Page 42 of Marked

Nash passed her a glass jar of honey and a spoon then handed Cole his mug of black brew.

Cole mumbled an acknowledgment.

“Other than to refuel, what are you here for?” Nash asked, giving him a pointed look.

Blowing on his steaming cup, Cole lifted his gaze to his youngest brother. Nash’s dark hair and gray eyes were similar to his own, but their personalities were very different. Nash had changed since meeting Lexi, and even more so since she became pregnant—almost as if he’d been subdued, like a male dog after being neutered.

Regardless, the asshole was still competent. “We have a location for where Sophia’s kid is being held. She’s scheduled to meet with the kidnapper tonight, but we need to get Bella out before then.”

Nash nodded. “I agree. Shit will likely go sideways.”

“My thoughts exactly. But we need more people on foot. She’s being held at a farmhouse in the mountains. If that’s where they’re moving other children, the place will likely be heavily monitored.”

Nash pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek—an indication he didn’t like where this was going. Tough shit. Cole had helped all of his brothers out in a pinch, and he’d damn well make sure Nash returned the favor.

“Did you call Dare and Brooks?” Nash asked. “What about Dallas?”

“I came here first. Figured we’d round everyone up.”

The sound of the front door opening and closing echoed through the house. “Nash? Is—”

“We’re in the kitchen, babe.”

Cole turned in his seat as Lexi breezed in. Her gaze became alert and suspicious when it landed on Sophia. Nash pulled her into his side and kissed her temple. “Did you get the card to the baker?”

“Yeah,” she said distractedly. “Cole. It’s nice to see you here. Nash said you’re coming on Saturday?”

Ah, hell. He’d forgotten all about the gender-reveal gong show. He swallowed down the disgust pulling at his mouth. “’Course. Wouldn’t miss it.” He forced his lips to relax into what he hoped was a smile. But Lexi undoubtedly knew him better than that. “Four days is a long time to wait. You found out today?”

She beamed. “We had the ultrasound this morning. It was hell trying not to look at the card. But now I can put it out of my mind until Saturday.” Her gaze crept to Sophia. “Detective. I’m surprised to see you here... with Cole.”

Sophia smiled. “Congratulations on your pregnancy. That’s wonderful news.” A shadow crossed her face.

Lexi beamed. “Thank you. A December baby will be fun. We can’t wait.”

For a flicker of an instant, Cole imagined Sophia with a pregnant belly, her skin glowing even more than usual. Pain stabbed his chest. “Did Nash tell you what’s been going on?”

Her brow knitted, and she pulled away from Nash to scowl at him. “What’s he talking about?”

Nash paled.

Fuck. It hadn’t even crossed his mind that Nash wouldn’t have involved Lexi in Bella’s disappearance.

His brother squirmed, tugging his collar away from his shirt. “I didn’t want to upset you. It’s—”

“My daughter is missing,” Sophia piped up. “It appears the kidnapping is related to my investigation into Lionsgate. Someone’s pissed that I’m getting close to the inside and they took Bella. They want me to trade the name of my informant for my daughter tonight.”

Lexi’s fingers curled against her lips, and her eyes misted. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry.” Her gaze flew to Cole. “And you guys are...?”

“She asked me to help find her,” Cole said.

Intrigue widened Lexi’s eyes, washing away some of the sadness. “Oh. Well, that’s interesting.” Nash nudged her, and she cleared her throat. “Anyway. I want to help.”

Concern flooded Nash’s face. Cole quickly sat forward. “You don’t need to do anything, Lex. I’m sure we’ll—”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, lifting her nose haughtily. “I’m five and a half months pregnant, not an invalid.”

Cole raised his palms. “Fine. You okay with that?” he asked Sophia, who quickly nodded.

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