Page 75 of Trick

Humour dances in his eyes. “How long have you been waiting to say that to me?”

My smile fades. “I would’ve preferred you didn’t get shot so I didn’t have to.”

His bloodied hand reaches out, pressing against my stomach. I stare down at it, my stomach fluttering wildly at the sight. “Better me than you.”

My stomach dips as I place my hand on top of his, and all the fear I had about telling him about being pregnant fades to background noise. He wants this baby. He wants me. And I want the same. I want him and Sophia to be my family.

“Are you and… and the, uh… the baby okay?” he asks. His uncertainty is sweet.

“I think so.”

“I didn’t hurt you when I put you down on the floor?”

“No.”

Relief makes his body relax. “We’ll get you checked out anyway.”

I stare at him, not liking the sweat gathering on his skin. “You’re really okay with this?”

“You think I’m pretending?” There’s a hint of disbelief in his words.

“No, of course not. It’s just… I worry it’s too soon and what everyone is going to think.”

That conversation I overheard at the baby shower is still fresh in my mind.

“I don’t give two fucks what everyone thinks,” he says. “You, Sophia, and this baby are my only priority, Heidi.”

I let out a shaky breath. “I’m scared.”

“You don’t have to be. I’ll take care of you. I promise.”

My throat is tight as I swipe at my tears. “You can start by not getting shot.”

His lips kick up at the corners as he sags back into the cushions. “I’ll do my best.”

The door opens and I stiffen until I realise it’s Howler and Kane Fraser.

Howler takes in Trick with a quick scan before scrubbing a hand over his face. “How bad?”

“I’ll live,” Trick jokes, though I don’t know how he can at a time like this.

Howler’s gaze moves to me and then Sophia before going back to Trick. “Where’s the body?”

“Kitchen.”

“Did you kill him?” Kane asks. I know he’s Skye’s family through her sister, but the guy scares me. He’s got that crazy look in his eyes that says there’s no line he won’t cross.

“It was Bobby.”

“Guess I owe him my thanks then.” He turns to Howler, offers his hand, and they shake. “My brothers and I plan on hunting down any remaining members of the Pioneers. You boys want in?”

“Can’t let you have all the fun.” Howler does well to hide how crazy he thinks Kane is. I’m not sure my face is as neutral.

Kane stares at the wall, as if he’s looking through it before he brings his attention back to Howler. “Do you mind if I take the body?”

Howler’s brows come together, and I know he’s thinking exactly what I am—what the fuck is he planning on doing with Richardson’s body?

“Sure,” he says hesitantly.

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