Page 50 of Monstrosity

"Daddy, can I have syrup?" Cali asks from where she's claimed a spot at the next table.

"Ask Dasha, baby."

"She said to ask you."

I look at Dasha, who shrugs innocently. "You're the one who deals with her on a sugar high."

"Just a little," I concede, which earns me a bright smile from my youngest.

"Whipped already," Tor observes, joining our table. "How long you been official? Two days?"

"Fuck off," I say without heat. "How's Meghan handling lockdown?"

"Better than expected. She's turned it into some kind of slumber party with the other women." He lowers his voice. "You ready for this? Liam's not exactly stable on his best day."

"We've got evidence, we've got truth, and we've got a proposal that makes him money," Runes says. "If he's smart, he'll listen."

"And if he's not?"

"Then we remind him that his nephew is married to my daughter," Runes says darkly. "Family means something, even to the Irish."

I spend the next half hour eating breakfast with my girls, listening to their chatter while mentally preparing for the meeting.

Dasha keeps shooting me concerned looks, but she maintains a cheerful front for the kids.

"Time to roll," Runes announces eventually.

I stand, dropping kisses on both girls' heads. "Be good for Dasha. I'll see you at dinner."

"Love you, Daddy," they chorus.

"Love you too, monsters."

Dasha walks me to the door. "Rio?—"

"I know." I cup her face in my hands. "I'll be careful. I promise."

"You better be. We have plans for tonight that require you intact."

That surprises a laugh out of me. "Is that so?"

"Mm-hmm. So don't go getting shot or stabbed or whatever it is you boys do."

"I'll do my best."

One more kiss and then I'm following Runes and Ivar out to the bikes.

The morning air is thick with humidity, promising another scorching Florida day.

We take three bikes—separate targets if things go sideways, but able to maneuver better than cages.

The ride to the warehouse takes thirty minutes.

I use the time to center myself, pushing thoughts of family aside and pulling on the mask I wear for meetings like this.

Calm, controlled, dangerous when needed.

The warehouse complex is mostly deserted this early, which is probably why Doran and Liam suggested it.