Page 25 of Reaper

“It’s not up for debate,” I start, my tone firmer now. “It’s for his safety and yours.”

She stands abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. “He’s my kid, Reaper! You can’t just decide—”

“Think logically,” Matrix interjects, his voice a calm contrast to the rising tension. “Nina’s place is secure, off the grid. Blackstone won’t look for him there.”

“You think he’s after Ace?” she asks, horrified.

“Maybe.”

“Why?”

Matrix looks at me, and I shake my head just enough to get my point across. She doesn’t need to know everything about what we wentthrough with Blackstone. If she and I were together, I might consider telling her, but she’s not the same woman who left me seven years ago. Even I can see she’s changed in a lot of ways. She’s just as gorgeous as she ever was, but she’s more guarded and less spontaneous. I’m not surprised she’s hesitant to let Nina take Ace.

“Just speculation,” I say, shutting down that line of questioning before it goes too far. “Nina’s got that killer instinct. She’ll protect Ace with her life. You know that.”

The battle in her eyes rages on, but slowly, the fight drains out of her posture. Lexi’s shoulders drop, defeat mixing with the trust I see flicker in her eyes. “Okay. But only because it’s Nina.”

“Just remember, we’re doing this for Ace.”

“Thank you,” she says. “I know you’re trying to do the right thing, and I appreciate it. It just scares me.”

“We’ve got your back.” Matrix gives her a reassuring smile.

“Thanks, Matrix.”

Her eyes find mine again, searching, maybe finding a glimpse of the home she once fled—a home that’s here for her still, if she wants it. No matter how twisted this road gets, we’ll ride it together. We’ll bring Ace back when the time’s right. When it’s safe. Until then, Nina will protect him.

Lexi, on the other hand, might not be safewith me. The predator inside me is wide awake, and it wants her in my bed. I want her in my bed. Naked and soft and wet, just like before. I’m going to find a way to make it happen, and I think she realizes it. The warring mix of shame and desire in her eyes tells me everything I need to know.

Chapter 10: Lexi

I follow Reaper into the kitchen where the welcoming scent of fresh coffee and pancakes fill the air. It’s almost midnight, but Nina’s created a spread fit for a king. Reaper grabs a plate and sits at the kitchen table next to Ace. Nina’s sitting across from him, finishing off one last bite of pancake. Ace beams up at me from where he’s perched in his chair, his little legs swinging.

“Hey, buddy,” I say, forcing a smile. “Were you being good for Nina?”

“Yep!” He pumps his fist. “We made pancakes with chocolate chips, and tomorrow, we’re going to make meatloaf for dinner.”

“That’s great,” I say, but my tone lacks his enthusiasm.

Nina glances up, her eyes soft and understanding. “Don’t worry, Lexi. Ace is gonna have a blast with us. The other kids will get along great with him.” She ruffles Ace’s hair, and he giggles.

“Thanks, Nina. This means a lot.” I pull Aceinto a hug that’s maybe too tight. “Listen to Nina, okay?” He squirms against my chest.

“Okay, Momma,” he says, voice muffled by my jacket.

I release him and turn to Nina, my fingers fidgeting with the frayed edge of my sleeve. “I’m … I’m kinda nervous about this. Letting him go, y’know?”

“I get it.” Nina smiles. “But trust is what we do here. I’ve got your back. And Ace’s. We all do. You used to be family. Maybe you will be again.”

“We’ll see,” Reaper says, chewing a mouthful of pancakes.

I want to ask what he means, but the butterflies flitting in my belly won’t let me. Family is such a loaded word, especially around here.

“Ace will be fine. Nina’s some kind of child whisperer, anyway.”

“Comes with the territory,” Nina says, grinning. “Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping kids happy and safe.”

“All right.” I nod, more to convince myself than her. “He’s all yours. But please don’t overload him with sugar.”

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