Page 106 of Boulder's Weight

As I set the phone aside and pull Kelsey closer, I make a silent promise to both of us.

Whatever's coming, whatever secrets still lie between us, we'll face it together, because she's mine now, and I protect what's mine.

I finally let myself drift toward sleep, the weight of Kelsey in my arms anchoring me to this moment, to this life, to her.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Kelsey

I'm sketching in the book Oakleigh gave me when Boulder appears in the doorway, freshly showered, more serious than he usually is.

I look up, offering him a smile that fades when I notice the tension in his shoulders. "Hey, you."

"Hey." He crosses to sit beside me on the bed, glancing at my drawing. "What are you working on?"

I tilt the sketchbook to show him the café scene I've been working on, complete with Luna sunning herself in the window. "Just something to show Astra. She mentioned maybe using local art for new menus."

"It's good," he says, genuine appreciation in his eyes. "You've got a real talent."

His compliment makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, but his demeanor still feels off. "Everything okay? You look serious."

Boulder meets my eyes directly. "Razor got intel from a border contact. Someone matching Sam's description crossed over a few days ago, heading this way."

His words catch me off guard.. "Sam? Here? In Mexico?"

My heart pounds against my ribs as hope surges through me.

Sam—my baby brother, the only family I have left that matters—might be here.

"Seems that way," Boulder confirms, watching me carefully. "Used the name Samuel Warren. That mean anything to you?"

I can't help the small smile that forms. "Mom's maiden name. If he's using that name, he's trying to help me."

Boulder doesn’t seem like he believes that, though. "Or lead Benji to you."

My smile falters, but I shake my head firmly. "No. Sam wouldn't do that. If he's here, it's to help me, Barron." I use his real name, figuring it’ll be enough to show him how serious I am.

Boulder covers my hand with his, and I automatically turn my palm up to intertwine our fingers. "How can you be so sure? Family shit it runs deep, Montana. And Benji is still his brother. He’s still your brother."

I meet his gaze steadily. "Because I know Sam. He was there when I found those DVDs. He saw what it did to me. He helped me take them to the police even though he knew what it would mean for all of us."

Boulder squeezes my hand, his doubt softening. "Okay. So if he's here to help, what's his next move?"

I shift closer to him on the bed, "He'll be careful. Methodical. He knows Benji's resources, so he'll avoid obvious places. He'll try to find a way to contact me that Benji wouldn't think of."

"Like coming to the club?" Boulder suggests.

I shake my head, thinking like Sam would. "Too direct. He doesn't know you've claimed me, doesn't know I have protection. He'd be cautious about approaching any group that might have connections to Benji or Craig."

"So, how would he reach out?"

I think hard, my thumb absently stroking the back of Boulder's hand. "He might try the café. It's public, easy to watch from a distance. He could watch it for a bit before trying to contact me."

Boulder nods, his expression shifting. "We'll keep an eye out. I’ll tell Brick what to look for."

Relief washes over me, and I lean into him, resting my head against his shoulder. "Thank you."

His arm comes around me, drawing me closer into his warmth. "For what?"

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