Page 101 of Ruthless Salvation

“That’s true. I’ll have the baby.” I couldn’t hold back my grin, knowing my teasing would rile him.

Torin grunted. “Him, too.”

“Him? You know the gender already, do you?”

He shrugged. “Just a feeling. What do you think?”

“I have no idea.” I paused. “Do you want to find out or be surprised?”

“You know I’m not a fan of surprises.”

I shook my head with a smile. “I suppose not. Well, as long as he or she is healthy. I know it’s trite, but that’s all that really matters.”

Torin clasped my chin between his thumb and finger, lifting my gaze to his. “Everything’s going to be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”

I peered at him, eyes narrowed in wonderment. If it were anyone else, I would have challenged them because no one could make that sort of assertion. But with Tor, his absolute conviction was too dang persuasive. He made me believe everything truly would work out. “You’re pretty incredible, you know that?” I asked softly.

“Thanks to you. I was just another surly asshole before you came along.”

I grinned. “Maybe a little.”

It was crazy how far we’d come in such a short time. I was beyond grateful.

With this swing of the pendulum, each day was another lottery jackpot, and I was ready to soak up every blissful minute.

Present

“An airstrip?We’re not going somewhere, are we?” Storm studied the private planes as we drove past storage hangars.

“No, we’re picking something up.” I’d gone out on a limb and hoped I didn’t regret my actions.

In the weeks since Storm moved in with me, she’d told me all about her parents and her Southern upbringing. She’d also talked endlessly about her grandmother. A grandmother that she desperately missed but had put off contacting out of fear and embarrassment. At first, she blamed her bruises, claiming she didn’t want to upset the older woman, but I could tell it was more than that. I could understand. It was a lot to have to explain.

I knew she’d reach out eventually; I was just speeding up the timeline a bit. The two had lost so much time together. I didn’t want them to lose any more.

“Looks like we’re right on time.” I parked out front of our hangar and watched as the family jet taxied toward us.

“Is that plane what you’re waiting for? It’s Christmas Day. I wouldn’t think anyone was working today.”

“They do if you pay them enough.”

The trick had been convincing the woman to come. If Stormy inherited her trusting nature, it wasn’t from her grandmother. The spitfire older woman reminded me of my own nana. Why she would think I’d want to kidnap an elderly woman, I had no clue, but she’d put me through the wringer before agreeing to come.

I got out of the car when the plane stopped. When Storm didn’t follow, I waved for her to join me.

“Sorry. I didn’t know if you wanted me involved.”

“This is for you, baby girl. Not me.”

“This isn’t a work errand?”

“Nope.”

She gave me a curious stare as the airplane door slowly lowered and became a set of steps. The engine cut off. As the sound died away, an old woman with perfectly set silver hair and bright-pink lipstick stepped into view.

“Honey.” Storm’s breathless exclamation was a perfect blend of astonishment and relief.

“Oh, Alina, baby. I’ve missed you so much.” The woman put her hand over her mouth to hold back the emotions. Storm rushed up the stairs and nearly knocked the woman down with the force of her hug. Both began sobbing hysterically.

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