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“Danny, right?” Piper asked, interrupting.
“Dodge,” he said, correcting her in the harsh tone he used as a wall to protect himself.
It made me smile a bit as I secured Dante in the car seat.
“Sorry,Dodge.” Piper repeated his name dramatically. “Can I talk to you a minute?”
“Sure,” he hissed in annoyance.
Danny had a brashness I liked. On the outside, he was intimidating with his unreadable expression. It was what had made him perfect for guarding the gate at the compound. But certain people or situations made him feel vulnerable, despite his efforts to be closed off from everything. He’d told me I was the only person he could be his authentic self with. I’d felt like the luckiest girl in the world to get the real him.
I glanced out the window as I hoisted myself into the seat. I was surprised he’d actually gone with Piper.
Dante’s eyes were heavy. I caressed his head and hummed the song to lull him to sleep. It was way past his bedtime.
Baby mine.
Where would we sleep tonight? Maybe my old room was still vacant. I honestly didn’t care where we slept. I’d be fine on the floor. The only thing that mattered to me was keeping Dante safe.
Piper came to my side, a look of compassion on her face. “I know you’re thinking the worst.”
“I am.” Although I tried to not think of Danny being with someone else, his ice-cold attitude wasn’t helping.
“Don’t. It’ll all be fine. Just let him help you.”
“I can take care of Dante and me just fine.”
“Em—”
“He didn’t even hug me, Piper. He’s hardly spoken to me.” My voice broke, but I held it together.
“Just give him a chance.” She hugged me. “Don’t forget he’s been through a lot too.”
“Fine, I will.” But if he had another woman, there was no way in hell she was getting near my son.
“Good. Call me whenever you get a chance.”
I nodded as unease settled in my stomach. “You do the same.” I wished Piper could stay. She’d help me deal with whatever was to come with Danny.
“Will do. Bye, Em.” Piper waved, jogging back toward the plane. She stopped halfway to give Storm a hug as he made his way to the SUV.
Danny sat on the other side of Dante. I took it as a small win. He could’ve sat in the front with Storm and continued to ignore me.
“Everyone ready?” Storm asked, getting into his seat.
Track’s motorcycle kicked on and rumbled behind us.
“Yeah,” Danny replied.
I fixed Dante’s blanket. As I did, Danny took my hand and laced our fingers together the way we used to. My heart fluttered as our eyes connected.
This was a start.
10
Dodge
When Piper told me not to “screw the pooch,” she got my attention. I hadn’t realized I’d ignored Emilee. How I had hurt her at the airport.
