Holiday Baby Scandal

“I just want to go home with you and be done here,” she whispered.

“I’m not sure that’s the best idea right now.”

Laney froze. “What? Don’t even tell me you’re letting them come between us already.”

He turned back to stare out at the dark night, illuminated only by the glow from the patio lights below. “I’ve told you before there is no ‘us.’ Their reaction should have told you that.”

Laney crossed her arms over her chest. “And we’re not going to fight them on this?”

The muscles in his jaw clenched. His silence might as well have been shouted through a bullhorn.

The door to the study opened, then slammed. Laney glanced up to see her brothers. Furious over Ryker’s stance, Laney had had more than enough.

“If you’re going to come in here and beat your chests over how you’re supposed to protect me and Ryker knew better, save it.” Laney glared across the room as her brothers started in her direction. “I’m expecting a baby. We didn’t plan it, but your anger won’t change a thing.”

Mac stopped behind the leather couch and rested his hands over the back. “Maybe not, but we’re still pissed. We’re family, Laney. Ryker crossed the line.”

Laney rolled her eyes. “I assure you, he didn’t make the baby himself.”

“So what now?” Braden asked, his eyes on Ryker. “What do you plan to do with my sister?”

Laney stilled, her back turned to Ryker as she waited on his response.

“I plan on helping her raise our baby and continuing to keep her safe. This changes nothing.”

Laney’s heart broke. Cracked right in two, then splintered into shards on the ground. She wasn’t going to beg anymore. She’d tried to show him how perfect they’d be together, but clearly he wanted to keep that bit of distance in place so he could hold together the only family he’d ever known. She understood his fear, admired him for clinging to what he’d built, but to throw away her love was the last straw.

Laney turned to face Ryker. “You’re right. This changes nothing. We’re going to have a baby, but that’s al

l.”

Those dark eyes stared back at her. Lips thinned, jaw clenched, he was seething. Laney continued to stare, tipping up her chin in defiance. If he wanted to expand, then he needed to do so now. If he wanted to come to her “rescue” like he always had in the past, he needed to say what he felt. Why did have to be so set on doing the right thing? He was human, and they were attracted to each other. He’d showed her with his actions that he cared. Why was he choosing her brothers over her—again?

“We have too many problems going on right now for you two to be at odds,” Mac cut into her thoughts. “Laney, are you feeling okay? Are you sure you can keep working?”

Throwing her arms in the air, she spun. “For heaven’s sake, I’m pregnant, not terminal. I’ve had a few dizzy spells, but that’s all normal.”

Braden ran a hand over the back of his neck and glanced toward the ceiling. Laney waited for the backlash.

“Don’t take this out on Ryker—”

“Stop, Laney.”

She glanced over her shoulder. Ryker had turned from the window. His dark eyes held her in place, and she wanted to say so much more. She wanted to beat some sense into him until he relaxed his moral compass. He was so damn worried about getting shut out, he was literally letting her slip away.

“I’ll handle my end,” he told her.

His end? So they were on separate sides?

“Yeah, I guess you can.” She swallowed the hurt, ignoring the threat of tears. She had no time for tears, she was too angry. “I’m going home. I’m tired, I’ve had a long day.”

Gathering the skirt of her gown in one hand, she marched toward the door.

“Laney.”

Ryker’s voice stopped her.

“I’ll drive you home.”