Page 80 of Exposed

Having a baby with her would mean she couldn’t leave me after she’s freed herself from the wild charges plaguing her. A baby would cement her to me for decades, and I want that.

We’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but you learn who someone is quickly when you live with them.

Deacon’s loud announcement of our arrival breaks my thoughts. “Simon, Daddy’s here!”

Hope is snuggling Simon, and she brings him over to me.

Simon smiles when he sees me, his little arms and legs jerking excitedly as I take him back.

“Missed you, little man,” I whisper and kiss his head.

“When do we go to the beach?” Indy asks excitedly. She already has a Sleeping Beauty swimsuit on.

“Soon, angel,” Aerica answers.

“Can we get a souvenir for Megan?” She asks.

“Of course.”

“There’s a cool gift shop about ten minutes away on Townsend Street,” I offer.

“Good. I want to get Megan a mermaid, ‘cause she collects them. Megan’s got red hair, and she looks like Princess Ariel,” Indy chatters.

“You’re super sweet to think of your friend Megan while you’re in Florida. I bet she’d love a mermaid from you,” Pepper smiles.

Indy’s face lights up at Pepper’s engagement. “When she was in New York last summer, she bought me a mini Statue of Liberty. We’re besties.”

“I love that you think of each other,” Pepper agrees.

“Do you think they have Christmas ornaments? I wantto buy a beach themed one. We can go shopping now, then come back and go to the beach with you guys,” Aerica suggests.

“Go for it. The beach is just a few blocks from here. I’ve got extra towels and sunscreen for you guys,” I volunteer.

“Have fun shopping,” Pepper waves, and I give Indy a high five as they head out the door.

I excuse myself to call my lawyer’s assistant and let her know I’m married. I tell her my girlfriend and I were already living together, so we made it official. She’s adding it to our case, so that’s a plus.

Then, I grab my laptop on my way to join our friends again. “Let’s see if the hacker has responded.” With Simon tucked in one arm, I set my laptop on my counter and open it.

I curse when I see Rick28’s message in the private chat room, and disappointment makes my chest feel heavy.

“What?” Pepper comes up and puts a hand on my tricep.

Everyone gathers around me to read the screen.

Rick28:

Can’t do the job for you. You’d have better luck breaking into the White House, because Titan Securities is a cybersecurity powerhouse. Their firewalls have firewalls that no hacker can break into. I’m the best in this business. It can’t be done.

“Bullshit.This dude’s a scared little poser,” Deacon scoffs with his arms across his chest.

“I’m sorry,” Pepper whispers at my side as her grip on my tricep tightens. “You’re linked to me, and we can’t clear my name.”

“We’re going to clear your name, Pep. Don't worry,” I assure her, and she bites her lip in uncertainty.

“We’ll find someone better,” Hope encourages.

“Someone willing to break into Titan’s server,” Noah adds.

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