Page 204 of Bossy Hero

“Don’t care. You’re gorgeous to me.”

Her smile utterly dazzles me, and I love how we’re moving past the earlier awkwardness so quickly. We still need to discuss what happened, but this is a good sign. I recall our conversation from a few weeks ago and how she would try to not assume my intentions are controlling. I suspect she’s fighting through that now.

Warmth settles in the base of my throat.

It’s hope, pure and simple.

Needing her closer, I grab her waist and haul her flush against me. Lowering my mouth to her ear, I quietly tell her, “We might be getting old, but I still crave you like a twenty-year-old. When I get you alone, I intend to prove how sexy you are. Even if it takes me all night long.”

Looking scandalized, she pulls back and puts her hands on my chest to give me a playful shove. “You’re naughty, Mr. Lancaster.” She lowers her voice to barely above a whisper. “But I think I like it.”

“Hey, let me get in there,” Lettie interjects, literally shoving between Maddie and me to wrap me in a big hug.

Not that I’m complaining. I’m thrilled to celebrate this moment with my kids as well.

Huh. My kids.

I’ve said and thought it a million times before about all the people who work for me. But this time, it feels so much more profound. As much as I love my entire Redleg family like they’re my children, these two honestly are. One by choice and the other by blood.

Lettie passes me to Tomer as she moves to hug Maddie.

“We don’t have to hug,” he intones stiffly.

My boisterous laugh resonates from deep in my gut. “Get in here, kid.”

Once the excitement fades, we return to our seats. We’re halfway through our meals when Lettie clears her throat and straightens her spine.

Oh boy. Here we go.

She holds eye contact with an assuredness that’s damn impressive. Even when I narrow my eyes in suspicion, she remains resolute.

I glance at Maddie, noticing her similar expression.

“What is it you want?” I ask, cutting to the chase.

Without an ounce of hesitation, Lettie states her request. “I’d like permission to go to Climax to confront my grandmother. I don’t want to wait until I’m visibly pregnant, and it’s getting harder to conceal. Obviously, I’ll comply with all safety precautions you feel are appropriate. And I’ll follow any rules you or your guards put in place without hesitation. I won’t be reckless. But I don’t consider this an unnecessary trip. Itneedsto happen. And soon.” She shifts her gaze to Tomer. “And obviously, I need you to come with me.”

They stare at each other for a beat, having a silent conversation. Likewise, I flit my gaze to Maddie to get a read on her. As expected, she already knew this request was coming. It’s written all over her face.

“You’re on board with this, huh?” I ask her.

She leans close, keeping her voice low. “Alan, I strongly feel you need to talk to her as well. You both deserve answers. The timing is less than ideal, but I’m confident you can figure out how to ensure their safety. And yours.”

I inhale through my nose, feeling my nostrils flare with the sharp intake of oxygen. Probably shouldn’t be surprised Maddie’s picked up on my growing restlessness over this topic. Not knowing why Abby’s parents chose to keep Lettie from me gets harder to stomach each day. It was only a matter of time before my bitterness and resentment began showing through whatever box I tried to shove it inside. Maybe I’ve uttered a few too many snarky comments or grumbled under my breath a little too excessively.

Then again, perhaps it’s not what I’ve shown Maddie about this versus what she just knows because of her compassionate nature as a mama bear who wants to defend and nurture those she loves.

I’m so damn tempted to jump at this opportunity. It’s what I’ve wanted for a while.

If we do this, we need to be smart about it.

I glance at Tomer, my brows raised inquisitively. I value his opinion and trust he wouldn’t do anything to compromise Lettie’s safety or that of their unborn child.

After taking a beat, he answers my unspoken question. “We can probably make it work. Should I perform a threat assessment and attempt to devise a plan for your review?”

Lettie’s hopeful gaze locks on mine. Air freezes in my lungs, and my stomach bottoms out.

For the first time, I recognize echoes of myself in her expression. The lines of her face, especially her eyes. It’s almost uncanny.

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