Page 107 of Tangled Desires

“Like I’m gonna need a crash course in parenting,” I joke, but there’s truth in it.

“Well, don’t go asking Xavier for advice,” Michael snorts.

“Hey, I’ve been a father for months now. Fuck off,” there’s no real malice in Xavier’s tone.

A firm knock on the door interrupts the moment. Bradley steps in, dressed in full uniform, his face a mask of professional calm. But I know him well enough to catch the flicker of concern in his eyes.

“Is this a good time?” He asks gently, his gaze moving between Imogen and me. “I’d like to go over what happened at the salon. I’ve got my colleague Reynolds waiting outside.”

Imogen nods slowly.

“I’m going to push aside that we’re family, just for a moment, and be the police officer,” Bradley says, his voice measured.

Imogen looks up at me, then back at Bradley. “Okay. Harrison, can you take Joseph?” My eyes widen.

Isla and Michael both blurt out, “Joseph?” at the same time.

Imogen’s face turns crimson. “It… just slipped out,” she stammers and her face turns a shade of pink. I can’t help but grin at her. We’d planned to keep the name to ourselves a little longer, but what the heck—we’ve been dying to tell everyone. Isla coos, practically melting.

Michael stands, stepping closer to me. “Joseph, huh?”

“Joseph Steven Price,” I correct him and his expression softens. “Immy and I figured we’d name our miracle boy after those who mean the most to us.” I glance at her, and she squeezes my hand, her warmth grounding me.

A smug grin appears on Michael’s face. “Ah, shit. And here I was hoping you’d name him after me—Mikey or something.”

“Nah, that name is only reserved for you, Mikey boy,” Imogen snorts, mimicking the nickname I always use.

“Fair enough,” Michael says with a shrug.

“Joseph Steven Price,” Isla repeats the name with a beaming smile. “It’s perfect. Such a fitting, biblical name for a beautiful boy.”

I reach down, finally, lifting Joseph gently from Imogen’s arms. His tiny body wriggles in my hands, and my chest tightens with love so fierce it’s almost overwhelming. I cradle him close, completely forgetting Bradley for a moment.

“Sorry, Brad,” I say sheepishly.

He shakes his head. “No need. I’m the one who should be sorry for interrupting. Congratulations to you both, truly. On the name as well.”

Imogen shifts, sitting up despite the obvious discomfort. She winces, and my chest aches. She shouldn’t have to do this—not now. She should be resting, soaking in this moment, not reliving the nightmare from earlier. But she meets Bradley’s gaze, determination written all over her face. That’s Immy—fierce and strong, even when she doesn’t have to be.

Bradley clears his throat. “How are you feeling? After… everything.”

Imogen’s voice is quiet but steady. “I’m okay. A little shaken up, but… I’m okay.” I feel a surge of pride—and anger. Pride for her strength, yet anger that she has to go through it all.

Bradley nods. “I’m glad to hear that, Imogen. I promise I won’t take up much of your time. I need to ask a few questions, though.” His tone shifts. “Can you walk me through what happened? From the moment you noticed something was wrong.”

Imogen takes a deep breath. “I’d just closed the shop after finishing up a client. Isla was with me, but she’d gone to the back to help me clean. I had my back to the door when it was forced open, and they… they came in. Armed.”

Every word is a gut punch. I can still see it—her scared, cornered, and me too far away to do anything. Bradley keeps his voice calm. “Did they say anything? Make any demands?”

“They wanted cash. Money that Harrison’s father owed them. When I told them I didn’t have what they wanted, they persisted. They didn’t leave. One of them… grabbed me.” Her voice cracks, and I can’t stop myself.

“That’s enough.” The words rumble from my chest, and I take a step closer, Joseph tucked protectively against my chest. “She’s been through hell. Do you really need to drag her through it again?”

Bradley pins me with a stern look. “I get it, Harrison. I do. But we need this information to build the case. For her.”

Imogen reaches for my hand. “It’s okay. Let’s just get it over with.”

Bradley continues. “One of the offenders was shot at the scene. The others are in custody and will be facing charges, including armed robbery, trespassing, and assault with intent to cause grievous harm. They will be denied bail and will stand trial in court. Once you’re feeling well enough, we’ll need to take a formal statement from you. I’ll also need to speak with Isla as part of the investigation.”

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