Page 70 of Morally Gray Daddies

I nodded, not wanting to push my luck.

As he released me from his embrace and took me by the hand, a loud knock at the door made me jump and nearly squeal. We had never had any visitors, and certainly not at night.

Erik stiffened, his jaw tightened. “Go to the bedroom.”

I quickly did as he asked. Who could possibly be at the door? Was it a member of Poseidon Enterprises? Someone from the Godwin family? Could Marx have told someone where to find me? My heart thumped hard as I stood near the door, hoping to hear who it was.

“What are you doing here?” Erik’s deep, husky voice was unmistakable.

“Now is that the way to welcome your brother?” I instantly recognized Pasco, and a shiver raced through me. What was he doing here?

“Whatever you’re here for, you can forget it. I told you, I’m done.”

“I know what you say, and I also know the reality.”

It might not have been the wisest thing for me to do, but I reached for a quilt and wrapped it around my body as I padded barefoot into the main room. Both men turned to face me the instant the door closed behind me, announcing my presence.

“Ah, so you decided to keep her after all,” Pasco said with a devilish smile.

Erik motioned for me to come to him, and I slowly made my way to his side as he sat down at the kitchen table. Pasco followed him and also took a seat, his lecherous eyes never leaving my body.

“You may have got the better deal when it comes to women, brother,” Pasco said as he leaned back in the chair and stretched. “Rue was fun while it lasted, but she didn’t stick around.”

“Keep your eyes off her,” Erik roared as he slammed his fist on the table. I moved my chair closer against his thigh, desperate for his protection and security.

Pasco raised his hands. “Calm down. Calm down. I’m not interested in her, but I am interested in getting some fucking money. I need more, and by the looks of your place, I would say you do, too.”

“Pasco, I’m losing patience. Why are you here?”

“There’s a boat with a large gun shipment coming through the Sound about forty miles from here. They’re scheduled to be passing through tomorrow morning.”

“I’m not hijacking any more boats. I told you this.”

“Yes, but this boat is different. It’s a large shipment full of enough guns to set us up pretty. Big money this time. Think what we could do with a shipment like that.”

“Have you lost your mind? Don’t you think the Godwins will be expecting this shipment, and after having us steal their last one will have massive security?”

“My intel tells me they are trying to enter undetected, so they are keeping it low-key. It’s going to be an easy steal. Simple.” Pasco looked so smug and full of himself as he crossed his legs at the ankles and laced his fingers behind his head. “I’ve got it all worked out.”

“The Godwins are going to kill you. For all we know, this could be a death trap.”

“Come on, brother, when have we ever been afraid of a job? No risk, no reward.”

“No.”

“No, what?”

“Count me out. I’m done.”

Pasco glanced at me then back at Erik. “You sound like Shay. He won’t go on the job because he was fool enough to get his bitch pregnant, and he won’t leave her side. Fucking dumbass.”

“Then I guess you’re on your own for this one.”

“So you would rather starve?” Pasco asked. “Is that truly providing? How many nights have you both gone to bed hungry? How many more nights are in store? I’m giving you the opportunity to change all that. One more job, and you could have all the money you need. You know I’m right.”

Erik sat in silence—an eerie silence that caused my stomach to tighten.

Pasco must have sensed his brother weakening. “You moved to Heathens Hollow to make a new life. With some more money, you could have it. Don’t you feel that you and your”—Pasco glanced at me again—“new gal deserve the chance? Otherwise, your dream of living off the land is over.”

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