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I made a face, crossing my eyes as I stuck out my tongue.
That did it. Laughter burst from Olivia’s chest as the tears stopped. A genuine smile graced her cute little face.
“You’re almost as clumsy as me, J.D.”
“I’m worse,” I countered with a chuckle. “No doubt about it.”
Gina’s shoulders relaxed, losing their tension while she hugged her daughter to her side. “We should eat before the food gets cold.”
I held out my hand, pulling Gina and Olivia up from the floor. My arm slid around Gina’s waist as I lowered my head, whispering into her ear, “I’m here, babe.”
“I know.” She reached up, pushing a quick kiss to the underside of my jaw. “Thank you.”
Those soft lips conjured wicked thoughts in my head, but this wasn’t the time. The brief flash of lust cooled. With a broad smile, I helped Gina open all the containers, serving the kids before we filled our plates and took our seats.
My gaze perused the table, unable to hide the emotion the scene ripped open. I used to dream of this as a kid—a family meal without tears or yelling. The every day made special because someone cared enough to come around with a surprise. Swallowing hard, I took a bite of lasagna, ignoring the lump in my throat.
I thought of Anita. Of Thunder as a child. We had plenty of meals in the few years they graced my life with their love and light—meals with smiles, laughter, and good memories that replaced the ones from my childhood.
And then they were gone. Taken. Ripped from my grasp by cruel men who wore an MC patch like it awarded permission for every depraved act they could indulge in.
Even now, there was nothing I could do about it.
But my Reaper was patient. He could wait until the right moment. Unleashing his revenge would be sweet vindication.
ONCE THE KIDS WEREin bed, I joined Gina in the living room, sitting on her couch as she dropped next to me, a weary smile on her face. A dozen questions fought for space in my head, but I couldn’t get into a serious discussion after she stifled a yawn.
“Want to watch a movie?” I asked, knowing she’d never finish it, but I didn’t want to leave.
“Sure. Something holiday?”
“Christmas Vacation?” I asked since I loved it. My favorite, actually.
“Oh, that’s a good one,” she agreed.
Gina didn’t make it to the famous rant scene. Her head rested on my shoulder as she slept. Her deep, even breaths revealed far more than words.
Gina trusted me. To keep my promise. To protect her family.
After the horrible past that I knew she hid, that trust was a precious, tangible thing I cradled close to my chest, keeping it safe and nurtured.
The movie ended, and I sat as the credits rolled across the screen, not daring to move. Lights from her tiny three-foot Christmas tree blinked in a variety of colors in the dark room. I made a mental note to replace that tree with a full-size version soon. Maybe the kids would enjoy picking one out from the local tree lot. Personally, I enjoyed the real ones more than the fake even if they shed needles.
Silence stretched through the small house as Gina mumbled my name in her sleep, then quieted. I liked she dreamed of me. Seemed fitting after I dreamed of her so often.
Content for the first time in weeks, the moment shattered when I heard Rev cry out.
Immediately on my feet, I gently moved Gina aside, rushing toward his room.
“No!” he shouted, thrashing on the bed as I entered.
Fuck. Rev was stuck in a nightmare.
His body seized as he screamed, rolled to the side, and shoved his hands over his bottom.
“No. Stop, please.”
His whimpering sent a wave of agony across my chest.
