Page 182 of On The Rocks

“Sure.” Baron gave her a tight smile. “Whatever makes you happy.”

I saw all the peace and contentment that had infused him earlier today leak out of him. Even knowing we weren’t really going back with Irene, the weight of their history was pulling him back down.

It was as if he was back in his old skin.

Lennon was restless and she opened her eyes, but they fluttered shut almost immediately. She curled her shoulderforward as if to wrap herself into a ball. I wasn’t sure she saw me, but I couldn’t chance Irene seeing her move.

Elmer crawled as much of his bulk under the couch at her head as he could. Her hand dropped down to rest against him.

God, was that all she could do?

Rage simmered inside me. That was more than enough of this bullshit. I spotted the needle on the end table, then I refocused on Baron.

He was already withdrawing. God, this woman had fucked us all up in so many ways. I made the devil horns against my side. Hoping he’d catch it and know what I meant.

The bonds we’d once had were so damn frayed, but I had to try.

Baron suddenly twirled Irene around and into him.

“Oh!” Irene gave a delighted laugh and fell into him, her gun down by her side.

While she was distracted, I grabbed the needle and slowly walked up behind her. Bile rose in my throat as I cupped her hip and ran my nose along her neck. “Is this what you were hoping for?”

She leaned against my chest and tilted her head to give me access. “Oh, yes. My boys.”

Baron locked eyes with me and the pain there gave me the last bit of nerve to stab her arm with the needle. I made sure it was the one that held the gun.

Her arm jerked. “No. What did you do?” She tried to whirl around but her knees buckled and she fell into Baron.

I grabbed the gun before it fell out of her hand and hit the floor.

“No. This isn’t fair.” She whispered, her voice slurred.

Baron caught her.

“Kain!” I called out.Please God, be out there.

The door flew open with two cops, with Kain and Beckett and Justin behind them.

Baron gently set her on the floor then he stumbled away, and his back hit the wall. He slid down and bowed his head.

“I got him.” Kain pointed at me. He nodded curtly, then he and Justin went to Baron while the cops cuffed the unconscious Irene.

“Sir, please put the gun down,” the Sheriff said calmly.

Surprised it was still in my hands. I crouched and set it down. “Please. Can I go to her?”

The younger deputy rushed forward and used a Ziplock bag to pick up the gun. A fucking gallon bag. What the hell? “We have a lot of questions for you.”

It didn’t matter. Irene would pay for this. For all of this.

I stumbled over to Lennon and drew her into my arms.

She sobbed into my chest. “Griffin.”

“I’m here, I’m here.” I sat down and drew her onto my lap. “It’s over.”

Her fingers gripped my shirt, and her breath was warm on my neck.

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