer for me not to be around Hazel and the baby right now. I shouldn’t have come here. I’m sorry I didn’t realize that sooner.”
Rhys gave a slight nod of understanding. He joined her at the railing, resting his arms atop, staring out at the view of the city skyline. “Tell me one thing,” he eventually asked. She turned to face him, and he asked, “Are you okay?”
The question was so Rhys. He always seemed concerned for her well-being, ever since the first night she’d stepped into his club. She’d never thought fondly of men until she met Rhys and his inner circle of friends. “I’m okay,” she answered truthfully. Then she realized she shouldn’t have answered so quickly. “Or I should say I think I’m okay. I really don’t know what my brothers want, and that’s really scary.”
Rhys agreed with a nod. “Hunt is worried.”
“I know. I’m worried. I knew the risk was always there that they’d come find me, but I...lost sight of that.” Staring out at the busy street ahead, she sighed. “I didn’t want any of this. I thought I’d left my old life behind.”
Rhys stayed silent a moment before he glanced sidelong. “You don’t owe me a damn thing, Lottie. You never have to tell me what happened. But I hope you know that I’m here for you. Everyone is.”
