Page 58 of They Call Him Reaper

I had to earn every good thing that was said to me, and even then, it was sporadic. It’s just another example of something to reprogram in my head. My first instinct was to point out that it’s better, but not good yet.

Tatum’s cry grabs my attention, and I turn to look at Theodore for the first time since his arrival. He holds his son close and whispers soothing things to him until he calms. My chest tightens a little as I wonder again if I have the tools to raise a child. Yes, I know I wouldn’t allow any outside harm to my child physically, but I’m not sure if I’m the right person for my child’s mental and emotional well-being. I’m lacking in both departments because my “norm” was altered.

“Dante?” Inaya calls my name and snaps. Refocusing, I look at her with a raised eyebrow. “Theodore was talking to you.”

Without a word, I make eye contact with him to let him know that I’m listening.

Theodore smiles, as if he can read my thoughts, then repeats himself. “Can you take Tatum to River while I help Inaya?”

I’ve seen his child almost daily, yet I’m sure I’m the only one who hasn’t held him. “I don’t think I’ve ever held a baby,” I admit.

He nods in the direction of my visibly pregnant wife and says, “Now is a good time to learn.”

Extending his arms, he brings the baby closer. Tatum sucks on his fist as he looks up at me with big eyes. Both of us give each other awkward stares. The wind blows some of his curls and he kicks his dangling legs and coos like he’s trying to tell me something. I smile as some of my discomfort fades.

His soft little body is a little heavier than I thought, making him feel a little less fragile.

“Just cradle him in your arms and support his head,” Theodore instructs as he smiles down at his son.

After I adjust him to Theodore’s specifications, a sense of calm washes over me. Looking up, I tell Theodore the first thing that settles in my mind.

“He’s safe with me.”

I walk away without waiting for a response, happy to have my resolve back intact. I’ll be there for my family; I just need to get rid of Father and Carlos first.

THIRTY-EIGHT

Inaya

“The case is closed.”

“Closed?” I repeat, staring at Dante. It’s not that I don’t trust him. I do. I’m convinced that I didn’t hear him correctly because it sounds too good to be true. I know he didn’t kill my mother, but I was sure the detectives digging into his past will uncover some of the things he actually did.

The baby kicks as if celebrating the good news with us. It’s all surreal. The possibility of everything being behind us seems like a hill we’d never climb. Some chatter grabs my attention, causing me to look around at something else out of the ordinary. The restaurant. Dante and I haven’t eaten out together since he was transporting me during my kidnapping.

There wasn’t anything romantic or date adjacent to that day. Now, my husband is at a fancy public restaurant with me because he wants to be. It doesn’t stop the assassin inside of him from scanning the place every other minute but baby steps.

His hair is combed out of his face and his beard is neatly trimmed as usual. But the custom black suit he wears makes me melt. If this last trimester didn’t have me tired and very visibly pregnant, I would tell him to meet me in the SUV.

As if knowing what I’m thinking, his dark gaze moves up my arms as if he’s caressing them and pauses on my cleavage for a beat before our eyes connect.

“Behave, Inaya. We’re having dinner. You wanted this…what did you call it again?”

“Babymoon.”

“That’s it.”

“I’m surprised you forgot with your super memory.”

He gives me one of the smiles that are only reserved for me. “I have to be paying attention to remember.”

I shoot him a middle finger because it feels appropriate, pulling a short-lived chuckle out of him before he moves back into business mode. “They arrested Carlos because more evidence points to him than me. His sloppiness led to a quick conviction. Life.”

“And the other stuff?” It’s my way of asking about Father without saying it.

“Pending. Located, but not an issue at this moment.”

He must still be hurt badly. I know Dante wants to go in for the kill, but he’s too careful to be so rash. He must make sure that it isn’t a trap. His skill set while still terrifying is kind of sexy.

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