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I laughed, nodding toward where the men and Jackson were picking raspberries. “You have a sexy-hot and dangerous Chief of Police who rarely takes his eyes off you. I’m pretty sure if you gave him the nod, he’d have you slung over his shoulder and in his bed within ten seconds.”
Addie’s smiled faded. She glanced over at Saint leaning his shoulder into the bush as he plucked a raspberry. “Saint and I will never happen.”
“Why not?”
“Which one of you boys would like to barbeque the steaks?” Hettie called as she came out of the house, carrying a plate.
“I’m doing it,” Jaeg shouted, and made his escape from berry picking.
He didn’t get far before Ethan tripped him and he went flying. Saint and Ethan smiled at each other, then tackled Jaeg and pinned him to the ground.
“Jacks, buddy. Bring your bucket,” Ethan said.
Jackson ran over with his bucket of raspberries. I didn’t hear what Ethan said to him, but I guessed when Jackson dumped the bucket of raspberries over Jaeg’s head.
“Squish them in, Jackson,” Ethan said. “He’ll turn pink.”
Jackson grinned and jumped on top of Jaeg and squished the raspberries into Jaeg’s scalp, and red juice slid down his face, staining his skin pink.
Callum chuckled, and Vic shook his head, mouth twitching.
I laughed. The guys seemed to think that Zero Crow was the one place where whatever had gone down in the past was left at the door. But it wasn’t.
It was here with Hettie.
And maybe they didn’t see it, but Vic, Ethan, Jaeg, Saint, and Callum were brothers who conquered and survived. They were their pact Zero Crow, and despite their hostilities and differences, there was no question they’d die for one another.
After dinner, I sat at the picnic table and watched Vic. He chatted with Ethan at the far end of the patio under the string of white lights. I didn’t know what they were talking about, but Vic looked relaxed, a water bottle dangling from his fingers and one leg cocked as he casually leaned against the pergola post.
The animosity between Vic and Ethan was gone, and there was an unspoken respect between them. I think it had to do with Vic saving my life, and Ethan confronting Dad about everything. I don’t know what was said, but Ethan had told me Dad was out of his life and I never had to worry about him coming here or being anywhere near Jackson.
What I did find out was that Vic had found Jackson’s foster parents, and when he did, he’d left for a few days. I didn’t ask what he did to them. I didn’t care. They deserved whatever they had coming for what they’d done to Jackson.
My heart squeezed as I watched him. I may never get all of Vic’s pieces, but the ones I had were what made him who he was. Overprotective. Honest. And yeah, there was no question he was dangerous, but there wasn’t anyone in my life I trusted more.
As if he knew I was watching him, he glanced over at me, and my belly flipped. His eyes heated as they roamed the length of me before sliding back to my face. He said something to the guys, then made his way toward me.
“You ready?”
I nodded.
“Okay. I’ll get Jackson.” Jackson was in the yard kicking the soccer ball around with Jaeg and Saint.
He leaned in and kissed me, and I heard his cell vibrate. My heart slammed into my chest. Because everyone was here. Everyone except his team.
He slipped his hand into mine and took his cell out of his back pocket and placed it to his ear. “Gate,” he said.
He was quiet a minute, listening to whoever was on the other end. I knew he’d have to leave again. It was his job. This is what he did. This was what he was good at it. And he liked it.
I’d never like that he risked his life, but I understood why he did it.
He released my hand and hooked my waist, resting his fingers on my hip and squeezing. “Yeah. Be there tomorrow.” He ended the call and placed it in his pocket.
“You’re leaving tomorrow?” But I’ve only had one day with you. I didn’t say the words because I never wanted him to feel guilty for leaving.
I peered up at him and I was met with soft gray eyes. Not shielded or cold. Breathtaking.
“Tyler is okay.”
