Julian gave her hand another squeeze. She was doing better than all right. She was happy. She had everything she’d ever desired sitting here at the table with her. Along with a large number of friends all supporting her.
Yeah. She was doing all right.
Julian hated that she was doing this. Wanted to sweep her up into his arms and carry her home. To their safe place. He’d worried that maybe it wouldn’t feel like home because Cole had been the one to pay for it. But working side-by-side with Cole to get it ready had helped make it his. He’d loved watching Keira enjoy decorating it. Making it theirs.
“You sure about this, little bit?” Cole asked as they stepped towards the pantry.
“You don’t have to do it if you’re not ready, sugar tits.”
They both gave him looks at that nickname, but it lifted the apprehension from Keira’s face and made her smile.
“I want to do it.”
The kitchen had been emptied out to give them some privacy. Luckily, most people in the restaurant had already eaten, but Julian knew they didn’t have long before Renard and his staff would be back.
Cole went in first, followed by Keira, Julian bringing up the rear. That suited him. He’d be happy to spend the rest of his life watching their backs.
He heard Keira make a noise and stepped up beside her, slipping his arm around her waist. Cole, who stood slightly in front of them, turned side-on and reached for her hand.
Keira let out a deep breath. “It’s not as bad as I thought it might be. I mean, it’s not nice being in here, but I don’t feel panicked or afraid. But then the two of you are with me.”
“Always,” Cole told her.
So brave, his kitten.
“His wife’s death broke something inside him.”
“He was probably never whole to begin with,” Cole told her. “He was an evil man.”
Keira nodded then leaned into Julian. “Vincento is dead.”
He kissed the top of her head. “He’s dead, kitten.”
Thank God.
Cole always felt a sense of satisfaction as he drove up to their home.
Their home.
It wasn’t the house that made it that, of course. But the people living in it. The two people he loved and adored with a ferociousness that sometimes took him by surprise.
He pulled up out front and turned to give Julian a look. Then he glanced over at Keira who sat in the passenger seat.
“We have a treat for you for being such a brave girl,” Cole told her.
He couldn’t see her face in the dark, but he could practically feel her excitement. “You do?”
“Yep. Tonight you get to spend the night as kitten. Being petted and doted on by your two masters.”
She let out an excited noise. He grinned.
“Of course, you’ll also be punished if you’re a naughty kitten.” He had no doubts that would happen.
He’d thought this would be the best way to help her unwind. Although she’d handled tonight amazingly well. Still, as kitten, he knew she would more easily let go of all her worries and fears and just live in the moment.
“Julian would you please escort our kitten inside and help her get ready? We bought you a new outfit.”
“Yay! Thank you!” She leaned over and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing tight.