Page 124 of Nikolai (Kansas City Reapers)

“I completely understand. We’re in. We’ve got your back, brother,” I answered without an ounce of hesitation.

“Really?” he asked, obviously surprised at how quickly I’d agreed.

“Yes, really,” I reiterated, confused by his surprise.

“Honestly, I thought it would take more groveling and convincing to get you on board.”

“Well, I won’t stop you from that. You know I like that shit,” I chuckled.

“You kinky bastard.”

“Shut up. It takes one to know one.”

“I guess I just thought you’d be upset. After all, you were pretty hell-bent on getting Maddy out of your place not that long ago.”

“Er, well…” I trailed off. This was it. It was now or never. “About that. The reason I wanted you to take Maddy off my hands wasn’t at all because of her. It never was. It was about me.” I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “I felt I was doing the wrong thing, that I was being unprofessional.”

“Niko, I don’t think you’ve been unprofessional a day in your life,” he teased with a laugh.

“That’s the thing. You’re right. I’ve been professional since the day I was born,” I teased. “But then Maddy arrived here. And… well, there’s no way to sugarcoat this. Things got heated between us.”

“Something tells me you’re not talking about arguments,” he said, his voice suddenly quiet and serious.

“Oh, no. There were — and are —plentyof arguments,” I chuckled.

“Oh, shit.”

“Yup. Turns out Maddy is one hell of a brat, and I—”

“You are a natural-born brat handler,” he finished the sentence for me.

“Exactly. Things came to a head right before we took her to the safe house. I thought I needed to get her out of here to keep her safe and keep my own professionalism intact. But after the attack, something changed.”

Quinn remained silent as I gathered my thoughts, trying to succinctly explain what had happened.

“Oh, fuck it. I fell for her, Quinn. Hook, line, and sinker, fell for her. So, while I am still fully committed to my professionalism and duty to this case, Maddy and I are now in a relationship. I just thought you should know.”

“Did you think I was going to be mad?”

“Well, I mean…”

“Look, brother. You’re not my employee. And while youarehelping out the department by acting as a safehouse for Maddy — and others should they need it — it doesn’t change the fact that you are both grown-ass adults. What you do behind closed doors is none of my business, as long as it’s consensual. And if there is one thing I nevereverhave to worry about with you, it’s your respect for consent. Aside from all that, I just want to say that I’m happy for you.”

“Hey, Niko! Get your ass out here or we’re dealing without you!” Sully hollered from the kitchen, drawing my attention away from the phone call for a brief moment.

“I’ve gotta get out there, but I just wanted to let you know,” I said, rising from my chair and heading back out towards the kitchen to rejoin the others.

“Absolutely, brother. Thanks for filling — hang on. Hold that thought,” Quinn said, soft muttering coming through the phone. “Shit.”

“What’s up?” I asked as I made my way back into the kitchen to see everyone standing between the table and the high-top bar, chatting away before the game began.

“Is that Quinn?” Sully called, nearly grabbing the phone from my hand. “I miss you, brother. Come play Go Fish with us!”

“Hey, Niko?” Quinn asked, drawing my attention once more. “I just got a text from the Chief. I’ve got to get down to the station. Apparently, someone just came in seeking protection from the Dom Krovi. I don’t know much. Their name is Bellamy, and apparently their brother is involved in the gang, and is in some trouble.”

“Was there another murder?” I asked, snapping my fingers at my brothers to get them to pipe downso I could hear better. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me as the room grew quiet.

“No…” he trailed off, obviously reading more of what the text contained. “It’s way more fucked up than that. This Bellamy person got a package on their doorstep this morning. A package containing their brother’s severed finger. I don’t know more than that, but it looks like you might be hosting some more company soon.”

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