Inked Babies (Inked Brotherhood 6)

“I’ll take first watch at Walmart,” Rafe says. “We’ll find this asshole.”

Damn, but I don’t have any other ideas to put on the table right now. “I’ll take the one after.”

And hope our luck turns.

***

“So that’s really the house? You found it?” Tessa’s eyes are round as I recount what happened today over a cup of strong coffee in our kitchen.

The sun has dropped beyond the buildings, and the only light comes from a lamp over the counter, bathing her pretty face in gold.

“It looks like it. I admit I wasn’t sure at first, but Zane’s memories seem pretty damn accurate so far.”

“I’d been hoping the bad things hadn’t happened,” she says softly.

I take her hand and draw her to me. “I know, Princess. I know.”

“If anything like this had happened to the kids, or to you—”

“But it hasn’t. And although all this is tough, we’re slowly getting somewhere.”

I fucking hope so, anyway.

“We should report what we know to the police. Even if they can’t do a thing about it. You never know. And that kid… that Tyrell. We need to know what happened to him.”

“You’re right. Nothing to lose by trying.” I haul her closer, kiss her. “You doing okay?”

She nods, her lips whispering on my cheek before she pulls away. “Yeah. It was nice seeing the kids today, and the babies… I think it mended me a little, you know? Took away some of the fear.”

“Does that mean you want a baby?” I bite my lip the moment I ask the question. I’d decided not to push her. Awesome job, Dylan. “Tess, I—”

“Oh, babies are so cute. But there’s no rush.” She pulls away further, and it feels as if she’s slipping through my fingers. “Really. I’m going to check on Teo, he’s been doing something in his room all afternoon, and I don’t know if I should be worried.”

She shouldn’t. But I’m grateful she does, and at the same time I want her to stay, talk this out.

Yeah, and then what? She’s already answered my question. Enough is enough.

“Hey.” Miles sidles up to me and props his elbow on the counter.

Which is pretty funny since he’s still short and he looks like he’s trying to hug the counter, instead. He brushes his blond hair back with his other hand, trying to look nonchalant and cool. Grown-up.

I swallow a snicker. “Spill.”

“What?”

“Whatever it is you’re dying to say. I know you, buddy. You came here with a purpose. I can tell from your attitude.” I grin at him. “So spill.”

He sighs, slumping a little. “Dammit.”

“Language.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He shuffles his feet, scuffing his shoes against the floor. “It’s about Tessa.”

I stiffen and turn to grab a glass from the cupboard. “What about her? I thought you loved her.”

“I do! I mean…” He swallows audibly. “You should totally propose to her.”

Surprised, I turn to look at him, glass in hand. “What? Why are you saying that?”