Page 90 of Line of Resistance

Reed grunted. “I’m not sure it’s worth it.” He took a breath deep enough to lift his shoulders. “Do you know how many times she called Intel yesterday asking when we would get here?” Reed didn’t wait for an answer before holding up both hands, fingers spread wide. “Ten. She called ten times.”

Nate didn’t envy his friend. He’d dealt with Courtney recently himself and the woman was one hell of a spoiled brat. “Bet she calls twenty today.”

Like Vincent, Courtney was another of the problems lingering from their days of taking on any and every job. Her father was a Columbian drug lord with a list of enemies ranging from the mafia to some underground crime syndicate who called themselves The Association. It was a wonder the man was still breathing considering everyone who had him in their sights.

Which is how Alaskan Security ended up with Courtney. They were initially hired to protect her during one particularly nasty skirmish between her father and another drug lord. When Alaskan Security changed directions, they tried to cut both Courtney and her father off.

But Pierce had never been particularly good at refusing a woman in distress. Especially one who was young enough to remind him of his niece. So, every time Courtney called, they stepped in. Even going so far as to bring her to Alaska for a short stint in one of their off-grid cabins.

Recently, it had become clear Courtney was crying wolf, and Reed was here to tell her they were no longer going to be at her beck and call.

Reed’s nostrils flared. “I can’t wait to be done with her. She’s a goddamn menace.”

“She’s a spoiled brat.” Nate adjusted the shade shielding Reggie from the worst of the Florida sun. “We should send Reggie with you. I bet she could whip her into shape.”

Reggie flipped open the fan printed with Madame Leota she’d picked up after they rode The Haunted Mansion and waved it in front of her sweaty face. “I came here to go to Disney World, not to babysit a grown woman. You’re on your own, handsome.” She flipped her fan together and used it to gently poke at Bryson. “How you doin’, honey? You want to ride in my lap again?”

Between the time change and excitement that made it hard to sleep last night, Bryson was dragging a little. He’d spent most of the morning riding on the scooter with Reggie, but after heading back to the hotel for a lunch break and a nap he seemed to be perking up.

“Yes, please.” He lifted his face to look up at Nate. “Can we ride the thing up in the air again?”

“Buddy, we can ride anything you want to ride. We’ve got all week.” Nate tweaked the little boy’s nose. It was probably an odd thing to do, but when Bryson first came to stay with them he wasn’t sure how comfortable the kid would be with affection, and that seemed safe.

And then it stuck.

Bryson beamed up at him. “Okay.” He grabbed Reggie’s hand. “Are you staying all week too?”

Reggie’s eyes crinkled at the edges as she gave Bryson’s palm a squeeze. “Heck yes, I am.”

Nate took in the group surrounding him. The love they all clearly had for each other. It was almost unbelievable that just a few short months ago he was convinced one wrong move could make him lose everything. That the people he loved would leave him behind in a second, turning their backs on him without looking back.

A little part of him still worried it might have been true, even though Eloise was doing her best to convince him it never would have happened.

Either way, the risk was most definitely worth the reward. Instead of losing people he loved, he’d gained. Managed to find a woman who was equal parts sunshine and sass and could hold her own in any situation.

And together they were able to give a neglected little boy the life and love he deserved.

And they planned to do it permanently.

Nate snagged Eloise, tucking her into his side as they slowly made their way through the crowd of people also enjoying Disney for the holiday. He pressed a kiss to her temple, breathing in the scent of honeysuckle and sunshine he got to wake up to every morning. “Is it all you hoped it would be?”

Eloise’s eyes fixed on where Reggie and Bryson scooted together in front of them. “Better.”

“I—” His plans to update Eloise about the papers they’d filed to adopt Bryson were cut short by the piercing ring of Reed’s phone.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Reed yanked it from his pocket and connected the call. “If this is about Courtney calling you, I don’t care. We told her we would be there tomorrow and that’s when—” His eyes widened, jumping to Nate’s. “You’re kidding.” Reed’s nostrils flared. “I’m headed there now.” He ended the call, jaw set as he shoved his phone back into place. “Heidi just got a call from one of Courtney’s neighbors.”

Nate’s brows lifted. Normally Courtney liked to make her own distress calls. “And?”

Reed’s frown deepened. “Her house is on fire.”

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