Page 41 of Bad Business

I crumble, but not before Dallas has me and Juniper in his arms.

“Let’s go home.”

I don’t know how he manages it, but soon, we’re in the back of the SUV. Juniper clings to his side between us, her small body seeking the safety only he can provide. Dallas’s fingers weave through my hair, almost as though he has to be touching me to ensure this is real. We don’t speak because what is there to say? The weight of his sacrifice, his willingness to give his life for mine, hangs heavy on my heart. Watching him rub Juniper’s head as she lays across his lap creates a tightening in my chest. I don’t know where we’ll go from here, but I know it has to be with this man.

“I love you, Dallas. What you did back?—”

His finger covers my mouth, silencing me.

“Don’t, baby. What I did back there was protect the two women I love more than life. If faced with it again, I’d gladly give it all up for you without blinking.”

The car pulls into the circular drive at Lorenzo’s house. All of Dallas’s brothers are waiting at the bottom of the steps, their faces a mix of relief and concern. Griffyn snatches open my door and holds out his hand. As soon as I slip out, he engulfs me in a crushing hug.

“I thought…” He doesn’t finish his words; instead, he just squeezes tighter. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thank you.” I step from his hold, only to be tackled by Ryker. “Jesus, you boys know how to hug.”

Ryker laughs and steps back, allowing Dallas to climb from the car. Griffyn watches him as he cradles Juniper against his chest. His eyes are full of worry as he scans her tiny frame.

“She okay? Did they?—”

“She’s fine,” Dallas cuts him off, his voice steady and reassuring. “Shaken up but fine. And if she wasn’t, she would be. Her mother knows exactly what she needs.” He pins me with a glare, his eyes intense.

“She’ll be okay,” I say to reassure myself as much as them.

Griffyn seems to accept my words, dipping his head in acknowledgment. Drake and Roland step out from behind them. “Let’s get you guys inside.”

Dallas wraps an arm around my shoulders as we follow the four hulking men into Lorenzo’s house. I beeline for the couch and sink down into the cushions, feeling the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to me.

“Is it really over?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper.

Plopping down beside me, Dallas adjusts Juniper on his lap, his protective instincts clear in every movement. “I don’t think we need to worry about Agapov. He’s most likely running scared—plus he made off with his diamonds.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Drake shakes his head. “You’ll have a bodyguard until we know for sure.”

“Do you think that’s necessary?” I wring my hands in my lap, anxiety bubbling up again. Dallas covers them with his palm, his touch calming me.

“My brother is right,” he says, flicking his gaze to Drake. “Until we know better, you and Juniper will be protected.”

“Will you be staying in Reno?” Sofia’s voice makes me jump. “Because we can put some of our men on your detail. We want that bastard’s head on a pike.”

Dallas watches me, his eyes searching mine. “Are you staying here?”

“I…” I see the pain in his eyes. Staying here would mean giving him up, something I refuse to do. Besides, seeing Juniper cling to him like he is the only thing keeping her grounded, I know I can’t live without him. “No, there is nothing here for me.”

“Good choice.” Ryker smiles. “It’d fucking suck if my brother moved to Reno.”

Cocking my head, I smile at Ryker. “I would never take him from his family. Not having my own anymore, I know how important it is to be close.”

“Awe, Wills.” Ryker sits down on the arm of the couch, his expression softening. “Don’t you know you have a family now?” He thumbs to himself, then points at the three other men watching our interaction. “You have three— scratch that, four very protective brothers now.”

“I don’t know what to say.” My eyes well with unspilled tears.

“Just say yes.” Ryker’s grin is infectious as he pushes off the sofa.

“Yes, to what?” I glance between the men, confusion swirling in my mind.

“You silly woman,” Sofia snorts. “Yes, to marriage. Because the man sitting next to you is just as possessive as any other red-blooded asshole. And if I had to bet, he’s going to want to marry you.”

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