“All my life I spent believing Johnny’s lies, living in fear and letting him swindle me into caring. I almost let him back into my life again then I met Lara. He is the one who tried to take her from me, and I killed him for it.”
“What?”
“Yeah, the man I’d known all my life, the man who raised me, betrayed me. I have learned to let that go because it doesn’t do me any good. It doesn’t make things better. That beautiful woman out there who needs me, needs me to be my best. That little boy in her arms and the little one growing in her belly need my love and strength just like they need their uncle.”
“You guys are expecting another one?”
“Yes. So I need you to get off your crazy ass and sober up. Remember your daddy loved you. Something you had that I killed for.”
He swallows hard and nods. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s fucking natural to feel sad and miss him. I miss your dad and I didn’t know the guy long, but he was a good man. So I get it, but remember he left a legacy for you to fill. A ranch to bring love and life to, so make him proud.”
“Thanks. My sister’s safe now?”
“All my known enemies have been dealt with. All those who dare will pay the price. I guess I’m more like my birth father than I realized, but I’ll move Heaven and Earth for her, and send every bastard to Hell if I have to.”
“Sounds good to me.” We shake hands and chuckle before walking out of the barn to go find my wife and mother-in-law, who were worried.
“It smells good in here.”
“My mom and I cooked dinner for you guys.”
“I’m talking about you, beautiful.”
“Come on. You’ve already made the babies,” Tobias grumbles.
“He’ll understand one day,” I whisper in her ear, nibbling and making her giggle.
“I’m so happy for you two. Tobias, I can’t wait for you to fill these rooms with little ones as well.”
“Maybe one day if I’m lucky, Momma.”
Four years later
Landon
Since I met Lara four years ago, having these parties has been a test of wills. I want to forget that anyone else is here and take her to the nearest hidden room and drill her on any sturdy surface. She looks fabulous in her perfectly sexy gown as she commands the room. Over the years, she’s only become even more intriguing. People gravitate toward her, which pisses me off. Still, I let her shine because she makes a wonderful hostess and the children’s charities make a killing when she’s in charge.
“Relax. Lara’s working the room, and we have eyes on her at all times,” Danny's voice chimes through my earpiece.
“I know. I know.” I can’t help but grimace when I see the way motherfuckers look at her. Dickerson is here tonight, but at least he learned his lesson when he came across my good friend Jack and has minded his manners. We haven’t had a problem with him in over a year. I’ll have to send Jack a nice present. Although clocking Dickerson when he insulted his wife, Petra was probably good enough.
“I need to go speak to her.” A bastard is chatting with her now, and I can’t stand that he’s too damn handsome. As I approach, another woman is standing with them, easing the tension in my body just a fraction. “Hello, my love.”
Lara looks up at me with a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes that calm the raging monster in my chest. “Well, hello, Mr. Black. Fancy seeing you here. I wondered when you’d come find me.” She winks, humor laced in every word because she reads my jealousy a mile away. I drop my head down to hers, snagging her lips with mine and reaching around to give her ass a nice squeeze.
When I back off, she introduces me to the couple. “This is Derek Baines and Ava Henry. Derek works for Ava’s father, who is also here somewhere—DA Henry from Indiana.”
“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I see you’ve been keeping my wife company.”
“She’s been telling me about your boys. They are adorable,” Miss Henry says, smiling sweetly. I can see she truly means it. I wonder if she’s waiting for the guy next to her to give her the same thing.
“Do you want another drink, Ava?”
“Just water, Derek.”
“Okay, I’ll be back. Can I get you two anything?”