Page 23 of Brick's Redemption

But his dying words and my promise never faded.

“I was the last person he spoke to, Ginny. That day fucking haunts me.”

“I don’t blame you for what happened. Neither does my family.”

Fuck. I hated remembering that day, covered in Hesh’s blood, and having to make the phone call that devastated so many lives. It spurred on carnage to the extent that I still dreamed about the killings that followed.

Every member of the Desert Titans had blood on their hands.

“Brick? Is there anything else I should know?”

Fuck. I wished she had never asked. I could have avoided the subject for a little longer. “Yeah.” I sighed. “You’re not gonna like it, Babygirl.”

“What is it?” She stiffened like she knew I was about to deliver bad news.

“Butcher is out of prison.”

She shoved away from me. “What?”

“He got out on parole.” The words nearly burned with my hatred as I thought of the man who shot Hesh.

“He murdered my father!”

“I know, sweetheart.” I reached for her, tugging her back into my arms. “Don’t overexcite yourself.”

She made a noise of disgust. “How the hell do I stay calm after hearing that?”

I lowered my hand to her belly. “Because of him.”

Our baby.

“You know.”

“Of course. I bought the pregnancy test for you.”

“Right.” She avoided eye contact. “Are you happy, Brick? Do you want this baby?”

The fuck? Why wouldn’t I want him?

I grasped her chin and forced her to look at me. “I’m fucking thrilled, Ginny. The woman I love is having my child.”

She blinked rapidly like she was fighting the urge to cry. “You love me?”

I nearly smirked because that was what she focused on. “Yeah, I do.” I pressed a kiss to her lips, eager to taste her sweetness. I fucking loved everything about her, even her stubborn nature. “We’re going to be a family.”

“Aren’t we already?”

“I’m just making it official.”

A tiny smile curled her lips. “Do you think my dad is looking down on us and happy?”

“He would be right after he kicked my ass.” I laughed as I thought about it. Hesh would be furious until he saw how much I loved her. I’d like to think he’d come around after that.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Her wistful smile faded. “Why didn’t you tell me about Butcher?”

“You’re already in danger from the Crimson Skulls. I wasn’t adding more for you to handle.”

She opened her mouth to argue or change my mind but ended up closing it.

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