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“No clue.”
We’re at the family compound today, the one where my father lives. When we moved back to the U.S., the guys and I wanted a space for ourselves. Living in a strictly controlled environment for so long, we needed the freedom.
I think it’s best if we live apart. We drive the man mad as it is. If we lived together, I’m sure he would have killed us by now.
“Yo, Pops.” Shepherd throws open our father’s office door.
“Son,” Dad replies, lifting a brow as he takes us in, covered in blood. “Any luck this time?”
“We managed to get something,” Maverick says, making surprise spark in my father’s eyes.
“What did they have to say?”
“Two of them died, refusing to talk. I guess the last one wanted to live, because he told us that he was sent to find Cove. He didn’t say why, though,” I answer.
Father leans back in his chair, letting out a breath. “We’ve gathered as much before now,” he says. “But hearing the confirmation is something.”
“I sent him back to Rafe with a warning. Fuck with the Bratva and pay with your life,” Maverick grunts. “If Rafe doesn’t back off, he’ll be starting a war.”
“Do you think he’s going to stop?” Shepherd asks.
“If he knows what’s good for him. But I have a feeling he’s not done. Whatever he wants with us, with Cove, it’s enough for him to risk everything. Are you three sure you haven’t done anything to piss him off?”
“No,” Maverick says. “All we’ve done since coming back is whatever business you’ve asked of us.”
“And stalk Cove,” Shepherd quips. “Don’t tell Cove I admitted it was stalking,” he says to our father, hand reaching for the bowl of fruit on the desk. I snort out a laugh, eyeing him carefully. I want to see if he’s going to do it again.
“We agreed it’s admiring from afar,” he states like that makes it any better.
“You mean, you agreed,” I correct.
“Don’t,” Father commands as Shepherd grabs a peach.
He narrows his eyes. “No?” Shepherd growls. “Not these too!” he huffs, throwing himself back in his chair. “What is wrong with you people!? You’re all sick, sick, I tell you. What did real fruit ever do to you?”
Father just rolls his eyes and looks up at me. “How is everything going at home? How’s Cove?”
My gaze finds Maverick’s. He clears his throat. “It’s going good. She’s coming around. I don’t think it will be much longer.”
“Good. Good. So, can I expect a grand-baby soon?” Father asks.
“If I had any say in the matter, she’d be knocked up already,” Shepherd mutters.
“No, she wouldn’t have been.” I slap him upside the head. He gives me the stink eye before throwing the fake peach at me.
“Asshole.”
I snatch it out of the air and throw it back at him. He wasn’t expecting me to catch it and is caught off guard as it hits him in the head.
“You did not just hit me with a peach!” he gapes at me.
“No. I hit you with a piece of plastic that’s shaped like a peach. Sorry that you can’t seem to tell the difference."
“That’s it, you’re dead.” He jumps to his feet, and I dart back, laughing.
“Enough!” Father raises his voice. Shepherd huffs, sitting back down.
“Good boy.” I wink.
