Page 114 of Implode

I make my way to the dance floor, bumping fists with the DJ. I clutch the microphone and smile at the audience. “I’m Nic. The easier going of the brothers.” I wink and earn some laughs and a snicker from Graham who knows my mellow nature is just a facade masking how I really feel. I know how intense I can be. All the Hoffmans have it in our blood. “And a tad bit more handsome.”

“Boo!” Graham yells, making me laugh.

“Just teasing,” I chuckle. “Needless to say, I know Graham pretty damn well. We grew up inseparable, played sports together, and now even manage to work together. Graham, you are the best brother. You have paved the road of what a leader should be. I look up to you, I respect you, and I am honored to call you brother. You deserve happiness, and I’m thrilled that you found it with the one woman who is your match.” I pause and turn my attention toward my sister-in-law. “Angie, you really are perfect for Graham. He needs someone like you in his life. Someone to talk back, fight with him, and drive him utterly insane. You do all of that, and I thank you for it. He needs that challenge. For a man set in his ways, you have proven that even old dogs can be trained.”

“Hey,” Graham grunts out.

“It’s true. Before you, Graham went through life doing whatever the hell he wanted. Now he has to get through you, and I’d be lying if I said it isn’t entertaining to sit back and watch him deal with the strong woman that you are. You are the perfect addition to our family, and we all welcome you with open arms. I love you and wish you all the luck in the world in dealing with my brother—because you may need it. Let’s raise up our glasses and toast to the happy couple. To health and happiness!”

“Cheers!”

When I make it back to my seat, Claire rubs my thigh and whispers, “That was really sweet.”

“Sweet?” I ask, trying to think back over all my words.

“Just thought it was nice how you welcomed Angie into your family.”

“I welcome you too, baby. You are the most important thing to me. You are not just an option; you are my everything. I will forever put you and the baby first.”

“Thank you,” she mouths, the words stuck in her throat.

I tug her toward me and kiss her forehead. My mom and dad catch the movement from their table and smile back at me. I know they know. Penny probably couldn’t keep her mouth shut over it. I’m just glad that they seem to approve. It is one less hurdle to cross.

The evening wraps up with us going outside to bid farewell to the newlyweds, watch a fireworks show, and listen to a live concert that is set up around the pool.

I have Claire in front of me and my arms wrapped over her midsection when I feel the presence of someone coming up from behind me. I turn my attention away from the artists to see Collins. His expression is impenetrable, and I know from the tic of his jaw that something is wrong.

“Baby, I need to take care of something,” I say softly in her ear. “Go stand with Penny.”

“What?” she asks, looking behind me to see Collins standing rigid in the moonlight. “Something’s wrong? Is it Ethan? He’s going to sue me and take the baby, isn’t he? I can tell by your eyes something just happened…”

“Please just go be with Penny while I handle whatever it is.”

I hate seeing the uncertainty in her eyes, but I know that Collins would never interrupt an intimate moment unless it was serious.

I walk with him through the gardens, away from all listening ears while he finds the words to tell me what is going on.

“There’s been another break-in,” he says bluntly.

“At HH?”

“No.”

“Where then?” I snap. I am angry with the entire situation—not with him.

“Miss Nettles’s apartment.”

“Fuck,” I growl. “Who? Did they take anything? Was it caught on the cameras? Clues to a motive?”

“Whoever gained access appears to have tripped the security cameras prior to entering. It wasn’t a forced entry, so I would assume they had access to a key.”

“Fuck,” I hiss.

“There’s a note.”

I look back to where I left Claire with Penny. “Dammit, what did it say?”

“It said, ‘Revenge is sweet but Claire is sweeter.’”

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