Page 87 of Unravelling The Hitman: A BWWM Romance

Reid climbed over me, his tiny feet stomping my lap and breaking into my thoughts. I set him back down so he was seated and away from the boat’s edge.

Harsh winds whipped my ponytail back and forth. The sea was a churning grey, matching the overcast skies. Strangely, as we got closer to the mainland, the weather cleared up.

Was that a sign?

Should I leave the island?

I’d been considering it last night but, in the end, I couldn’t leave just because I’d made a stupid mistake. Deacon had paid me in advance and I would serve my time. It was my responsibility and that didn’t go away because his body had been my desire last night.

I sighed and held on tightly to Reid.

When we got to the mainland, Deacon hired a golf cart taxi to take us to the airport. It was my first time on a plane, an experience that managed to make me smile despite my circumstances.

Reid seemed excited too.

In the midst of our shared cheering, I found Deacon watching me with a pleased look and quickly wiped my grin.

For the rest of the trip, I glared at the wispy clouds and cursed the gorgeous aerial view of the coast.

No way was I giving Deacon the satisfaction of my smile.

When we got to Belize City, it felt like I’d entered a new country despite the fact that I’d grown up here. I’d become so accustomed to the silence and isolation of the island that returning to the hustle and bustle almost grated my senses.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long to get to the hospital.

We walked into the foyer together.

I stooped to Reid’s level. The cutie pie was dressed to impress in a white shirt and pressed khakis. I’d brushed his hair and put in some gel.

My fingers itched to take a picture.

I clamped his shoulders instead. “I’ll be right back. Make sure you behave for the doctor.”

“Abel,” Reid cried my name and clung to me.

My heart stirred.

This little guy was another reason I was hesitant to leave the island.

“I’ll see you soon. Okay?” I kissed his forehead.

Deacon picked Reid up and held him. Green eyes boring into me, he said, “I have my cell. Call me if you need to.”

I nodded. The friction between us made it uncomfortable to stare into his eyes. Turning without another word, I strolled down the hall.

A quick stop at the nurse’s station pointed me in the right direction.

A few seconds later, I stood outside my dad’s hospital room.

Mom was sitting at Dad’s bedside holding his hand when I entered. I observed them quietly, letting the weariness of the past few days roll from my shoulders.

Dad said something that made Mom laugh. When he coughed, a tight, worried knot formed between Mom’s thin eyebrows. She grabbed a cloth and dotted at his dark brown skin.

In sickness and in health. For most, it was just a line in a marriage vow, but it was a principle of life that my parents clung to. Their love for each other hadn’t wavered.

I’d wanted something like that. So badly. If I was honest, a part of me wanted that with Deacon. But that kind of thought was stupid and had contributed to the mistakes I’d made when I tumbled into bed with him last night.

Mom glanced up.

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