nodded. “I’m right where I feel safest.”
Emotion moved through his eyes.
“You’re my hero, Easton Norcross.”
He smiled, his gaze moving over her face like he was trying to memorize it.
“How did you find me?” she asked.
“It’s all thanks to your friend, Daniel Brewer.”
She gasped. “Seriously?”
“He saw Hugo drag you out of the Jeep at the marina. He called me.”
“Easton, we have to help him. He’s all alone, on the streets. His mom died, and I think his stepdad hurt him—”
“Okay, okay.” Easton pressed a hand over her mouth. “You just can’t help but worry about everybody else.”
She pushed his hand away. “Get used to it, because from now on, you’re the number one person I’m going to worry about.” She leaned closer. “The darkness can’t have you, Easton, because you’re mine.”
He rubbed a thumb over her lips.
Rome brought the speedboat alongside their boat. Rhys climbed over, and together, they hauled Hugo out of the water.
Saxon took the controls of their boat and got the engine started.
They headed back to the marina, Harlow sitting pressed against Easton, the wind in her hair.
When they pulled into the marina, the lights of a police cruiser were flashing, and Hunt, in a suit, standing with his hands on his hips, was waiting for them.
Rome and Rhys marched Hugo up the ramp. He was twisting and screeching. Hunt took him, and shoved him toward the cruiser.
Harlow spotted a small form in the crowd that had gathered. She squeezed Easton’s arm.
“Look.” She raised her voice. “Daniel!”
The boy froze, and she could see him contemplating running.
He moved a shoulder. “Blondie, glad you’re okay.”
“Thanks to you.” She desperately wanted to hug him, but instead, she held out her hand.
He eyed it suspiciously, then gingerly shook it.
The boy’s gaze went past her, widened. “You’re Easton Norcross.”
Easton wrapped an arm around Harlow. “Thanks for the call, kid.”
Daniel looked at Harlow. “Wait. Your man is Easton Norcross?”
“Yes.”
“Nice.” Then he goggled. “You’re Vander Norcross.” He breathed it the same way he might greet a movie star.
Vander raised a brow. “Yeah.”
“You’re like…awesome and a badass.”
Vander looked amused. “Thanks for the assist in saving Harlow.”
Daniel looked like he grew two inches taller. “No problem.”
“Harlow!”
Harlow looked up and saw her mom and Scarlett pushing through the crowd.
She broke free of Easton and ran to them. “I’m okay.”
They hugged, and her mom started crying. In one long rush, Harlow told them what happened.
“This is the young man who told Easton where you were?” Her mother eyed Daniel.
“Yes,” Harlow answered.
“Young man.” Eleanor reached out and hugged Daniel to her. “Thank you.”
Daniel’s face froze and he watched Harlow’s mom like she was a ticking time bomb.
“Are you hungry?” her mom asked.
The boy lifted a shoulder. “I could eat.”
“Then come with me.” She grabbed his hand and led him away. Scarlett followed, shaking her head.
Harlow smiled.
“Should we go home, Ms. Carlson?” Easton asked.
“That sounds wonderful, Mr. Norcross.” God, home. Their home. Love filled her.
Easton finished his call. Outside his office, he heard Harlow talking on the phone.
Rising, he reached the office door and leaned against the jamb. She was sitting at her desk. Her golden hair was in a neat twist, and she wore a black shirt with a deep V that gave him a nice view of her cleavage. He couldn’t see it, but he knew she was wearing a fitted, tan skirt that had driven him crazy that morning when she’d first appeared wearing it.
He could just make out the faint bruising on her face under her makeup. It had been a week and a half since Hugo had been locked up.
“No, thank you, Mr. Kingston. Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing you when you come for your meeting with Mr. Norcross.” She laughed. “You are such a charmer.”
Lucky that Kingston was almost eighty, or Easton wouldn’t be happy.
“Bye, now.” She touched the phone. “Mr. Norcross’ office.” She huffed out a breath. “Mr. Nelson, I know that’s you, even when you use a different voice. Mr. Norcross isn’t a bank or a charity. Just because he’s worked hard and is successful, he’s not here as a shortcut on your journey. Now, goodbye.” She ended the call.
Easton’s heart warmed. He walked up behind her and leaned down until his lips brushed her ear.
“I really want to kiss you right now.”
She shivered. “We’re at work, remember?”
Always so proper. “Then I might need you to stay late for some private dictation.”
She turned her head. “Whatever you need, Mr. Norcross.”
“Fuck, I’m hard.”
She smiled.
That. He’d give up all his millions to see that