Page 100 of The Billionaire Who Saved My Cat From The Mafia

I’m not angry about it.I accepted Special K’s offer to help me, and that means his family would have to be involved to some extent.I know they’re a team.

“Hello.My name’s Finn.”Emma’s husband holds out his hand for a shake, and I accept.

“Very nice to meet you,” I say.“I hear you like to game.”

“Uh…” Finn looks at Special K and back to me.“Yeah!You?”

“Absolutely.”

Finn grins at me.

“I’m Declan,” Summer’s husband says, also holding out his hand.

“Ah, yes.The pilot.Congratulations on your and Summer’s baby.It’s exciting.”

I think he actually blushes.“Thank you.”

“I’m Evander.”

Of course, he is.He’s dressed like he’s about to make closing arguments in court instead of rustling cattle.“Thank you for not throwing me out for trespassing.I appreciate it.”

He quirks an eyebrow at me.

“Cal,” the oldest one says.This is Victoria’s husband.He has such a wise face.The two of them make an exceptionally handsome couple.“Welcome to Yosemite Ranch.”

“Thank you.I’ve heard about you all and it’s wonderful to meet you.”I breathe out, hoping I made a decent first impression, the whole Harper thing notwithstanding.

Special K’s father has been hanging back, looking at me with an expression somewhere between shock and amusement.“Hello again, Mr.MacLaine,” I say, walking to him.It’s clear that all his boys have inherited his rugged good looks, thick hair, and otherworldly eyes.At this moment, those eyes are crinkling up in a smile.

“Well, now, Frankie is it?”

“Yes, sir.”

He laughs and shakes his head, then grabs my hand in both his and gives it a squeeze.“An absolute pleasure, Frankie.We hope you can stay a while.”

With the MacLaines gathered around me, I get a sensation of déjà vu.It reminds me of when I was a kid in Pine Haven with my dad, my grandfather, the Protectors, and their wives and kids.It was a close-knit crowd.Found family, all of them.And they would do anything for each other.It was their code of honor.

I had legitimate reasons for leaving, but this moment reminds me of all I’ve lost by walking away.I’m suddenly filled with deep regret.Maybe one day, if I get out of this alive, I’ll reconnect.

Special K touches my elbow.“You’re exhausted.”He says.“You need to get to bed.”

His mouth twitches, and I really hope his family didn't catch that.

“Can Pussy spend the night with me?Please, please, please?”Jasmine begs.

Normally, I wouldn’t want Pussy to be separated from me, but she’s so happy around the little girl that I relent.Besides, Special K’s right—I’m exhausted.And Pussy seems right at home.

“If it’s okay with your parents,” I say.

“Sure,” Emma says.

“You’ll have to take her outside on her leash to potty.”

“I can do that!”Jasmine squeals.

“Then I’ll come get her tomorrow.”I say this as a reminder that my cat is on loan.Pussy may be thrilled to be living in a mansion with her own little girl at her beck and call, but she’smydamn cat.

We say goodnight to everyone and though it’s not a long walk, I’m so tired that I lean against Special K as we make our way down the gravel lane.He slips his arm around my waist and tugs me close—so easy and natural.I look up at the spectacular display of stars above us and sigh with contentment.