Page 125 of Legacy

I’m going to scream or break something. I’m going to light a match to the Strip and watch this city go up in flames.

Except, I’m frozen.

My hands are fists at my sides, and I can’t move. I can’t speak. I can’t think.

I can’t lose her.

Whatever happens, whatever they do, I’ll fix this. I’ll fix us.

A knock comes on the office door, and I turn to see Venom.

“Shouldn’t you be resting?” Steel asks.

He shakes his head. “I’ll worry about that when this is over. Wanted to let Legacy know Bea’s here.”

I swallow hard, nodding my head.

If Bea’s here, it means the entire school day has passed, and I’m no closer to finding Reagan than I was this morning. At least my daughter is home and safe.

“We’ve got this,” Steel says. “Go check on her.”

I nod and make my way to the front of the clubhouse, turning the corner just in time to see Soul walking in with Bea riding on his shoulders. He’s great with kids, even though he likes to deny it.

Soul dips his knees when they reach a beam so Bea doesn’t hit her head, and she giggles without a care inthe world.

When she spots me, her eyes brighten, and Soul lowers to set her down. She runs at me the moment her feet touch the ground, throwing her arms around me like she senses how badly I need it. I’ve never hugged her as tight as I do when I lift her up into my arms.

“How was school, Honey Bea?” I swallow the emotion threatening to get out.

“I finished my art project. I drew daisies for Reagan because they’re her favorite. A motorcycle for you. And cowgirl boots because I’m going to be the cowgirl at Uncle Dean’s ranch someday.”

“Does he know that?” I can’t help but chuckle, knowing Chaos would be amused by her decision.

He has no interest in being part of the family ranch himself. He moved to Vegas when he turned eighteen and left that behind to join the Twisted Kings. Still, Bea saw one photo of a horse and decided that’s where she belongs.

“I told him, and he said okay.” She solidifies her stance.

“All right then.” There’s no use arguing when she’s so determined.

“Where’s Reagan?” Bea looks around the room. “I want to show her my picture. I added extra glitter for her part. She said she was going to pick me up.”

“She’s busy, but she’ll be back soon.”

I hate lying to my daughter, but in this situation, it’s for her own good.

“Reagan didn’t leave, did she?” Fear fills Bea’s eyes. “She promised to be mine.”

“She is ours, Honey Bea. Look at me.” I tip her chin up. “There’s nothing to worry about. I promise. Reagan would never leave, and I’d never let anything happen to her.”

“Like me?”

“Like you.” I tap her nose, seeing Tempe walking into the clubhouse with Austin at her side.

Steel leans in close to whisper an update to Tempe, and I watch as fear and worry flood her eyes. At least she hides it the best she can since she’ll be watching the kids for the night.

“How would you like to spend the afternoon at Austin’s house?” I ask Bea.

“Really? On a school night?”