Page 142 of Beyond the Blue Horizon

Care.

Longing for her to be free. For her to find something better.

For her to be safe.

And the one thing he knew for sure was she was safe with him.

The last thing he wanted was for her to feel rejected again.

So, he ignored the rest of the questions and gave in.

TWENTY-EIGHT

PIPER

“Oh my gosh,you are a lifesaver, Piper Whittman. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you today. Somehow it was busier today than it was yesterday, and I was not expecting that.”

Emery’s cheeks pinked as she worked through her closing procedures, shaking her head as if she couldn’t comprehend the number of people who had walked through Ivy Thread’s door today.

Kane walked by and gave her a gentle smack on her ass. “Word got out that my Em-Girl is amazing, that’s why.”

I pretended like I didn’t notice the act, that I wasn’t paying attention, but it was difficult to ignore all the PDA since the man couldn’t keep his hands off her.

She swatted at him, though it was in pure affection. “People just don’t want to have to drive all the way into the city to shop for the holidays, so they’re coming here.”

“That’s called a good business plan,” I told her as I restocked the fabric shopping bags under the counter.

“That’s right,” Kane agreed. “My girl’s wicked smart.”

A humble sort of pride filled Emery’s features, a wistful grace riding out with her hushed words as she paused to take in the store. “I think Emmalee would have approved.”

Kane slowed, not immune to the soft wave of sadness that rolled from her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. His voice was just as soft. “Yeah, Little Warrior. She absolutely would approve. Think she’s looking down in amazement right now. So fuckin’ proud of you. I know I am.”

I dipped my gaze and busied my hands, not sure I could stand under all the sweetness.

How were these men who were so menacing on the outside—cut with a current of violence that I couldn’t fathom was only a vibe and not certifiable—so thoughtful?

But I’d witnessed it constantly with Kane.

Had witnessed it last night.

The way River and Otto treated Charleigh and Raven.

As if they were treasures.

Gifts.

Clearly their queens.

And Theo…

I tried to clamp my thoughts off before they spiraled in a direction I couldn’t let them.

Wistful air huffed from Emery’s nose, and she rested her head against Kane’s shoulder for a few moments before she untangled herself from his hold.

“Alright, I think we should be set. Why don’t we call it and get back to our littles? I know Maci is going to be anxious for me to get home, and I’m sure Finn has to be anxious, too.”

Warmth billowed in my chest. “Yeah, I’m sure he is. We’re supposed to decorate a Christmas tree tonight.”