Page 50 of Theirs to Hunt

“Do not thank me yet,” he replies, a knowing smile on his lips. “You will see. But understand this. Whatever happens next, you are not in this alone.”

He steps back toward the door, the world outside still loud and chaotic.

I glance at Bobbie. She is curled on a black leather couch in the corner, a cozy blanket wrapped around her.

Crossing to her, I fold her into my arms and whisper into her ear. “Whatever you want, you know I got you. I can burn this place literally and kidnap you out of here.”

I see Devon stiffen out of the corner of my eye. Not because I threatened his business, but because I would try to take Bobbie away.

Bobbie does what she does best. She draws on her inner strength and sits up, kissing my cheek.

“I’m good here,” she murmurs. She glances toward the door at the two men standing there. One in a business suit, not a hair out of place despite the chaos downstairs. The other towering beside him, calm as a monk.

They seem at ease with each other. Not strangers. There is trust between them. Subtle but unmistakable.

“You go deal with Grayson. Looks like we are both having our FAFO moment with these men. And what happened, while a shock at the moment, will make a great story for the old folks’ home someday.”

I gaze at her uncertainly. I have not had enough to drink to blur my thoughts, but adrenaline, fury, and Grayson have knocked me off balance.

Part of me wants to slap him and throw a tantrum that would make a toddler proud. The other part wants him to hold me and tell me it will be okay.

Exhaustion tugs at me, whispering that I want someone to carry me the way Devon carried Bobbie. I am tired of being strong. I want someone to lean into.

Bobbie takes both of my hands in hers, warmth seeping through my skin.

“Girl, you know how much I love you. You have been my rock. But tonight, I need to follow my path. This thing with Devon? I want to see where it goes. It is moving faster than I expected, but it is not something I can walk away from. Not right now. And I need you to understand. You will always come first in my heart, but I cannot ignore what is growing here. Especially after tonight.”

She pauses, her gaze soft but firm. “Is it okay with you?”

My eyes well with tears. I feel Grayson step closer.

“Of course it is. You deserve everything good. Shit, this is getting way too touchy-feely.” I stand and shake my head. “You stay. I am leaving. And we will dissect this in minute detail over brunch Sunday.”

With her nod, Grayson takes my arm and leads me out of the office.

He and Devon exchange complicated man-speak with nods and loaded glances. Then it is clasped forearms and a backslap, the kind of greeting that makes it clear they know each other outside of tonight.

A mutual respect.

Chapter forty-two

Grayson, Saturday 01:49 a.m.

Iguide Reagan through the office door, my hand resting lightly on her arm.

The tension in the air is heavier than the chaos we left behind. A moment balanced on the edge of something.

She’s angry. I see it in the set of her jaw, in how hard she works to look unaffected.

But I know her. I see the layers. Defiance, yes. Hurt too. Confusion. She’s reeling and searching for a steady point.

I intend to be that point.

Her eyes snap to mine, guarded.

“You’re not really a man of words, are you?”

I give a half smile. “Words aren’t necessary. You know what’s happening here.”