Page 13 of Ho Ho Oh No

“Sorry. That must sound like it came out of nowhere.”

She shifts her body, closing her legs and leaning toward me. Cupping my cheek gingerly, she searches my face for understanding. “What’s the matter, Leo? I don’t feel like you’ve been ignoring me. Did I say something to make you think that? If I did, I didn’t mean it. I know stuff at work is crazy right now with the Lenkov threat. But we’re okay, you and me, right?”

“Yes, my love. We’re okay.” I pull her hand off my face and kiss her palm. “But we should be better. This is one of the most memorable times in your life. You shouldn’t be having all these worries. I’m a dickhead for not picking up on what you were going through sooner.”

Her brilliant eyes shimmer, and I worry it’s not from the shower but her tears. “Oh, my sweet man. It isn’t your fault.”

We stare at each other in silence. The only sound is the water slapping against the tile.

“Sue, listen to me. I’m as serious as a heart attack when I tell you how much I love how your body is changing. I think you believe me now. As for the other thing?” I pause, shaking my head while trying to put my thoughts in order.

“The other thing?” she asks.

“If you don’t want to breastfeed our son, then don’t. We’ll use formula. The shit they make these days is probably as good as breast milk anyhow. It’s your body, not mine. I won’t be disappointed with whatever you choose. In fact, the only way you could let me down is by forcing yourself to do something because of what others think. You make that choice. Not me. And I’m good with whatever. Period.”

Her chin quivers, and she nods solemnly.

But I’m not done.

“And another thing. If anyone says shit to you about not breastfeeding or makes you feel like an inferior mother, you point them in my direction. I’ll set them the fuck straight.”

She runs her palms over my shoulders, massaging the tension away. “Yes, sir.”

“Glad we got that out of the way.”

She puckers her lips, offering me a kiss. The water is beginning to run cold, so I only indulge a moment before helping her to her feet. After releasing a cleansing breath, I fold myself around her, fortifying my soul as much as I hope I’m soothing hers.

She kisses my chest, right over my heart. “This is some deep gobshite we’re wading in on Christmas Eve, huh?” Her muddled Irish accent never fails to bring a smile to my face.

“We’ve spent so much time at HQ lately that we haven’t had time to process everything. It was bound to come out once we got to our own space.”

“I guess so. And I thought you’d be worried about our safety, not my fragile emotional state.”

Fair point. But we have a detail outside, and the house is like a freaking fort. We’re safe for our forty-eight-hour respite. Big Al created a rotating schedule so everyone gets a few nights to sleep at home. These breaks have been great for the mental health and focus of the team and our partners. Sadly, we don’t have the manpower for everyone to sleep at home every night, given we need extra protection. Fucking Lenkov.

The tighter the noose gets around his neck, the more apt his Bratva is to seek retribution.

It’ll be over soon. I can feel it. The gut doesn’t lie.

“Well, angel. Turns out I can be worried about both simultaneously. I’m multi-talented like that.”

“Worrying about more than one thing at a time? That’s my job, buddy.”

Chapter 3

Pre-festivity firearms

KRI

The deafening pop of the Glock reverberates around the barren concrete space of the gun range, making Val jump a half foot off the ground. Despite the innerandouter ear protection she’s wearing, she reacts to every shot like it’s a complete surprise. Totally shocked that someone fired. Never saw it coming.

Even when she’s the one pulling the trigger.

More than once, I suggested she wasn’t ready for this yet, but she’s made up her mind. This girl is too hardheaded for her own good sometimes.

Well,mostof the time, if I’m being honest.

But I understand Val’s need to do this. To conquer this fear. Especially after what happened to her parents. Learning to shoot properly should be good for her. I think.

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