Page 40 of Keeping Katie

Strolling forward, I give the prick a shove, then grab him by the throat before he falls on his ass. “I don’t give a fuck who you are or who you know; you’re going to stay away from Katie. Cage might have let you live despite his hatred for you, but I won’t if you cross me. This is your only warning.”

I release him with another shove, sending him flailing backward into a wall. I’m surprised by how quickly he recovers and starts to straighten his suit.

“Whatever you say, man,” Calvin mumbles as he brushes off some invisible lint.

God, the guy is slimy. It makes me sick to think he’s ever been alone with Katie. I need to make that one of her rules. No being alone with any man but me or one of ours.

“I could have gone a fucking lifetime without ever seeing your ugly ass, and yet here you are, in Seattle of all fucking places, and I’m regretting letting you live. Won’t be so lucky next time, Dunlap. I suggest you keep one eye over your shoulder because your time is coming,” Cage says calmly, then smiles so fucking wickedly that even I get goosebumps.

Whatever Calvin did to piss off Cage, it must have been good. I’m shocked the guy is still alive. Cage isn’t known for being forgiving.

Feeling like I got my point across, I stride out of the office and don’t stop until the four of us are near the SUVs.

Turning to Cage, I narrow my eyes. “You knew who he was and decided to keep that little piece of information to yourself?”

Cage shrugs like it’s no big deal. “It wasn’t important for your situation.”

“Why is the piece of shit still living?” Killian demands.

“Because it was more fun breaking his arm in three places with my bare hands and watching his dream of being a star baseball player go down the drain one shitty hit at a time,” Cage answers with a smirk. “Besides, I went to juvie six months later, sentenced by his father. That’s when I was recruited onto my team, and I had to leave my past in the past. I hadn’t seen him again until today.”

Damn.

“Anyway, this was fun. I have shit to do. I’ll be in touch.” Cage salutes as he heads toward his vehicle.

Killian, Bash, and I glance at one another and shake our heads before we climb into the SUV. Cage is a mystery, but we really fucking like him.

Bash turns his attention to me. “What’s the plan now?”

I drive towardmyrealtor’s office. “Now, I figure out how to get Katie to move in with me. Do you think it’s too soon to ask?”

Bash laughs. “Why would you ask? Just move her shit to your house and cancel her lease. Decision made. Boom.”

Killian turns to look back at Bash. “Dude, how the fuck did you turn out like this? It’s like you see a line and dance right past it every time.”

Snorting, I nod. “It’s true. But I do like the way you’re thinking.”

“Jesus Christ. Are you seriously thinking of taking advice from Bash?” Killian scrubs a hand over his face and shakes his head.

I shrug. It’s not the worst idea I’ve ever heard. Katie belongs with me, turning my house into our home. She needs a bedtime and someone to take care of her. I can’t do that like I want to if she isn’t living under my roof.

Killian sighs. “I never thought I’d be the sanest person in this group.”

Bash slaps his shoulder. “Just remember Declan stalked Cali for half a year before they got together, so I think we’re all sane compared to him.”

It’s kind of true. I’ve been lightly stalking Katie, but nowhere close to the degree that Declan did with Cali.

However it happens, Katie belongs with me. Whether she’s ready or not. I am, so she needs to get on board.

As soon as I walk into Twisted Bean, I know something is wrong before I even lay eyes on her. The air is different. Sadder. Heavier.

When I pass the espresso machine and finally see her behind it, making a drink, my chest squeezes. She looks exhausted. And her normally sparkling eyes are dim.

“Baby girl,” I murmur so only she can hear.

She looks up, and her shoulders drop like she’s been waiting to see me all day. “Hi,” she whispers.

I watch as she caps the coffee, sets it out for the waiting customer, and then meets me at the end of the counter. Right away, I pull her into my arms.

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