She snapped out of her thoughts and glanced at the couch, trying to be as quiet as possible. She nodded and then went to lift the tray, but her hands were shaking. Instantly, Evan covered her hands as he leaned up against her. She gasped, put down the tray, and froze in place.
“Easy, darling. I’m not going to hurt you. God, you look so scared all the time. When you look at me or my brothers, you look like you’re afraid of us. It’s killing me, Lois.”
She felt the tears reach her eyes. There he was, being nice and seeming kind and compassionate. She knew better. Men could not be trusted. She wasn’t a normal woman anymore. She was tainted, scarred, battered, and broken.
“Let go of my hands,” she whispered, her voice cracking. He did immediately.
“Let me carry the tray out,” he responded.
She glanced back at him once he stepped away. She damned her body for feeling the loss of him pressed against her. Why was she reacting like this? She could never let a man close to her or Kenny again. She couldn’t have what Valentina had. She had to put Kenny first, always. So why, as he walked away with the tray, did she let her eyes roam over his backside and his muscular, jean-covered legs and think that the man was absolutely perfect?
* * * *
Evan felt his blood boiling and his heart aching. He couldn’t stand the constant fear Lois seemed to have. He knew she’d gone through something traumatic back in New York and that it had to do with Kenny’s father, and the fact Valentina had to shoot and kill him and his partner. He’d tried asking Sparrow and his brothers for more information, but they told Evan and his brothers that it wasn’t their right to tell them what happened to Lois. They did ask them to really be sure that they wanted to be her guardians and told them that it may never come to being more than just her friends. He and his brothers had talked about it. The more time they spent around her, the more they wanted to know about Lois.
Perhaps Ghost and Laverty were right, and maybe Lois had been abused by her boyfriend. He was a soldier—they knew that much—and he was a criminal, as well. He placed the tray down on the table and Valentina poured the glasses, but Lois remained by the side of the porch watching the kids as they went back to playing. Valentina gave Evan a sympathetic expression. He glanced at Ford, who had his eyes glued to Lois. He knew his brother was feeling exactly how he was. They were interested in Lois, compelled to help her and be close to her. There was just something about Lois Willow, and Kenny, too, that pulled at their hearts. They kept to themselves for the most part. They barely dated, especially with Ghost and Laverty being the least social of men.
Evan watched Lois, too, as she held that light sweater against her body. It was pretty damn warm out for a sweater, but the woman always wore one. Did she have scars or something? The thought made him feel upset. He just couldn’t stand not knowing why she was so sad and frightened. Something had to give. He wasn’t giving up. There was just something about Lois that called to him.
Chapter 1
Lois was shaking as Valentina hugged her tight. “We got through it. They’re going to be just fine,” Valentina whispered to her. Lois hugged her as the tears fell.
“I can’t stop shaking.”
“Me either. God, I didn’t think I would feel like this. So worried about them, about not being right there in case they need me,” Valentina said as she pulled back. They both wiped their eyes and Jace placed his hands on Valentina’s shoulders. She reached back, smiled, and covered his hands as Beck, Ridge, and Sparrow stood around them. Even Evan, Ford, and Laverty were there with their mom, Dora, who held baby Grace as John, one of her husbands, smiled widely.
Lois had been shocked that Evan Ford and Laverty were there, too.
“Okay, no more tears. This is a good day. The kids are safe, and we’ll do drive-bys all day to ensure that they’re okay?” Beck teased her and Lois.
Valentina gave his arm a smack.
“Nice. Thanks a lot.” Valentina walked over to Grace, and Dora handed the baby over to her. Grace reached out and grabbed on to Valentina and hugged her tight.
“Oh, boy, did I need that, Grace,” she said and closed her eyes, rocking the baby. Lois smiled and pulled her sweater closed. When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she tensed up and looked at Evan.
“Kenny will be fine. You’ll see.”
She shifted, making his hand move.
“I know,” she said as he moved his hand and placed it into his pocket. He looked around them and she felt like she’d embarrassed him for touching her. She didn’t want to be touched. It put her on edge.
“Thank you for coming by and seeing the kids off,” she said to him and then glanced at Ford and Laverty. Evan’s eyes widened slightly and then he smiled.
“Of course we came. We’re here for you and Kenny. Always, doll,” Evan said and she pulled her lips tight and turned around.
“Ugh,” baby Grace said and reached for Lois.
They all chuckled as Lois opened her arms to Grace, taking her from Valentina and hugging her close. Grace squeezed tight and Lois felt the love and the power the baby’s hug brought to her. As she twirled her around and stopped, she opened her eyes and found Evan, Ford, and Laverty watching her. She was smiling but then instantly turned away.
* * * *
Valentina and Lois were sitting in the little café in town having lunch after their trip to the salon for manicures and pedicures. Lois was looking out the window and sipping an iced tea. Her sister looked beautiful with her new hairstyle. The golden locks fell past her shoulders and she seemed calmer.
“I think we should do this more often. Just the two of us enjoying a few hours of peace and quiet like adults,” Valentina said and chuckled.
“Yeah, you know we’re both missing the kids and you’ve checked your cell phone several times to make sure that Dora hasn’t texted,” Lois teased.