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Chapter thirteen

Charlotte

“Sweet dreams, pretty girl,” I whisper, carefully lowering Clara into her crib until she snuggles against the mattress, my hands slipping free from around her. Even in her sleepy state, she instinctively reaches for Squish, so I place him in her hands, and she claps him against her chest.

I linger there for a second, smiling down at her while I brush my knuckles across her temple, sweeping a few curls away from her face.

It’s crazy how quickly she’s taken up space in my heart.

How protective I’ve become over her in such a short span of time.

She’s lucky to be part of a family that loves her so fiercely.

A family that would take a bullet for her without hesitation.

I step back, switching on her nightlight and sound machine. Crickets and soft static hum through the room as I tiptoe toward the door, baby monitor clutched in one hand while I ease it shut behind me with the other.

Alex had told me earlier he planned on spending some time in his gym to let off some steam after everything that happened today, so I make my way to the basement, but the second I step into the room, my feet falter. Alex and Mauro are in the ring, circling each other, arms raised and ready to strike.

Alex’s bare chest flexes with every punch he throws. Sweat glides over the hard planes of his abs, tracing each defined ridge before disappearing beneath the waistband of his shorts.

Heat curls deep in my stomach as my gaze drifts lower.

An unfamiliar sensation builds inside me.

A need I’ve never felt before unfurls within me.

My arms wrap around my torso, my thighs pressing together as I try to smother the ache curling through me.

What is wrong with me?

A throat clears, and my head jerks up to find Alex and Mauro watching me. Mauro drags a hand across his jaw, barely concealing a knowing grin, and heat floods my face so fast I have to look away.

“Sorry,” I blurt out. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I was just—”

“We’re done,” Alex states, reaching for a bottle of water nearby. He tilts his head back and takes a long swig, and my eyes catch on the movement of his throat as he swallows.

The two of them exchange a look and sign to each other. Mauro’s grin widens, causing Alex to narrow his eyes at him in warning. A second later, they both climb out of the ring. Mauro stops in front of me long enough to dip his chin in greeting before brushing past me, leaving me alone with Alex.

I glance up just as he puts his glasses on. “Everything okay?”

“Oh, yes.” I wave a dismissive hand. “It’s not important. I can talk to you later if you prefer.”

Instead of answering, he leans against the edge of the ring, stretching his legs out in front of him while his fingers curl around the ropes.

The sight does absolutely nothing to ease the heat pooling low in my stomach.

I briefly glance over my shoulder to ensure we’re alone and then meet his eyes. “I’ve noticed that Mauro signs. Is he deaf?”

He shakes his head. “No. He was involved in an accident several years ago that damaged his vocal cords. He took up ASL a few years ago, and now the whole family is learning it as well. Alina and I have been teaching them.” He grins. “Although it’s become apparent that some are faster learners than others.”

I smile. “That’s nice that everyone is learning it for him.”

“It is.” He rubs his jaw. “Is that what you came here to talk to me about?” He arches a brow.

My gaze darts to the ground, nerves simmering inside me.

“No. You see…” I wring my fingers together before me and glimpse up. “I was wondering if you could teach me how to use a gun.”