Page 190 of Chasing Sparks

"No worries. You have every right to hate me," Lucille says, offering a faint smile.

"I don’t hate you," Braden argues.

"You all do, and I get it." Lucille shrugs, her expression resigned, as if forever cast in the role of harlot and home wrecker.

"Actually, Cilly," Trace interjects, using a nickname I’ve never heard before, "it takes tremendous courage to do what you’re doing. You took a hell of a chance, and I’m going to makesure you’re somewhere safe once this is over."Lucille nods, but I see the lost little girl inside her—hopeless and alone.

And in that moment, I forgive her for not loving me back all those years ago and breaking my heart into a million pieces.

If she hadn’t, I never would have gotten the chance to love Ori and I know without a doubt that she is the love of my life.

Trace pivots toward my brother. “Braden, I know these two trust you, but I’m not thrilled you know this much about the investigation. So, here’s the deal for all of you: keep your mouths shut. If this case gets compromised because of loose lips, I’ll make sure the law comes down on you harder than you can imagine. Understood?”

“I think I liked him better as the head of an MC,” Lucille mutters, clearly unfazed by Trace’s show of authority.

“Cute,” Trace responds dryly. “But no joke, guys. Mouths shut, or this all falls apart.”

“Fine.” I stand, giving my brother a clap on the back. “Do me a favor. Clear my afternoon.”

“Where are you going?” Braden asks.

“To be with my woman. But hey, Braden …” I pause, letting the weight of the moment settle. “There’s another secret I’ve been keeping from you.”

Braden rests his chin on his hand and smirks. “Let me guess—Ori’s pregnant.”

Talk about silence.

After a few beats, Braden’s eyes go wide. “Holy shit, is Ori pregnant?”

I can’t hold back the grin quirking my lips. “Yeah, she is.”

A smile spreads across his face, slow and genuine. “See? Nowthatmakes sense. Congrats, my brother.”

“We’ll celebrate soon. But first, I need some quality time with Ori.”

“I thought she wasn’t speaking to you,” Lucille calls out, twisting in the booth to look at me, a slight glint of mischief on her face.

“I have a few ways to convince her. Right now, I just need to be near her. Trace, do you think you guys can handle the rest of this case without me?”

Trace snorts and waves me off. “It won’t be easy, Hammond, but I’ll manage somehow.”

Hey, we need to end this on a positive note, right? Because wewilltake Kevin Duncan down.

He will pay for the lives he’s ruined.

Anything else is too unbearable to consider.

Chapter 28

The Truth Shall Set You Free

Ash

Iknock on Ori’s door, huffing out a breath as I prepare for my woman’s wrath.

Trust me, I know I’ve got it coming.

True to form, she cracks open the door and shoots me a glare. “God, I’m in no mood. What do you want?”

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