Page 48 of Monstrosity

"I love you too," I whisper. "All of you. The father, the protector, the monster. Every part."

We make love slowly, quietly, very aware of the children sleeping nearby.

It's different from last night's desperate passion—this is promise and commitment and something deeper than words.

After, curled against his chest, I think about how much has changed in just two days.

Two days ago, I was serving coffee and living a normal life.

Now I'm in hiding with the man I love and the children who've become mine, surrounded by dangerous people who'd die to protect us.

It should terrify me.

Instead, I've never felt safer.

"Rio?" I whisper into the darkness.

"Mm?"

"Whatever happens tomorrow, with the Irish and with Bembe... just come back to us."

"Always," he promises. "I'll always come home to you."

And in this clubhouse, surrounded by brothers and their families, with our girls sleeping peacefully nearby, I believe him.

CHAPTER SIX

Rio

Dawn breaks through the clubhouse windows like a threat, painting everything in shades of blood and gold.

I've been awake for an hour already, running through every possible scenario for today's meeting with Liam Mackenzie.

The Irish boss isn't known for his reasonable nature, and we're about to tell him exactly what happened, and why his warehouse went up in flames.

Dasha stirs beside me, immediately alert even though it’s early as hell. "You're thinking too loud," she murmurs, pressing a kiss to my shoulder.

"Sorry, baby. Didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't." She props herself up on an elbow, studying my face. "Nervous about the meeting?"

"Cautious," I correct. "Liam Mackenzie's got a temper that makes mine look reasonable. And he just lost three million in inventory."

"But it wasn't your fault."

"No, but proving that to a pissed-off Irishman is going to be interesting." I pull her closer, needing her warmth. "We leave in an hour."

"Who's going?"

"Me, Runes, and Ivar. Small group, non-threatening. Any more and it looks like we're planning something."

"Aren't you?"

I grin despite the tension. "Different kind of planning."

A small voice from the bunk beds interrupts us. "Daddy?"

It's Florencia, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "Hey,mija. What are you doing awake?"