Page 38 of Falcon

Silence falls awkwardly until Livi says, “Now what? You magically expect me to accept your presence?”

I should wince at the harshness in my cousin, and best friend’s, voice. On the other hand, she’s right for being overwhelmed and even more because the fucker kidnapped us and simply throws this shit on us.

“News flash, dude,” I grunt. “She found out about shit in her past a few months ago and she’s still processing it. What the hell do you expect in a timeframe between now and tomorrow afternoon, eh?”

An afterthought hits me, and it causes a cold shiver running up my spine. “We need to go back to the building. The guys were about to face Amadeo and you kidnapped us. Fuck. Jocko is out cold. Someone needs to go check.”

The guy in the suit sighs. “Like I said, the men know you’re with me. Amadeo isn’t a threat to my daughter anymore. My daughter made sure his death was slow and painful.”

I don’t need to remind him it was me and Falcon who had the huge bull’s-eye on our back. So, I stay silent instead.

“It was you who cleared out his underground brothel,” Livi states.

The guy shrugs. “I might have given the order, but it was your sister who handled it.”

My eyes widen, knowing some of the details. “She did it alone?”

The guy gives a nod. I’m actually a bit annoyed and also relieved…totally mixed emotions. Knowing there’s not much to do until tomorrow, I might as well introduce myself and get to know his name. Though, I’m pretty sure he already knows mine.

I hold out my hand. “I’m Makenzie–”

The guy totally interrupts me when he states, “Kenz, my daughter’s best friend and recently you became aware she’s your cousin. Which makes us family as well. Thank you for being there for my daughter throughout the years of friendship. Holland Hart, you don’t have to call me uncle, Holland will do just fine.”

An involuntary snort leaves me. “I wasn’t planning on calling you uncle anyway. I am, however, very thankful for your help with taking out Amadeo. He was coming for me and my old man, Falcon.”

“The mute is your man, yes.” The corner of his mouth twitches. “They needed to remind him a few times not to kill me. He’s very protective of you.” He releases a deep sigh. “I guess Thorsten is the same way with you. Though, I would have liked to see you end up with someone else. There’s a reason your mother didn’t want me in her life and picked me for a few hours of fun. A little dirty rebel.”

“Oh, eww, come on. That last part was unnecessary,” Livi grumbles. “And if you think I’ll simply call you daddy after this whole kidnap-and-dump-the-information-daddy-revelation then you’re not right in the head. Which you probably are.” She sucks in a breath after her ramblings and winces. “Really? You were sixteen? My mother was way older when she had me.”

Holland chuckles. “Sweetheart, you, and I’m sure your friend with her reading habit knows how an older woman with experience can be very attractive for a–”

“Oooookay, zip it, Holland,” Livi snaps. “We’re never going to discuss this topic ever again.”

He waves his hand. “You’re not a prude, Elowyn. You being pregnant shows you know how kids come into the world.”

I blink a few times at the flow of information and then it hits me.

Leaning forward, I pin Holland with my best glare. “How the fuck do you know about my reading habit?”

His face turns colder than a naked tit in the frosty rain. “No one enters my daughter’s life without thorough screening.” His attention shifts to Livi. “I was out of the country for the last couple of months, and did hear about the Broken Deeds revelation. I was planning to come back sooner, but with you going undercover, knowing it was your dream job working in law enforcement, I kept my distance. Bad decisions on both our parts.”

“Fuck you,” Livi snaps. “Thorsten is the best–”

Holland leans forward as he cuts her off. “Be careful what you say next. Especially since the man kidnapped you and–”

“Pot calling the kettle black as coal,” Livi growls.

I shrug and mutter, “She has a point. Okay, can we call a time-out? I’d like a phone to message my old man and let him know I’ll see him tomorrow. I’ll be sure to ask about your daughter. Then you need to feed this angry chick next to me.” I lean in to fake whisper, “She’s much nicer these days when she’s chewing on something.”

Holland chuckles and he digs into the pocket of his suit jacket to hand me his phone. “This is why I had Lu take you two together. You’re a good friend, Kenz.”

I keep quiet now that I have the fucker’s phone and quickly dial Falcon’s number. Fuck messaging him, I want him to hear my voice, so he knows it’s me. Anyone could send a freaking text. My heart skips a beat when the line connects. I’m almost positive the call is on speaker by the sound in the background.

“Hey, babe, it’s me. We’re okay. I’m kinda pissed I won’t be sleeping in our bed with you tonight, but I guess you’ll have to make it up to me when Holland returns us tomorrow.”

There’s only one distorted word coming in reply. “Mine.”

My heart heats inside my chest and overflows with love. “Yeah. I’m yours the way I claimed you first. See you soon.”

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