Page 28 of Ghost

“Fuck off.” He narrowed his eyes. “She was Alessio’s baby sister. He sold her to fucking Ivan.” My eyes widened. The Russian.

“I stepped in and took her. She’s mine,” he said, the underlying threat clear.

My hands went up. “I hear you.” I understood. It was way too fucking soon, but I was already feeling the same way about Rae.

“She’s pregnant,” he said quietly. I looked over at his wife and sure enough, there was a glow about her as she smiled wistfully at my daughter in Rae’s arms.

“She’s glowing.”

Sophia was a beautiful woman, but not who I’d pictured for my brother’s wife. Where Banner’s presence was dark and dangerous, Sophia’s was dainty and meek. I’d spotted her when we arrived and didn’t think they fit, but I knew I was wrong the moment she looked up and smiled at him. In a flash Banner’s wall came down as he stared back at his wife.Now, that was impressive.

When he turned back to me, the wall was back in place. “We haven’t told anyone yet. She wants to wait until after the first trimester to say anything.”

“You’re happy about this?” I asked, wondering where he stood. My brother had never given any indication that marriage or having a family were on his radar.

His lips twitched. “I am.”

He was. I could see it written all over his face. In the short time he’d been married, Sophia had changed him.

“I’m really happy for you, Ban.” I owed my sister-in-law. I could see it; she’d saved him in more ways than one.

My eyes went back to Rae across the room as I wondered if I’d find what my brother had. Dragon had given me her file and I knew the basics: mother died during childbirth, raised by a commando father, moved to the city last year and had been bouncing from gig to gig ever since.

I also knew she was smoking fucking hot, ignited the second I put my hands on her, was tough when it mattered and soft with my daughter. That seemed like enough for now.

“I’ll catch you later.” I pushed away from the wall going straight to my girls.

“She done?” I asked, nodding to Payton whose eyes were drooping. Rae grinned down at her, and something shifted in my chest.

Fuck. The girl was really digging in deep.

“Yeah, it’s her nap time.”

“Good. Let’s go.” I helped Rae onto her feet and escorted her down the hallway towards my room. I unlocked my door and opened it for her to go inside. “This way.” I nodded to the closed door.

“What’s in there?”

“Payton’s room.” I opened it and motioned for her to go ahead.

“I thought she’d be staying in my room.” I could hear the confusion in her voice, but she was about to find out things had changed. She wouldn’t be staying in a room of her own. From now on, she’d be sleeping next to me.

I stood in the doorway watching as she put a fresh diaper on my daughter then laid her down in her crib. Once she was out of the way, I moved in beside her and placed a kiss on my baby girl’s downy head.

“It’s crazy, you know,” I whispered stepping back. Rae’s head tipped to the side.

“Getting out and meeting my daughter.” I shook my head. “I never wanted kids. But now that I’ve met her, I can’t imagine not being her dad.”

Rae’s face softened. “She had the same effect on me the day I met her. She’s a special little girl.”

“Come on.” I grabbed her hand and led her out of the nursery, closing the door behind us.

“About earlier—” she started.

“It’ll happen again.” I cut her off.

Her eyes grew to the size of saucers. “What?”

“I want you.” I reached out and slid my arm around her waist.

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