Page 93 of Resurrection

I smile and focus on the bundle in my arms again. “Where’s Finn?”

Jay doesn’t respond, so I glance up and raise my eyebrows. Once I realized Finn’s things were in the house, I stopped worrying over where he might be. I should have known better.

“Gone out.” His face is hard to read.

“Alone?”

“No, he took the greenest guys in the crew with him.”

I narrow my eyes. He’s telling me the truth, but he’s being careful with his words. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Galina watching us. Perhaps she’s the reason. He doesn’t want Finn’s whereabouts to get to Eric. Since I haven’t told Galina Eric lied to her, her loyalty will be with him. Telling her I hadn’t been told about the baby doesn’t make me more trustworthy if her primary concern is what will happen to Lucas.

I wander to Jay with Lucas secured to my chest. “Is everything okay?”

He gazes from me to my baby and back to me. “Not the best way to get here. But it looks good on you.”

“Thank you.” I smile and nuzzle Lucas as he releases a tiny yawn. “Parenthood is amazing… and kinda terrifying.”

“Yeah, that’s how everyone feels. You’ll get used to it.”

I turn in the doorway and say to Galina, “Do I need to bring anything with me if I’m just walking around the house with him?”

She shakes her head. “If you need me, I’m here.”

With a head tip, I indicate for Jay to follow me down the hall. Once we’re in my room, he closes the door behind us.

“Where is he?” I sway when Lucas squirms.

“He didn’t want me to tell you.” Jay shrugs. “So I’m not telling you.”

I laugh, but I’m not amused. “You realize you work for me, right? I’m the one who pays your bills? Sends your kids cute outfits and expensive toys at Christmas. That’s me.”

“Yeah, well, when you threaten to cut off my balls, you’ll be in his league.”

I sigh. That’s the kind of hardball I’m not willing to play. “When’s he returning?” I frown, somewhat surprised he’s gone anywhere. Last night he was determined Eric wasn’t coming near me. Without him here, unease circles around my neck.

“Maybe tonight,” Jay replies. “Maybe not till tomorrow. He told me to pretend I was glue and to stick to you.” He grins. “Then he added”—he squares up his shoulders in a good imitation of Finn’s posture—“‘but don’t get too fucking close.’”

This time, my laugh is genuine. “I fucking love that guy.” Lucas wiggles, and I peer at his petite features. “If his first word ends up being fuck, I’ll be mortified.”

“Yeah, we might have to dial it back. We’ve got a year to sort ourselves out. Maybe more if he’s got his bio dad’s intelligence.” Jay winks at me.

His statement is funny and not. My child possessing any of Eric’s traits or characteristics makes me angry. Some inheritance is inevitable, though. He is his biological dad. I’ll have to get used to recognizing aspects of Eric, coming to love the parts of him in this little man.

“You’re just going to follow me around all day?” I say.

“Exactly an arm’s length away.”

Amusement and unease war inside me. Finn can take care of himself. After our conversation last night and what Eric tried to do, I’m worried he’s finding a way to eliminate Eric behind my back. He doesn’t see himself as a protector, but I know better. When he loves, he loves hard. For years I watched as he tried to shield Lorcan from anything too damaging. Right now I’m the one he’s trying to protect. How far will he go?

“Seriously, where did he go?” I say.

“Seriously, I can’t tell you.” Jay frowns. “He said he was going dark for the next twelve to twenty-four hours. Hence”—he gestures to the space between us—“the glue.”

“Please tell me he’s not doing something rash or stupid.”

“You think he ran his plan past me?” He tsks. “We’re not bros. He only tells me what he wants me to know.”

Lucas fusses in my arms, and I adjust my hold while I change from swaying to a light bounce.

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