Page 191 of Fractured Future

“Thank fuck.” Hudson makes a beeline for Axel and the coffee station. “If any of you are considering it… don’t have kids. You’ll never sleep again.”

“That’s our son you’re talking about.” Kade scowls at his grumpy brother.

“And you know just how monstrous kids are.”

Smoothing a hand over his hair, Kade slowly nods. “Fair.”

As Hudson fills his cup, Kade looks around the room. We’re only missing Warner—who has gone to retrieve our star of the hour—and my brother. He’s on his way in to oversee the legal proceedings.

Upon noticing me, Kade makes his approach, straightening his silvery tie with one hand. He sticks out the other towards me, glinting with a thick wedding band.

“You must be Ember. Heard a lot about you.”

“All bad?” I accept his handshake.

“I’d say fifty-fifty.” He passes me a dazzling grin.

“That’s disappointing. I must be slipping.”

His laughter is light and friendly, revealing his smile lines and barely noticeable crow’s feet. Another man who’s ageing with grace. There must be something in the water in this building.

“These lot have had an easy ride since Ethan left the company. I hope you’re giving them hell.”

“Always.” I smirk at him.

“Well in that case, welcome to Sabre Security. We’re glad to have you.”

Making space for his brother to join us, Hudson gives me a critical once-over while guzzling his steaming cup of coffee. I’m preparing a defensive attack when he breaks out in a weirdly friendly smile.

“Ember, right?”

“That’s me.”

“Is it true you handed Archer’s ass to him?”

“Hey!” Archer protests from the table.

“Um… I guess.” I shrug.

Switching the coffee to his other hand, Hudson offers me a fist bump. “Nice work.”

Knocking our matching scarred knuckles together, I let myself relax. Formidable directors, my ass. They’re a pair of teddy bears.

“We should put her in the ring with Brooke.” Hudson continues to eye me over his coffee cup. “It’s been a while since she’s blown the cobwebs out.”

“That’s a terrible idea.” Kade sighs.

“Why?”

“Because something tells me Ember would kick our wife’s ass, and then we’ll have to deal with her having a toddler tantrum of her own.”

“Your wife?” I blurt before I can hold it in.

“Yes,” they answer simultaneously.

I’ve heard plenty about the unique family setup behind the directors of Sabre Security. I even had a couple of clients back in the day who were polyamorous. I’ve got a lot of questions.

“She works here too.” Kade’s cheeks tint slightly. “Well, she did. She’s a little preoccupied at the moment.”