Page 150 of Ugly Beautiful Scars

Several yards away, two figures step out of a massive wooden door onto the wide limestone entrance. Declan's height is unmistakable even at this distance. His gait is uneven as he moves. Beside him, Sienna's vibrant hair glows copper in the fading light. If this were a normal visit, they'd be approaching already and Sienna would barely be able to contain her joy. But they're hanging back, waiting for us to approach first. I'm sure my rushed phone call the other day put them on high alert, especially since I told them I couldn't go into details.

Londyn is staring at me, unblinking, waiting for me to make a promise that I refuse to; I won't make a promise I might not keep.

There are a hundred different ways this could go wrong. The wrong word to Victor's contact. The police catching me with heroin before I can plant it. Miller discovering me and getting a lucky shot.

Or worst of all: success, but Victor deciding to eliminate loose ends anyway.

The car, Londyn's stare, the world—everything presses in. My combat-ready pulse hammers against my ribs as I contemplate what a fucking dark pit I've fallen into.

I kiss Londyn's forehead then motion for us to both get out of the car. She opens her mouth to say something, but I push the car door open before she convinces me to tell her lies. The future is unknown and that's just how it is.

The warm California air hits me and I smell eucalyptus and ocean salt. My boots crunch on the fine gravel as I circle to the trunk and glance at Declan across the distance. The eye contact gets him and Sienna to start moving in our direction.

Londyn steps out of the car quickly to continue our conversation. "Sean, I—"

"I've always liked the name Alexis."

She blinks at me, momentarily confused. "What?"

"Alexis. If it's a girl."

Tears spring to her eyes and she shakes her head. "God, I should've known you'd figure it out. You somehow know everything."

"Of course I know." I pull her into a hug, just enjoying her in my arms. "We created life. That's something you feel. Think it'll be a girl?"

She fists my shirt and her voice cracks. "Sean… you have to find that out yourself. You're coming back. You're—"

Footsteps crunch beside us as Declan and Sienna approach with caution. Londyn pulls away from me and wipes at her face.

When she's composed, I place my hand at the small of her back as we turn toward my friends. "This is Declan and Sienna Conte."

Sienna moves in immediately for a hug, wrapping her arms around Londyn like they're old friends rather than strangers. "I'm so glad to meet you," she says. She's pure warmth and kindness and Londyn immediately relaxes in her arms. Sienna gives her a long hug, then moves back to rub Londyn's shoulders. "I just wish it were under better circumstances."

Sienna turns to me next, pulling me into an embrace that's both gentle and fierce. "You look like hell," she whispers in my ear.

"I feel worse."

"We're going to take good care of her," Sienna adds quietly, glancing over at Londyn who's wiping her eyes. "I can already tell she's special. The way you look at each other..." She squeezes my arm. "I recognize that look. It's the same way Declan looks at me."

Declan hangs back, giving Londyn a polite nod and handshake before his eyes lock with mine. The worry there is unmistakable. He's reading the situation with the keen intellect that made him a billionaire. I didn't say much on the phone, just that I needed to cash in on his standing offer to be there when I needed it.

He gives me a frown like his face has never known a smile. One look at me already told him everything he needs to know: whatever this is, it's bad.

"Nice to meet you both," Londyn tells them. "Thank you for opening your home. I'm sorry—"

"You're welcome," Sienna cuts in. "It'll be great to have some feminine energy around here. My husband can be a lot."

Declan only grunts.

I smirk but inside this all feels depressing.

Is this the last time I'll see Declan and Sienna?

Declan moves forward carefully, favoring his good leg. "Let me help with your luggage."

Londyn hurries to the trunk, reaching for my suitcase alongside hers. I catch her hand gently, my fingers circling her wrist.

"Just yours," I say.

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