Room Eight

“Them, Sapphire? You had to pick them?”

I shrug. Did you pick how love found you?”

My men step in. Each settles a protective hand on me. “I didn’t plan it, but I didn't run from it either. Just like you didn’t with your wife.” I lean into Elyah and welcome the warmth of Lev behind me and Gregor to my other side. All three move hands over my belly.

“Don’t blame them. They gave me three weeks to tell you and I chickened out.”

Santi raises his gaze from me to meet Elyah’s “There will be a price for this transgression.”

“We didn’t expect anything less. Name it.”

“Santi?”

“It has to be this way, sweetheart. A fine for appearance's sake.” He turns back to Elyah. “What are you willing to lose to keep, Sapphire. Territory or money?”

“Money.”

“Twenty-five million.” Harlon drops the number and no one flinches.

“Done.” They clasp hands. “Maybe now we can sit down and talk about the threats we face to the east and west of our territories.”

I can finally breathe now that everyone tucks their guns away. “Where are we?”

“We’re in the East’s territory.” Elyah pulls me close and Harlon gives him a final look that says take care of her.

“We’ll see. I’ll be in touch.” Cassius shakes Lev’s and Gregor’s hands. All the guns and ruckus will draw attention. Causing a war with the other sectors isn’t a smart move.

Lev and Gregor move me toward the car with Elyah moving to the driver’s side.

I glance over my shoulder. “Wait.” I run back and throw my arms around Harlon’s neck. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Please know that.”

He takes me in for a big hug and I feel the love. “You scared me. All of us. Are you sure you want this?”

“I want to do more with my life.”

“I guess this means we need to look for a new undertaker.”

“I guess so. I’m going to be busy growing a tiny baby for a while. Then work to not repeat family history.”

The news makes him smile. “You’ll be a great mother and I figured with how protective they were you had another secret.” He pauses like he’s unsure of what to do next. “Maybe you can work remotely?”

I smile. “Maybe. Let’s talk?”

“We want you to be happy. You should have trusted us.”

I give each of the men of Genesis a hug. “I know. I let my father’s actions and that whole nasty past cloud my judgment. I should have come to you and been upfront. I’m sorry.”

“Keep in touch. Let the turmoil with Snake Eyes die and let’s meet.”

We hear shouts and bangs of pipes on panels of sheet metal. Shit. Locals.

“I’ll be okay,” I say hurriedly. “Thank you for worrying about me.”

I turn to walk away. “Oh, by the way, about Riot. Tell him his wife was spotted here in the Southern territory. I don’t have much to go on but a runner is working that angle. Cougar. Please tell Riot. And we need to refund his money.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. We’ve already taken care of the contract fee. We found your note. He wasn’t worried about the money; we modified the terms.”

I go back to my men and they welcome me with loving arms.

“Come on. Let’s go home. We have a baby to plan for.”

Shadows play across their expressions and everyone is quiet as we head back to the southern territory. I have a feeling tonight’s not the last time blood will be shed. But right now I am focused on us. My new family and building a home.

I fall into Lev and Gregor’s arms. “We love you too,” Lev whispers in my ear gruffly, making me smile into his neck.

“And we’re going to show you tonight.” I take Gregor’s hand in mine and love how our fingers twine together. Just like our lives will. I’ll fight for these men just as they did tonight.