Kristof and Jud aren’t exactly known for being conservative with their methods and Riley is pretty out there already.”
“They’re worried he’d be a bad influence.”
“Not exactly.” Mary chuckled. “He’d be a great asset to their investigative business. But, yeah. Kristof’s an unknown in a lot of ways. Riley’s very impressionable right now as she finds her own style and is pretty vocal with the fact she’s not the little sister anymore. She wants her own identity.”
“And having two former assassins or whatever they were for The Collective wouldn’t steer her where they want her to go.”
“No, but they know she’s a strong and capable woman. She makes her own decisions. They’ll adjust.”
They would. Addy had worked with Riley on self-defense and martial arts some but intended to do a lot more now that things had calmed down a bit. Or, they would calm down soon. She hoped.
“Kristof has a home here if that’s what he wants.”
Was it? So far he’d made all the sacrifices. He’d left Russia to spend time with her. What had she sacrificed? “I’ve been too scared to admit what I want with him. It was easier blaming everyone here and thinking he’d never find a foothold.”
“He has. Or, he will.”
“I can’t hide anymore.”
“Why would you want to?”
I’m scared. Addy didn’t voice the thought, but Mary’s face softened as she drew Addy into a hug. She’d read between the lines like she always did.
“You never let what others think determine your actions,” Mary said. “Don’t start now.”
32
Olaf glanced up from his tablet as sound echoed from the mess hall’s entryway. Kristof tightened and glanced up. Cheers and excited laughs echoed within the bar room as the Masons and the other team leaders entered with Mary, Vi, and Zoey. Jud laughed as he entered with his nephew, Jacob. The latter had just returned from a conference.
Jud shook his head and made his way to Kristof. “Not sure what they’re all excited about but coming back to a celebration is way more than I expected.”
“Addy mentioned something about Bree taking some time off,” Kristof said.
“I knew about that,” Jud said. “There’s cake and shit planned, but nothing that’d incite this crew.”
“We could just ask,” Jacob said.
Kristof chuckled. “A straightforward approach is always wise. I’m Kristof, by the way. We haven’t formally met.”
The young man tightened. His lips thinned. “Jacob. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Your expression says otherwise.”
“You were with The Collective,” Jacob said, hands fisted.
“Bub.” Jud squeezed his nephew’s shoulder. “We chatted about this on the ride over. Kristof’s a friend. He didn’t have anything to do with your dad’s kidnapping. He’d intended to help if necessary. He even offered to help protect The Arsenal even though that would’ve exposed him and made problems for him later on.”
“Sorry.” Red rose in the boy’s cheeks. “Guess I’m more stressed about stuff than I realized. I’m gone for a few weeks and everything’s blown up again. I swear I can’t leave this place for a day.”
Kristof chuckled. Oh, the future leaders. He looked forward to watching the new brood of Arsenal grow up. Tightness formed in his chest. He wanted that. With Addy.
As if summoned, Addy appeared. Tears shimmered in her gaze. He stood. She wrapped her arms around him.
“Addison, what’s wrong?” He ran his hand down her hair and glanced at Jud. The man visibly tensed and then glanced at the crowd of laughing operatives.
“Nothing,” she whispered against his throat. “Everything’s so perfect. Ellie…” She sobbed.
“What about Ellie?” Jud prodded.
Addy pulled away. “Sorry. I got a little emotional and tried to lock it down until I was alone. Guess that didn’t go too well.”
She’d come to him. Love swelled within him as he drew her into his arms once again. “Tell us.”
“She’s pregnant.”
“Holy shit!” Jacob exploded. “That’s awesome! Where is she?”
“She and Jesse are celebrating in private,” Addy said with a laugh. “I don’t think everyone’s willing to wait until they return.”
“Then let’s go celebrate the wonderful news.” Kristof smiled.
“Actually,” Addy said, her voice low. “Let’s go celebrate somewhere a bit more private.”
Kristof glanced down where Olaf sat. His cousin grinned and signed, “Go. I’ll hang with Jud and Jacob. I heard the cake was awesome.”
Need flared within his blood and surged to his cock. Alone time with Addy sounded perfect. He kissed her, then severed the contact before the desire overtook him completely. Jud laughed and slapped him on the back as Addy guided him toward the exit.
Addy dragged him to her cottage and kissed him when they entered