Page 168 of Prey

“That’s Braxton,” Roman said close to my ear.

I smiled a little when Kai joined in the fun and carried Braxton over his shoulder, causing the boy to erupt in happy laughter.

I looked around the room and found Dominic standing next to Micah, a look of paternal love in his eyes as he watched his boys.

My heart hurt over the sight, and my hand automatically curved over my belly.

Roman couldn’t see the movement, as he was standing behind me, but it seemed he could sense what I needed then, because he moved in closer to me, resting his chin on my shoulder.

I snuggled in closer to him.

“I love you,” I whispered to him over the noise.

He heard me, though, because he turned his face to the skin of my neck and gently kissed me there. “I love you.”

* * *

By six o’clock,the party was in full swing, and I was sitting on the porch, watching Roman interact with everyone.

I smiled when he laughed, unable to stop myself from basking in his happiness.

I knew things hadn’t settled yet. There was still a lot of shit, and with thebusinesshe was in, there would no doubt always be new problems on the horizon.

But for now, I was enjoying the peace with my love, and the happiness surrounding us.

Someone came behind me, and I had to work hard not to jump at his mere presence.

He handed me a beer. I looked down at it and wrinkled my nose, though I didn’t say anything.

I knew this was Micah’s version of a peace offering.

I looked over at him.

It still amazed me how he and Roman could look so alike and yet so different at the same time.

But I knew a little bit about their history now.

I knew Micah had to act as Roman’s protector for most of their lives, and that didn’t just stop, even though they were both grown men.

I wasn’t as scared of him as I was before.

In fact, I found myself wishing he would be able to find his own happiness one day.

“You’re gawking,” he said.

I startled and looked away from him. “You’re the one sitting next to me. Excuse me if I’m staring a bit.”

The corner of his lips curved up with the tiniest hint of a smirk.

“I think you’re going to do all right in this family.”

I shook my head. “Thank you. Because I was totally looking for your approval.”

He let out a slight chuckle. “Nothing to be embarrassed about.”

I looked over at him, my mouth hanging wide open.

He turned to me, his silver eyes dancing.

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