Page 124 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

“Don’t make me rip you a new one in front of your newborn son.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. This little bundle in my arms needed to grow up without all the bullshit and violence Ben and I had witnessed in our lives.

“You sure Bob and Val will be okay with you naming him after me?” I asked.

“They’re just happy they’re having a grandchild. I sent them a text, but they’re probably asleep. Avery still ready to get her ink done?”

I looked at the two girls who were deep in conversation.

“She doesn’t mind waiting.”

He shook his head.

“You two can come to the house and I’ll do them there. I’ve already made a head start on designing and I want to do it in time for her birthday.”

“You really don’t have to.”

“I never thought I’d see the day you found a girl who makes you this happy, so don’t be an idiot. I’m happy to do it. Skye gets it. We’re all family here.”

Ben was the only person I kept in contact with from the army. We’d done a lot for each other over the years. Loyalty, friendship and trust ran deep with us.

“I appreciate it.”

We left not long after that. Avery needed sleep if she was going to work tomorrow. I wanted to keep her at home and make love to her now we’d cleared the air, but it could wait until the evening. It was almost four by the time we got in bed. Her alarm would go off in a couple of hours.

“I like Skye,” she said, curling up against my side.

“I thought you might.”

She yawned, closing her eyes and wrapping her hand around my waist.

“Are you sure I’m not allowed to call you, Uncle Aiden?”

I shook my head, stroking her hair.

“Only when speaking to my nephew.”

She nodded, yawning again.

“Night princess.”

Her breathing became steady and even. She’d dropped off to sleep. I watched her for the longest time. I wanted all this bullshit to be over. I wanted a normal life with her more than I’d ever wanted anything else.

I decided right then and there, I’d stop at nothing to make sure we could have that. To make sure we had a future we could look forward to. Nothing and no one would stand in my way.

I wish I’d known then our future would never turn out the way we’d planned it.

I wish I’d known what was about to befall us.

Then I might have been able to stop the descent into complete and utter chaos.

One thing was for sure.

No one was coming out unscathed.

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