James (Resisting Love #3)(45)

On our drive home, I see him. I recognise him instantly. He walks with a quick pace to his car, looking around suspiciously before he gets in. I memorize the licence plate. I know in that instant, I need to get home.

Right now.

I drive there as quickly as I can, unbuckling Jye and taking him in my arms. I unlock the front door and as soon as it’s open, I run into our bedroom. I stand still when I see her lying in bed. Covered by red sheets, she lies there. Asleep. Perfectly fine. I put Jye down and drop to my knees next to the bed. I sigh in relief as I take her in, unhurt and safe.

Was it him I saw? One of the three men who put me in hospital that day? I make Jye something to eat, and then call my police contacts. Not Tatiana, like I usually would, but another officer. I need to know if this man is locked up, or if he was indeed in my neighbourhood, possibly seeking revenge or still looking for his wife.

I won’t let anything or anyone put my family in jeopardy.

***





Chapter Twenty-Five


Sasha


“Did you miss me?” I ask Ryder, unable to contain my smile.

“Of course I did,” he says, pulling me into his arms for a warm hug.

“You’re not gonna lecture me, are you?” I ask him, wide eyed.

Ryder chuckles. “No, I’m not.”

“Holy shit, you’re a lucky man,” I exclaim as I see Lexi walk down the stairs in a red bikini.

Ryder looks over to where I’m staring. “Yes, I am,” he says, his voice now low.

“Isn’t Trey awesome?” I say with a wide smile.

“He is. I love having him here,” Ryder says, his eyes still on Lexi. Trey and Ryder haven’t seen each other since they were kids, but have hit it off like they were never apart. It’s like that in our family. I can’t really explain it, but the bond is always there.

“You two need a room,” I scoff.

“We’re doing the polite thing by waiting until you leave,” Ryder says, wiggling his eyebrows at me. Lexi walks over, rolling her eyes at Ryder, and embracing me in a hug.

“Long time no see, Sasha,” she says. Her honey colored hair is even longer, now reaching her hips in wisps and curls.

“I know, I missed you guys,” I tell them honestly, taking a sip from my bottle of water. I sit back down on the black leather couch, and motion for Lexi to join me by tapping on it.

“Aren’t you coming swimming? You can borrow a swimsuit,” she asks.

“Yeah, okay. Why not?” I tell her. We get upstairs and she gives me a yellow bikini. I get changed and walk out, tying my hair into a messy bun.

“Where did Trey take Jye?” Lexi asks.

“Out for lunch and to the park.”

“Trey adores him so much, he’s been talking about Jye non-stop,” Lexi tells me.

“I know. He was there from day one. They have a bond.” I look around Lexi and Ryder’s room. The walls are red and black, with beautiful art pieces hanging on the walls. The room is massive, and has the comfiest looking circular chair in the corner that would be perfect for curling up with a book.

“Shall we?” Lexi asks.

“We shall,” I say, entwining my arm with hers. We head out to the pool, where Sax is lying on a hammock, drinking what looks like a long island ice tea, like he is on some tropical resort.

“Hey, Sax!” I call out. He lifts his drink up in greeting, doing a double take when he takes in my bikini. I laugh as I walk down the steps and into the pool, diving in completely when I’m knee deep. When I resurface, I see Jet walk out. He’s wearing nothing but a pair of blue board shorts.

“Hey, Jet!” I call out to him. He looks a little different. More muscular, definitely. Must be hitting the gym, and it’s paying off. And he has a tattoo on his chest that I’m sure wasn’t there before.

“Hey, cuz,” he says with a welcoming smile. I’ve never seen Jet in a bad mood. He usually has a smile on his face, and a ‘life is good’ demeanour. Considering the family drama that lives with him every day, I'm so very proud of him, and his outlook on life. I do two laps of the pool and then hop out, taking a seat on one of the lay-out chairs next to Jet.

“How have you been?” I ask him.

“Good. How are you and your little man doing?” he asks as he opens a can of beer and takes a sip.

“He’s good. Went out with Trey for a play date,” I grin. He hands the can over to me, offering me a sip. I shrug, and down a mouthful, then choke. Yeah, not so good.

“You should see your face,” he chuckles. I see Lexi and Ryder making out in a hammock.

“This place is like a holiday resort,” I say.

“Yep, and this isn’t even a party. This is just us hanging out,” he says with a smirk. When he talks, I see a shiny piece of metal in his mouth.

“Jet Lachlan Crawford, when did you get your tongue pierced?” I ask him.

He blasts me with a charming grin. “A couple months ago.”

“What’s it for?” I ask him, needling him.

“What do you mean, what’s it for?” he asks me.

“Did you get it so you can, you know…” I trail off.

“Sasha, you’re my big cousin. Please tell me you’re not asking what I think you are,” he deadpans.