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“Brynlee knows. But that’s it. My father... my brothers... the guys... any one of them would have killed him. Actually physically killed him, and I couldn’t live with the consequences of their actions on their lives and on my conscience.They would have killed him, Cross.”
“So he’s still out there, free?”
“Yes.” She freezes, her eyes locked on mine. “And that’s how he’s going to stay. Because I’m not digging this up now.”
All the beautiful who’s who of Kroydon Hills were at the Le Désir fashion show last night. So many Kroydon Kouples, past and present, dressed up in their evening best to watch a new wave ofItgirls strut their stuff on the super-sexy black and silver runway. But it was the finale that left this reporter speechless. Everyone’s favorite new, notoriously privateItcouple made a statement in a big way when Everly Sinclair strutted her stuff adorned with Cross Wilder’s name and number. Looks like another one bit the dust. Are you team #WildSin for life? I’m here for it.
#KroydonKronicles
CROSS
“We’ll see you in a few hours, baby.” I pull Everly close to me and press my lips to hers. “Love you.”
Everly smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes as she runs her fingers through my hair. “Love you too.” She moves next to me and squats down in front of Kerrigan. “Listen, little miss. Gracie is going to stop by with a present for you, okay?”
“A present?” Her eyes grow wide. “For me?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Everly kisses the top of Kerrigan’s head. “I’ll see you guys after the game. I’ll meet you in the suite.”
Kerrigan and I watch her leave, and I look at my daughter and say a silent prayer that I can keep her safe forever.
Hours later, Ares, Bellamy, and I walk into the Sinclair’s private suite at Kings Stadium with both kids and enough toys, bottles, and baby accessories for it to look more like we’re moving in than coming for a few hours.
Annabelle is the first to see us, and she makes a beeline straight for Kerrigan. “Hey, sweet girl. I see you got your present.”
Kerrigan spins around in a little circle, smiling as her pink, sparkly tutu spins out around her. Gracie stopped by earlier with the tutu, and a black Kings jersey with Sinclair and the number eighty-one in pink sparkles on the back. Apparently, that’s Callen’s number.
And then, because according to Grace, every girl needs them, she also gave Kerrigan a sparkly pink pair of Doc Martens. My three-year-old is now dressed more fashionably than I am.
“You look so pretty. Are you hungry?” Annabelle asks and holds out her hand.
Kerrigan looks to me for permission. “You can go with Mrs. Sinclair, sweetie.”
She quietly takes Annabelle’s hand and squeals when she tells her there’re cupcakes just for her, and I watch as Kerrigan’s led toward a group of women, including the owner of Sweet Temptations, who’s standing next to Grace.
Seeing Grace makes me breathe a little easier.
Caitlin grabs Bellamy, and they move to the outside seats as Ares and I hang back. “You want a beer, Cross?”
“No. Not until I get the all clear to skate,” I tell my brother and then unbuckle Jax from his carrier and pick him up.
The suite is full of Everly’s family, including her father, who comes over once I’ve got Jax settled. “Cross.”
“Mr. Sinclair,” I answer awkwardly.
“Seriously, call me Declan.”
“Okay.”
He looks at me for a long moment. “Annabelle said I had to be nice.”
“Remind me to thank your wife.” Jax whines in my arms until I fish his binky out of the car seat and pop it in his mouth.
“You don’t talk much, do you?” he asks as he orders a bourbon from the bartender in the corner of the suite.
“Not really.” Guess it’s time to man up though. “But I meant what I said last night. I love your daughter, sir.”
“Don’t call mesir. I’m already in denial that my baby is old enough to be dating a man with babies of his own. Sir makes it worse.” He looks over to where Annabelle has Kerrigan standing on a chair so she can see better. “You’ll see. They grow up so damn fast. One day, they’re wearing the tutu and your jersey and the next day they’re dancing for your team in the tiniest uniform you’ve ever seen, and their boyfriend is bringing his family to the game in the tutu and jersey.”
