Page 51 of Her Remarkable Protector
“Fancy couch,” Damon drawls, sprawling himself across the leather like he owns the place. His fingers drum lazily on the armrest, the bat he relinquished now a distant memory. “You’ve come up in the world, Samson.”
I don’t bite. Silence is a better weapon than words with Damon. His grin falters just slightly before he leans back, surveying the room with exaggerated nostalgia. “You know, I still remember the old days. Back when you were part of the Circle. You weren’t just good—you were one of the best. A natural.”
“I’m not here for a trip down memory lane, Stone,” I say coldly. “What do you want?”
Mira cuts us off, “I want Oakley!”
“My answer hasn’t changed. He’s off-limits.”
She sits up, her grin sharpening as if daring me to argue. “We’re legally Oakley’s parents!”
I snort, shaking my head. “Since when do you guys do anything legal? Child Protection is all over this. They won’t let either of you anywhere near him.”
The mention of Child Protection draws a low hiss from the corner where Mira leans, her eyes spitting venom. “You self-righteous bastard,” she snarls. “Always thinking you’re better than us.”
I don’t respond. Let her bark. Damon, however, starts shifting in his seat, his agitation bubbling to the surface. He’s never been one to handle stonewalling well. Behind him, I notice Eric approaching cautiously, his eyes trained on the scene. I give him a small, subtle shake of my head.Stay put.
“I want my sons, Samson!” Damon spits. “And that bitch too if it’s not too troublesome.”
“You’ll die trying.”
Damon’s fingers tap against the armrest again, harder this time. The grin is gone, replaced by something colder. “You think this is over?” he says after a long silence. “You think you’ve won? Fine. I’ll think of something else. You know I’m nothing if not resourceful.”
He stands abruptly, straightening his jacket with a casualness that doesn’t match the weight of his words. “Don’t say I didn’t warn ya,” he adds, his voice dripping with faux cheer. But his eyes... There’s nothing cheerful about them. The easy, laid-back demeanor is a mask, and the eeriness behind his gaze lingers long after he turns to leave.
Mira follows, tossing one last scathing look over her shoulder as they head for the door. The sound of their footsteps fades, but the tension they leave behind doesn’t.
Eric steps forward once they’re gone. “You okay, boss?”
I nod slowly, my eyes fixed on the door. “For now.”
But the words Damon left hanging in the air.Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
The Circle never makes idle threats.
19
HONOR
My worry mounts as I pace the house after my call ends with Oakley. It’s ironic that I want Chase safe—the man I’ve sworn revenge against—and not for any selfish reason.
“He can defend himself,” I tell myself.
It feels weird without him. Proof that he really has a presence. His energy lingers in the quiet corners, like the faint smell of his cologne or the way he always leaves his jacket draped over the same chair.
Gah!Since when do I have a problem being home alone?
I scoff to myself. Ridiculous. Besides, I’m not alone.
Laramie’s nestled against my chest, her tiny hand occasionally waving as though conducting her own secret orchestra. For someone so little, she already has an air of drama about her. Every move feels momentous, like she’s the star of her own silent film.
“Baby’s first concert,” I tease, swaying gently to our private rhythm. “What’s the song? Something classy? A little Mozart, maybe?”
I decide she prefers contemporary and hum a few lines ofForever Youngbefore really committing to it, my voice rising into the empty room.
“Not much of an audience here,” I admit, giggling as I glance down at her. “You’re too little to judge, and I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t tell me the truth anyway.”
She gives me a look—or was it a smile? Or maybe just reflex? Too young for real smiles, they’d told me, but I decide to take it as a win.
