Page 106 of Peaches & Pistols

I pocket my phone looking to Mia for approval and what I find is pure mortification. I can’t help but chuckle.

“How could you do that?” Mia squeaks.

“Do what? Feed you?”

“I’m serious! You can’t just ask people to cater to me. They’ll think I’m stuck up.”

Her voice gets higher pitched the longer she talks, and my smile grows wider.

“I can, and I will. This is family, Mia. We do anything for each other, usually with no questions asked. Better get used to it because there’s a shit-ton of love waiting to be given to you, honey,” I say earnestly.

“Now, if you’re done complaining about having the world’s best grilled cheese sandwich hand crafted for you—” Mia shuts me up with a kiss.

Against my lips she says, “Let’s go, fiancé.”

Damnit if I love the way that sounds.

35

Once we got to Lucky Spurs Ranch, Cecelia got permission from Mia to take Everly and Harper overnight to visit the hot springs. Mia was happy so long as the kids were as far from Carter as possible.

Cecelia set Mia a place at the kitchen island with her gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. My girl took bites through happy tears, finally understanding she’s been adopted into the family.

The joyous foursome of grandparents and grandchildren left with an overly exuberant send-off from those of us at the main house, and once they were out of sight, we got to business.

Liv, Izzy, and Delilah promise to keep Mia with them at all times and to evacuate if they get the signal from any of the men.

With plans set in motion, and Mia’s deliverance waiting for me across the ranch, it’s time to say goodbye to my fiancée.

“Mia, honey.” I stand beside her at the crackling fireplace in the family room. My eyes drift to the family’s lucky spurs and hope that luck extends to me tonight.

“I’m going to go handle this. I need to leave, okay?” I say as gently as I can.

She nods, silent tears highlighting her rosy cheeks.

“Everything’s going to be fine, I just need some time alone with him to talk man-to-man. The guys are down there if I need backup, everyone’s got their phones and ranch radios on and ready to go. I promise you’re safe here, Mia. I’d never leave you in an unsafe situation, the same way I’d never hurt you.” I search for confirmation, but her features are dim and closed off.

“I love you more than my life, Mia. Let me do this for you.”

“Okay,” she whispers. “I love you so much, Greyson. Please be safe. I can’t do this life without you.”

I wrap her in my arms, energy and love flowing between us. Leaning back, I place the softest kiss to her forehead.

Now that I know Mia’s alright it’s time to get to work. Once I’m out of earshot of the main house, I hit the gas and prepare to teach Carter what it means to come for what’s mine.

I park at the farthest guest house built so far at Lucky Spurs Ranch. It’s not complete yet, so no guests have stayed here, and I’ll have plenty of time to clean up after myself and burn or bury any evidence.

Raised voices seep from the unfinished walls. Wasting no time, I enter the house like I own it and lock the door behind me.

“It’s about time,” James complains. “This one’s a needy little bitch. Crying for his mama already and we’ve barely touched him.”

Connor laughs, covering his mouth with his fist, but he can’t hide the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

I take a moment to size up the scene. Reid’s posted like a sentry at the back entrance. Connor’s sitting in an old dining chair facing the one Carter’s in, kicking the legs petulantly like a child. Fury bleeds across Carter’s face with every jolt but he bites his tongue now that I’m here.

“Has he even tried to leave?” I ask, circling him like prey, patting Connor proudly on the back on my way around.

“He tried to leave the law firm once he figured out he was about to get fucked, and Greyson, it was fucking beautiful. He swung my door open, and Reid and Connor were waiting on the other side, arms crossed all tough and shit and Reid growled ‘I don’t think so’ and then we bound his hands.” James tells it like a story from summer camp.