Page 99 of Risky Game

“I do love you,” he said, tone gruff. “But I don’t like this.”

“I know,” she said.

His gaze cut to me.

“All I’m asking is you don’t tell anyone on the team until we’re ready.” After all, he was right. It’d only been three weeks. This could blow up in our faces at any moment.

“I won’t, but we will be talking.”

I dipped my chin. Once he calmed down, I had no doubt we would, and I’d listen to what he had to say. I respected him that much.

Molly returned with Luke. Amelia followed, pouting. “We forgot to give you your presents, Daddy.”

“Let’s say goodbye to our friends first, then you can give me the presents.”

“Why are you crying?” She went straight to Ruby.

Ruby sniffed and swiped at her cheeks.

“You sad on my daddy’s birthday?” Oh, the sweet innocence of childhood.

Ruby bent down and smiled. “I’m okay, and I’m not sad. I’m excited for your dad to see what you bought him. Can you go get them?”

“Yes!” She ran off and at the last moment turned around. “Bye, Luke!”

She shot off like a rocket. Molly hugged Ruby and whispered something in her ear that made her smile. I’d ask her about that later.

Jassen kissed her cheek.

No goodbye for me. Not surprising.

Soon, they were gone, and while Amelia was still gone, I kissed Ruby’s temple. “You okay?”

She glared up at me and growled, “A warning would have been nice.”

“Yeah. My bad.”

“Daddy!”

I’d apologize to her later.

I had presents to open.

The perfect distraction.

Chapter 27

Ruby

I kept my mouth shut while Amelia gave Logan his presents. We spent the afternoon making him a card. When Amelia insisted she needed red glitter for his present earlier, I’d hesitated. Everyone hated glitter.

After the drama he created earlier, I’d hid my smile beneath my hand when he opened the card and glitter fell all over him. He deserved it.

I was still mad, even if a part of me was grateful he’d taken control earlier. My secret with Paulie was out, at least most of it. Jassen didn’t need to know the rest of my stupidity, but at least now I knew he’d never talk to Paulie again.

And he’d calm down. Eventually. He loved me too much to stay mad at me forever.

I waited until Amelia was in bed and until Logan went to his room to change. I was out on the back patio when he returned, waters for both of us.

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