Page 3 of Saving Mr. Norcross
Rhys followed, a hand on his wife’s lower back. He was always touching her.
Of all of the Norcross siblings, Rhys was the first to fall in love. He’d always been more of a risk taker than his two older brothers, or at least more willing to leap into new situations.
Then Brynn stepped up beside Vander. He took a long moment to take in every inch of his beautiful wife. She was wearing a gorgeous, red dress that hugged her lean, fit body, and showed off her killer cleavage. He’d enjoy taking it off her later. Her brown hair spilled around her shoulders. Brown was such a plain word for it. It was streaked with so many shades—caramel, mahogany, chocolate. He’d given up trying to identify all the colors.
She shot him a hesitant smile, her light-blue gaze on his face. Watchful. Cautious.
She was worried.
He cupped her jaw, and she pressed into his palm. Her skin was smooth and her nose sprinkled with freckles he loved, such a contrast to her inner toughness. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. No line he wouldn’t cross to keep her safe and happy.
He’d find a way to force himself to relax on this vacation and wipe that worry off her face, if it was the last thing he did.
He followed her inside the villa.
From the outside, the villa oozed Italian charm, with ivy growing over the stone walls. Inside, it had been modernized, with a nod at keeping the historical feel. White-washed walls, high ceilings, and refinished wooden floors spoke of an ageless richness. All the arched windows highlighted lush gardens or the blue sea. The furniture was wooden, heavy, and no doubt expensive, while the kitchen and bathroom were updated and elegant.
“Vander, drink?” Rhys called out from the built-in bar.
“Sure. I’ll have the Eagle Rare.” He’d brought a bottle of his favorite bourbon with him.
His brother moved with his usual agile grace. He wore his dark hair longer than Vander, dark curls falling over his forehead. He was quicker to smile and had an easy-going charm Vander could never claim.
“Not for me.” Brynn sat on the elegant cream couch.
They hadn’t told the family about the pregnancy, yet. It was still early, and she wanted to wait until she hit the three-month mark. Tonight, she’d had a couple of cocktails that were actually mocktails. He’d slipped the bartender some cash to ensure they were alcohol-free. So far, Rhys and Haven were none the wiser, but his brother was a hell of an investigator. It wouldn’t take him long to work it out.
“Nothing for me, either.” Haven dropped into an armchair. “I can’t fit another thing.”
Vander watched Brynn cross her legs. It hit him again that she was pregnant. His muscles tensed. She didn’t look any different.
But there was a child,theirchild, growing inside her.
An ugly taste filled his mouth. He’d seen the worst the world had to offer. He’d spent more time in some of the worst places, seeing the cruel things people did to each other, than he liked to admit. He knew the dangers that lurked around every corner.
A part of him was terrified to bring an innocent child into that. He’d worked hard to accept the overprotectiveness he felt for Brynn. The overwhelming love. She was his heart, his everything.
He’d even accepted her work, especially when he’d seen her in action.
Then she’d told him that she was pregnant, and before he could process that, she’d been stabbed on the job.
He took the glass of bourbon from Rhys and nodded. He lifted the crystal snifter and drank most of it in one long swallow.
Rhys raised a dark eyebrow. “You’re on vacation, big bro. In Italy. You’re supposed to be relaxed.”
“Does Vander ever relax?” Haven asked.
His wife stared at him, worry back in her eyes.
“I’m relaxed.”
Rhys snorted. “Sure. You keep telling yourself that.”
Vander’s phone beeped.
His brother frowned. “That better not be work.”
“Saxon is holding down the fort.” Vander sat beside Brynn. “Everything should be fine.”
