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“I don’t know. I kind of like it.” Beau beamed, squeezing mine in return.
“Okay, so some secretive dude is meeting with Atticus, and I’m going undercover to the O’Sullivans. I want to be with you both and no one else. I think that covers everything.” I looked between the two men, searching my brain, ignoring the thoughts of sex. I didn’t have the time, but my vagina wanted me to make it. “Well,” I stood, smoothing down my shirt. “I just wanted to say goodbye before I left, in case it was a few weeks before I saw you.”
Byron laughed, standing as well, and walked over to me. Beau had kept hold of my hand, but Byron didn’t mind, pulling me toward him by the waist. He bopped my nose, looking at me adoringly. “You’re cute, but I’m going with.” He dropped a kiss on my lips before walking over to a suitcase I hadn’t noticed sitting next to the wall.
“What?” I asked, even though I knew what he was saying, but it wasn’t making sense for some reason. “You can’t go.”
“Why?” he asked, giving me a look. “He’s going.” Byron pointed at Beau, who had a smug look on his face.
“I don’t know, just, don’t you have work?”
“Nope. Took some vacation time.”
“I’m sure there’s something you can’t leave behind,” I said, scrambling. I didn’t know why my brain refused to see what was unfolding before me, but it felt unreal, like he’d just told me I won the lottery when I didn’t even buy a ticket.
“Natalia,” he cooed low, cupping my face. “The only thing that has kept me in this city for the past eight years is standing in front of me. If you’re going somewhere dangerous, I’m coming too. I can’t let Mr. Bad Stalker be your only backup.”
I heard Beau grumble something from behind me, but I was too transfixed by the man in front of me. “You mean it? You’ll come too?”
“I go where you go. Does that answer your question?”
I nodded, licking my lips, suddenly agreeing fully with my vagina.
“I like where your mind is headed,” he teased, lowering his head to kiss me. We’d done so much together, but each kiss now felt special because of what it meant for both of us. A throat clearing had us pulling apart. The tug on my hand had me looking over my shoulder at Beau.
“Hate to be the one to break that up,” he said, then smiled, “actually, I don’t hate it. I love it. But it’s time to go. Come on, lover boy. If you’re coming, we need to leave, now.”
Sighing, I agreed, knowing I had one more place to stop before I could head out on my mission.
The three of us headed out the door, watching Byron lock it up. The drive was quiet as we made our way to the last stop, and I thought over everything in my head about what I could say. It was different saying goodbye to Lily. I hadn’t ever left her for more than a night. This could be for a few weeks or however long it took. Depending on the level of infiltration, I might not even be able to call her.
Sucking in a breath, I held the tears at bay as we entered the safe house. Their bags were packed and ready to go, leaning against the front hallway. I found Ryan and Lily playing a game on the TV.
“Lily.” She turned, spotting me, and her eyes went wide when she saw the two men behind me. “Come here, please.”
She put the controller down, hopping up to come to see us. She gave me a hug and then Beau. “I didn’t dream you,” she said to Byron, and I froze looking at him. He kneeled down, pulling out a ring pop for her.
“Nope, princess. I’m very real. It’s nice to see you again.” I lifted my eyebrow at him to explain, but he mouthed ‘later’ then stood back up. Beau walked over to Ryan to go over the plans, and I took Byron into the kitchen.
“Mom, this is Byron.” I pushed the giant teddy bear in and then spun, grabbing Lily’s hand. When the door closed, I looked down at my daughter, and we both laughed as we heard my mom launch into grilling him. I knew he’d be fine, but the thought of the smooth operator feeling flustered for once made me chuckle with glee.
“Come on, I have something to tell you.” She nodded her little head, and I prayed she’d understand. Sitting on the bed we’d shared, I patted a spot for her.
“There are so many things I need to tell you, sweetheart, and I’m not really sure where to start.”
“You can tell me whatever, mommy.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. I know you don’t always understand why your dad doesn’t see you much, and well, that’s because he doesn’t always make good choices. I want you to grow up in a safe environment where you’re loved and cherished.”
“I know, and I am.”
“I’m glad you feel that way, but I wasn’t always so sure I was making the right decisions. I grew up in a different city, and your grandpa taught me how to do things. At the time, I used my skills for bad reasons, and when I had you, I decided not to be that person anymore. But I’m starting to learn I can be who I am and use those skills to help people.”
“Kind of like Loki?”
“Loki?” I asked, confused about who she was speaking of. “Is he in your class?”
She giggled. “No, mom. He’s a Marvel antihero.”
