Striker (K19 Security Solutions 6)

Aine peeked her head in and saw the baby’s eyes were open. “There he is,” she murmured, plucking him out of the crib. “Do you need a diaper change, sweet boy?”

When she carried him over to the changing table, she noticed that Striker still stood in the doorway. She smiled.

“Do you want to help?”

He held up both of his hands. “I can assure you that I won’t be any help whatsoever. In fact, I’ll probably make it harder on both of you.”

“Changing a baby isn’t as complicated as extracting kidnapping victims from a foreign country, Striker.” By the time she finished her sentence, though, she was done putting on a new diaper and changing the baby’s clothes.

“You’re really good at that.”

Aine laughed. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”

“Your sister is lucky to have you around.”

“I’m the lucky one,” she said, nuzzling Sam. “I love him so much.”

Aine watched as Striker’s smile turned into a frown, no matter how hard he tried to mask it. It was another clue. Seeing her holding her nephew made him happy and sad at the same time. What was that all about?

“We should get back. They might be waiting for us to start eating.”

“Right,” he said, motioning for her to go by him. For the second time today, their bodies brushed against each other. This time, she heard his quick intake of breath. If he was so affected by their touch, why in God’s name had he broken up with her? She felt as though the question had burned itself on her brain, and most of the time, it was all she could think about.

Aine stopped and looked into his eyes. She was close enough that, if she wanted to, she could bring her lips to his. Instead, she held her breath as he stroked his finger down the baby’s cheek and then hers. The sadness in his eyes as he did almost brought her to tears.

10

Striker should ask Razor if tomorrow they could work anywhere but here, where he’d likely run into Aine multiple times a day. He knew his teammate would refuse, and Striker couldn’t blame him. Why be away from his gorgeous wife and son when he didn’t have to be?

“Where are you staying?” Mercer asked Striker as they were getting ready to leave.

“The house in Harmony.”

“Spent many nights there,” Mercer commented. “I have to admit, I don’t miss it.”

“How’s your new place coming along?” Razor asked.

“It’s inhabitable,” Quinn answered, laughing. “That’s all I can say about it.”

Mercer pulled her closer to him and kissed her forehead. “We’ll get there, precious.”

“We better hurry,” she said, rubbing her belly. “We have to finish the nursery at least.”

“Congratulations again,” said Razor, shaking Mercer’s hand.

“Same,” said Striker, holding his hand out too, somewhat surprised at his own sincerity. He didn’t remember ever caring one way or another when someone said they were having a baby, or had had one.

“Thanks,” said Mercer. “I know Quinn said we have to have the nursery done, but I’m determined to have the whole house finished before our baby is born.”

“When’s that?” asked Striker, surprising himself a second time. Since when did he pay attention to shit like this?

“Late April if the doctor’s got it right.”

Striker watched as Aine and Ava both hugged Quinn as though it was the last time they’d see her for a while.

“See you tomorrow?” she said to both of them, making Striker smile.

“We have to start planning your baby shower,” said Ava.