Page 182 of Keeping Kasey
New record: eight.
I keep Kasey’s hand secured in mine the entire walk from the garage to Ford’s office. The gesture garners plenty of attention from my men as we navigate the halls of the base, but I don’t care.
At some point, I’ll have to answer questions about why the woman I declared an enemy four months ago is now walking hand in hand with me through the base, but not today.
Just for today, I’ll pretend that having Kasey is as simple as holding her hand.
When we get to the office, Kasey glances inside before turning her questioning gaze to me. “Where are Ford and Damon?”
I lift her hand to my lips and place a kiss there. “I imagine Ford is getting his coffee, and Damon is likely waiting in my office with the rest of my siblings.”
She looks between me and the office. “And you’re leaving me alone?”
I nod. “The office is yours for the day. I’ve ordered my men to stay out of this area. Ford will work in James’s office, and Damon will work in his, but he might stop by to check in. I thought you might enjoy the space.”
I don’t have time to study her expression because she throws her arms around my neck and brings her lips to mine.
“Thank you,” she whispers, pulling away with a wide smile.
“I almost forgot,” I say, reaching into my jacket to pull out her gun.
I’d taken it from my office when I went to get her phone last night, and I’m glad I didn’t give it to her any sooner. I have a feeling she would’ve shot me on my own lawn if I had.
And for some reason, that makes me smile.
This woman has me screwed in the head.
“I believe I owe you this,” I say. “Though, I do have to request that you refrain from using it. Especially on me.”
She beams as she takes it. “I’ll take your request into consideration.”
I press a lingering kiss on her temple, reluctant to let her go. “I’ll see you later, beautiful.”
My smile stays with me the whole way to my office.
Giving Kasey the trust I should have from the beginning has the strangest effect—like, somehow,I’mthe one who’s been given freedom.
And I can’t help but hope it’s the first step toward fixing what we broke.
It’s not until my hand turns the doorknob that I remember the mob waiting for me.
James sits in one of the chairs across from my desk, Damon leans against a bookshelf, fiddling with a candle set, and Elise has made herself perfectly comfortable in my chair.
All of them straighten at my entrance—out of interest, not respect.
“What a pleasant surprise,” I deadpan.
“Good morning to you, too,” Damon says with dramatic exaggeration.
I flip him off.
“What’s wrong with a little family bonding?” Elise asks with an innocent expression that fools no one.
“I’m a busy man, Elise. I don’t have time forbonding.”
She smiles at my twin. “Then we’re lucky James cleared your morning schedule.”
I glare at James, who shrugs. “What happened last night?” he asks.
