Page 13 of Graves & Griggs
They both look down, rightfully ashamed as Blake comes up to me, shaking her head.
“I swear to God they only listen to you two.”
She pauses for a moment, looking for Zayden. “Is everything okay?”
I nod. “For now. Don’t lower your guard, but for now, we’re okay.”
Blake blows out a breath and nods as I lean in to press a quick kiss to her lips. She melts against me before I pull away, setting the boys down and taking her hand in mine.
When we step inside the house, I have the boys tucked behind Blake and me as all eyes swing to us. Four new pairs of eyes are among them, all watching with varying levels of hesitancy. One seems to capture the attention of the boys, though.
Before we can stop them, Aries sprints forward, followed byRyder, until they’re inches from Seraphina, the family’s four-year-old.
“What’s your name?” Aries asks.
She looks at him nervously before glancing at her mom, who gives her a small nod. “Seraphina. What’s yours?”
“I’m Ryder,” he says, pushing in front of his brother.
Aries shoulder-checks him so that he’s front and center once more. “I’m Aries.”
She nods, still watching the boys with bright gray eyes like she’s unsure of them.
“Do you want to play?” Jackson, the family’s three-year-old asks.
Aries and Ryder nod as they take off with Jackson, running towards the back of the cabin, Brooks toddling behind them.
Aries pauses, looking back. “C’mon, Seraphina.”
Now she looks to her dad, or so I’m assuming, since the girl appears to be a spitting image of Griggs. He’s frowning at her like he doesn’t approve before Skyla places a hand on his shoulder and nods to her daughter.
“Go play, baby. We’re going to talk about grown-up stuff.”
She nods and trails after them. None of us miss how Aries grabs hold of her hand the instant she’s close enough, leading the way like this is his house or something.
“Oh Christ,” I mutter under my breath.
Zayden casts me a look as a laugh bubbles out of Blake.
“Um, I think my boys are taken with your daughter.”
Skyla laughs, nodding as she closes the distance between her and Blake. She holds her hand out. “I’m Skyla.”
Surprise flickers in Blake’s eyes as she nods before taking her hand. “Blake.”
Skyla smiles warmly at Blake, and I watch closely for a hint of malice or deceit, but I come up empty.
“So how do we kill these Horsemen fucks and get you all out of here?” Asher asks.
“Ash,” Skyla hisses, whipping her head round to face her asshole of a husband.
Zayden seems to be amused by it, though, as he cackles a laugh and nods. “He’s right. Let’s dive into it.”
Chapter Five
Blake
It was hard at first trying to keep track of everyone’s names. The introductions were brusque and, apart from Skyla and Liam, devoid of any warmth. Which, I’ll admit, I can’t blame them for. I mean, if the roles were reversed, I doubt the guys would be welcoming strangers into their kids’ home with open arms. Still, I think that’s the piece that gives us all comfort. We have equally precious things to lose here. It’s like for now, in this house, we’re Switzerland or something.
