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Kat
Six months later…
The sun was settingwhen I cracked open the rear door of the Explorer. I glanced at the driver, giving him a small smile before I climbed out and walked around the back of the vehicle, opening the other side. “Ready, Princess?”
Sophie just looked up at me with those big dark, doe eyes. Thick black hair hung in curls around her face. Hair that was so very different from mine, or her daddy’s. I winced, hating that flare of panic I felt whenever I looked at her. I didn’t know if I’d ever shake that torment as she looked at me with eyes that belonged to the man who fathered her.Just a sperm donor, that’s all,I tried to remind myself.He was just a black hole in my past I never wanted to think about.
But it was hard…Haelstrom Hale’s hold hovered over me like a blade hanging by a single thread. One I was just desperate enough to break. If I gave him even an opening, he’d to force his way into my daughter’s life, just like he forced his way inside my body. My belly gave a flutter, reminding me of the real reason I was here. Only happiness waited for me…no, only happiness waited for us.
I unbuckled the car seat and pulled her out, holding her against my hip with one hand as the familiar sound of my husband’s car sounded in the distance. The ten-foot steel gate opened slowly as I dropped my other hand to my pocket. Fingers skimmed the outline of the test in my pocket. Anyone else would wait, standing patiently as he walked through the door of our home. But that was sone thing about us,were weren’t like anyone else.
Lazarus turned his head my way as the black Explorer pulled into the driveway of the warehouse, followed by a steel gray one driven by Logan. There was a scowl from Laz before he shoved open the passenger’s door, even as the car still rolled. I surged forward, meeting his long strides with my own.
“What’s wrong?” He tore his gaze from me to Bella, ruffling her curls as he made sure she was okay, then met my stare. “Baby?”
“Everything’s fine,” I answered, smiling.
The Explorer braked; the engine died. Freddy was out from the driver’s side in a second. Logan was just as fast driving the gray vehicle, both glanced my way with concern. They stood there, watching us. I rarely came to the warehouse, pretending I didn’t know what went on here. But this was a good enough reason not to care.
“Kat,” he called, carefully.
I was panicking him, I knew that. I took a breath, recording every second of this moment in my head. “So, I haven’t wanted to stress you out,” I started, watching the concern grow in his eyes. “But I’ve been sick.”
“Sick?” he asked quickly. “How sick?”
“Sick enough.”
He just stared at me for a long second. “Do you need to go to a doctor, a specialist? Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?”
Because I wanted to make sure…
I reached into my pocket and dragged the test free. For a moment he didn’t register it, not until I said carefully. “Congratulations, daddy.”
His focus was riveted to those two thin, blue lines. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I’m pregnant.”
He jerked his head up, the words finally registering. “You’re pregnant?”
My smile grew wider. “Yes, Laz, I’m pregnant.”
I swear the world shifted in his piercing blue stare. Then he turned his head, finding the two men who’d been by his side when he stormed that house where I’d been held captive. He beamed, punching his fist into the air.“I’M GOING TO BE A DAD…AGAIN!”
Logan was the first to start across the parking lot. His long strides growing faster until he reached us and clapped Laz hard on the back. “Congratulations!” Freddy was slower, concern darkened his stare, but he didn’t reach for Lazarus, not first. He headed for me, wrapping me in a massive hug, holding me closer. If these were any other men, they’d be eating Laz’s fist.
But these weren’t just bodyguards…or friends. These men were family,our family.
“I’m so happy for you.” Freddy deep voice resounded in my head.
Laz punched him playfully. Then it was on, hugs, slaps, shouts of happiness from all three of my big goofs; my heart ached at the sight.
“Right.” Laz pulled me close, taking Sophie from my arms. “Do you need me to close up?”
“What?” Freddy cut him a glare. “No we don’t fucking need you. Go, piss off…be with your goddamn family.”
I just smiled and shook my head. Lazarus let out a deep chuckle and nodded slowly. “Fine, fix up the shipment on your own, then.”
Logan roared laughing. It was obviously an inside joke. One I didn’t want to be part of. He glanced toward my black Range Rover and motioned to the driver. Gareth climbed out and glanced at the others who suddenly went quiet. He was new, highly skilled, but still not one of us. The idea of that made me still.One of us…a Rossi.
