Page 11 of Graves & Griggs
“No,” Zayden and I answer simultaneously.
Blake looks at me like she doesn’t believe me, and I don’t blame her. She knows us well enough to know when we’re lying or trying to pacify her. She absolutely fucking hates it, but right now, she doesn’t seem to take much issue with it. Instead, she places a kiss to each of our boys’ heads as we start up the rural road to the cabin.
“I love you,” I mouth to her.
She softens slightly, that smile that still makes my heart clench gracing her face as she mouths back, “I love you more.”
I never could have imagined winning the love of a woman like her. Our story isn’t cut and dry, though; it’s messy, complicated and, probably to most, fucked up. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. She’s my everything.Theyare my everything.
As we crest the last bend, the cabin comes into view. Of course, I’ve already studied it extensively, from the property lines and blueprints to the interior photos the real estate company posted when it was for sale. Still, the place is fucking massive. I suppose it would have to be if you had six adults and three kids. This is just one of their vacation homes too.
Zayden turns his head to face Blake and the boys before he speaks. “Stay here. Dominic or I will come get you. If you hear shots, you drive away, you hear me? You drive and you never look back.”
Blake shakes her head in protest as I cut in.
“Baby, yes. Our first priority is you three. You will get to safety,okay?”
She looks conflicted as the boys gaze up at her, then us. In the next moment, Ryder unbuckles his seat belt and throws himself around my and Zayden’s necks. We both hold him close, pressing kisses to his head.
“We’re gonna be okay, Ry, I promise,” I whisper into his ear.
He nods as he pulls away, then Aries does the same. We both offer Blake a confident nod before I grab a few guns, passing them to Zayden before holstering my own, then giving one to Blake as well. She takes it easily, shooting me a worried look before Zayden and I climb out of the car together.
We make our way up to the front door of the cabin, our heads constantly swiveling for the slightest indicator that something may be off. When we approach the door, Zayden looks to me, checking to see if I’m ready. I nod as he lifts his hand to knock.
Knock—can you believe it? I don’t think he’s knocked on any door a single day of his life.
Slowly, the door opens to reveal Vincent Griggs standing in the doorway.
“Graves,” he says with a nod to Zayden before turning to me. “Other Graves.”
I scowl at that as Zayden lets out a laugh I think is supposed to sound amused but really just sounds maniacal.
“I told you I liked this kid, Dom.”
I grunt in response as I stare him down. He meets my gaze when I cock my head to the side.
“Well? Are you going to let us in or what?”
“Why did you want to come here?” Griggs asks, turning his focus back to Zayden.
“You know, I’ve just been really feeling the need to get together with you, catch up. You got any beer?”
Griggs remains impassive, refusing to feed into Zayden’s bullshit for one second. Hm, maybe Zayden is right. I kinda like this kid too. Doesn’t mean I trust him, though.
“Let us in and we’ll explain as much as we’re able,” I say.
“How do I know you won’t blow my family’s brains out the moment I widen this door?”
“How do we know the same?” I throw back.
Griggs narrows his eyes and clenches his jaw. Finally, he relents, giving a shaky nod before pulling the door open.
“Thank you, good sir,” Zayden says with a dramatic bow, stepping in first.
I follow right behind him, clocking each of the remaining men. Two Putnams, one Walcott and a Preston. They all appear armed and guarded, ready to attack. That makes two of us.
“This is—” Griggs begins before I cut him off.
