Page 25

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Niki

I couldn’t believe I was living this nightmare again. But this time, there was no way I’d let them shove me into a casket. If we reached Mexico, I’d be dead—after they were done with me. My only chance was jumping overboard before we got there.

Three men. That was all. If I got an opening, I was taking it. Their voices slithered through the dark, their disgusting laughter making my skin crawl. They were talking about taking turns with me. I curled in on myself, playing my part—too terrified to look at them, trembling like prey. But inside, my mind was razor-sharp, focused on one desperate mission: save my baby.

The realization slammed into me like a freight train—I hadn’t had a period in two months. That’s why I’d been so sick in the mornings. My breath hitched as I pressed a shaking hand against my stomach. I will keep you safe. I swear it. Somehow, I just knew—it was a boy.

Lyon had better remember who I was soon, or I’d knock some sense into him myself. The thought burned, mixing with my tears. I never should have worked for Ryker. I’d been reckless, stubborn, angry that Lyon didn’t remember me. And now, my baby was at risk because of my choices.

No more mistakes. No more risks. I wasn’t drinking anything they gave me. I needed every ounce of strength to swim when the time came.

At some point, exhaustion must have dragged me under. A sharp yell yanked me awake. One of the men barked at me to get below deck. My pulse pounded as I sat up, disoriented. But they weren’t looking at me. Their attention was locked on another boat.

A surge of hope shot through me. If I could get their attention—

Gunfire erupted.

I flinched as bullets tore through the night. One cartel against another. This was my chance. Heart racing, I bolted for the back of the boat and jumped.

The cold slammed into me like a fist. Saltwater filled my nose and mouth as I fought to stay under, my heart hammering. When I finally surfaced, I flipped onto my back, watching the chaos unfold. The men from my boat were losing. Then—movement. Two figures climbed aboard, searching frantically.

And then I saw him.

“Lyon!” I cried, swimming toward the boat. “Lyon!”

He froze, his head snapping in my direction. The second our eyes met, he dove into the water, cutting through the waves like a predator.

Then he was there, arms locking around me, his lips crashing into mine. I clung to him, sobs wracking my chest.

“I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Can you ever forgive me? I love you so much.”

Tears blurred my vision. “Yes, I forgive you. Just take me home. I swear, I’ll never leave our house again.”

A raft pulled up beside us. Cyclone peered down, smirking. “You two done with the dramatic reunion, or do you wanna stay in the water a little longer?”

Lyon lifted me into the raft, then climbed in after me. Cyclone’s gaze darkened as he took in my bruised face, his jaw tightening.

“I bet you think I’m always getting myself beaten up,” I whispered. “This is the last time. I’m telling Ryker—I quit.”

Lyon pulled me onto his lap, holding me like he’d never let go. “I love you more than anything,” he murmured. “I don’t know why I couldn’t remember you.”

I traced my fingers over his jaw. “You had a head injury—you couldn’t control that. Just promise me you’ll never forget me again.”

His lips brushed mine. “Never.” Then he kissed me, sealing the promise between us.

Cyclone cleared his throat. “Did those bastards hurt you?”

“No,” I said, my voice like steel. “But I heard them planning it. I was already set on jumping ship. The gunfire just made it easier. I had no idea who was on that other boat—I thought they might be more cartel men.”

Raven scoffed. “And what was your plan? Swim until you hit land?”

I shrugged. “If that’s what it took. Staying with them wasn’t an option.”

Raven glanced at the abandoned boat, expression unreadable. “What are we doing with that?”

Cyclone smirked. “Nothing. Let it drift. The sharks will take care of the men we threw over.”

I swallowed hard and glanced back at the endless ocean. No land in sight. Maybe my plan had been reckless. Maybe it had been pure desperation. But one thing was clear— I wasn’t going down without a fight.

Now, all I wanted was to go home. I had to tell Lyon about the baby. I’ll talk to him when our life returns to normal. A bitter laugh bubbled up inside me. Has it ever been normal? I couldn’t remember a time when Lyon and I were just… ordinary. But now, we were going to be a real family. A normal family. Two parents, home with their baby.

At some point, exhaustion won. When I woke up, we were pulling into a dock. Florida. From here, we’d fly home. Relief washed over me. I needed a shower, a warm bed, and a doctor—for me and the baby.

Lyon had chartered a private plane, and as we walked through the airport, he pulled me closer. His warmth wrapped around me, grounding me.

“When are we getting married, sweetheart?” he asked.

I tilted my head up at him, half smiling. “We should just go to Vegas. That way, we won’t have to plan a wedding.” I meant it as a joke. Mostly. The last thing I wanted was to stress over dresses, invitations, or flowers. I just wanted to wake up and be married to Lyon.

We took our seats, and I relaxed. He didn’t even hesitate. “Why don’t we go home, rest, and then drive to Vegas? Just me and you. We’ll have someone bring your things to our house. After we marry, I’m taking a year off work. Just the two of us. Peace and quiet.”

I chuckled at that. “Peace and quiet?” I snuggled into his arms, letting fatigue settle into my bones. “It won’t be just the two of us for long.”

His speech faltered. His body went rigid. He gathered me even closer as if trying to shield me from the world.

“Our baby will be here in about seven months. Maybe six and a half,” I whispered.

I felt it the moment the air left his lungs. The moment it hit him. His grip tightened, and a shudder ran through him.

“I’m going to take such good care of you,” he murmured. His voice was thick, raw. “You and our baby. I love you so much.”

I felt the tear before I saw it, warm as it slipped onto my forehead.

Cyclone and Raven sat across from us, silent. Watching. Lyon held me tighter, and my eyes grew heavy.

When I woke up, they were still there.

I blinked at them. “Did you two watch me sleep this whole time?”

Cyclone smirked. “I’m just making sure you’re real.” His expression softened. “I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through. But I’m happy for you. A baby. That’s a start on the six, right?”

I gave him a confused look. “Six?”

He grinned. “You want six kids. Remember. This baby girl will be here by Christmas. Then you can have another one.”

A baby girl? I frowned. “I feel like I’m having a boy. Why do you think it’s a girl?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Just a feeling. I’m usually right.”

I let out a watery laugh. “Maybe you are. Maybe I am having a girl.” The thought sent a fresh wave of emotion crashing over me, and suddenly, I was crying.

Lyon stroked my back, whispering soothing words. “Shh, sweetheart. You’re safe. We’re safe.”

I wiped at my face. “I will never risk my life like that again. Not for anything. Not for anyone. I’m going to raise my kids and be a stay-at-home mom.”

Cyclone smirked. “That’ll keep you busy. At least, that’s what Kat says.”

“You’ll be the best mom in the world,” Lyon murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. His arms never loosened, never wavered.

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

“I’m so tired of this life,” I whispered.

Lyon’s arms tightened, as if he could hold me together through sheer force alone. “Then we’ll build a new one,” he promised.

And for the first time in a long time, I believed him.