My gaze met his as the muscles in my neck tightened. “I know how much you despised that man. I get it. I also hate to be the one to point out that you grew up with a fucking silver spoon in your mouth.”
Sparrow’s dark gaze narrowed. “Watch it.”
“I’m saying, don’t start a conversation with my wife about how much you endured unless you’re willing to go toe-to-toe with someone who grew up on the streets. We all have our ghosts.”
His neck straightened as his shoulders came back. “I earned this.”
“You did—with us by your side. Let’s get answers before we start comparing miserable childhoods.”
Mason and Reid remained silent, yet it was known that the two of them could easily join this conversation. We were an odd gathering of damaged souls. We’d all endured, and together, we’d emerged.
Sparrow nodded. “I want to know what we’re up against, what Ivanov knows, and how the fuck this happened.”
“And bring her here?” I asked for confirmation, recalling Sparrow’s multiple admonitions to the contrary.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “Bring her here.”
Patrick
With the new revelations swirling around, all four of us exited two. As the steel door shut, closing off our command center, and we waited for the elevator, individually our minds were lost in our own thoughts. I couldn’t imagine what Sparrow was thinking, and at the moment, it wasn’t my concern. Mine was the young lady up in the penthouse and getting her mother, ensuring her safety. My mind told me that there was more to it, this Madeline and Sparrow connection, yet I didn’t care. I hadn’t cared when we became friends, when she was a homeless girl with nothing to her name. I hadn’t cared when we became lovers that she was a petty thief and a damn good pickpocket. I sure as hell didn’t consider her family connections when we signed the license on a cold winter day and became husband and wife. Madeline’s claim to Sparrow’s fortune wasn’t my concern then and it wasn’t now.
As it had been since the day I pulled Maddie through the wall to my humble home, my concern was her—every damn thing about her: her safety, comfort, happiness, and well-being.
The elevator door opened to the penthouse and Sparrow reached out, stopping our exit. “Not a word to the women about this possible connection,” he said.
“Possible?” Reid questioned.
My gaze quickly went to Reid. “You said Laurel knows.”
He nodded. “She does, but while Laurel isn’t a medical doctor, with her research she understands patient privilege. I believe she’ll wait to say anything.”
We looked to Mason.
His head shook. “I don’t know. The three ladies have gotten close. If she hasn’t said anything, I’ll ask her to wait.”
“And while we’re at it, I’d rather that Ruby learn about me from Madeline or at least with Madeline present.” I looked at the three sets of eyes as they all nodded.
Collectively, we took a breath as we headed toward the kitchen.
The scents and sounds associated with our communal breakfast greeted us as we all turned the corner near the stairs. I stilled as my gaze found Ruby. Wearing a pair of soft pants, warm socks, and an oversized top that I guessed belonged to Araneae, and with her hair piled messily upon her head, she was sitting at the long granite table. With a plate of food before her, she stared down onto an iPad.
I didn’t have to ask to know that the iPad Ruby had been given allowed her to access the world but only from a voyeuristic point of view. She could see but not respond. She could even search but wouldn’t be seen. It was the world we all lived in, staying invisible with very little electronic footprint.
The other women’s chatter ceased as they all turned at the sound of our entrance. Sparrow and I were dressed in suits while Reid and Mason were more casual. Their gazes came our way.
While Laurel knew more, it was obvious that Araneae and Lorna were curious about the paternity test. There was no reason for them to know about Ruby’s connection to Sparrow. Their concern was her connection to me.
I’d wanted to keep it quiet, yet I couldn’t hide my joy. My cheeks rose as I almost imperceptibly nodded my head yes.
Araneae’s shriek filled the air, garnering everyone’s attention as she came my way with her arms raised. Within seconds, she was flush against me, wrapping me in a hug.
“I’m waiting to tell her,” I whispered.
Araneae took a step back, her light brown eyes staring up and assessing me. “Don’t wait too long.”
“Just waiting for her mother,” I replied softly.
Ruby looked up from the screen and pulled ear buds from her ears. “Hi,” she said softly. “Is there something happening? Are you getting my mom today?”
The people within the room parted as I walked to Ruby and took a seat at the table beside her. “Getting your mom today is the plan.”
Ruby’s head tilted to the side. “Is she with Andros?”
“No, she’s in Texas. I’m sure she can tell you more once she’s here.”
“Does she have a tournament?”
“Not exactly.”
Ruby nodded as she gazed around the room. “Why?”
“Why, what?” I asked as Lorna sat a mug of coffee down before me.
“Why are you helping my mom, and why did you help me? I keep thinking about Mr. Hillman.”
“I’m sorry you had to see that. I told you the reason; I’m a friend of your mother’s. I’ve known her—”
“Since before I was born,” Ruby interrupted. “How well?”
My lips came together as I reached for my coffee mug. “Ruby, I think we should wait for your mother. Madeline should be here to help everything make sense.”
Ruby pushed her mostly uneaten plate of food away and looked at me, really looked at me, her eyes searching mine. With each passing second, I longed to tell her the truth, to reach out and wrap my arms around her, to apologize for the years I’d missed while promising to not miss more.
“That cheek thing the doctor did yesterday. I’m not stupid. Are you my father?”
As soon as the question left her lips, the room around us grew deadly silent.
I wasn’t a fearful man. I faced death without batting an eye. I’d willingly walked into dangerous situations. Never in my recent life had I recalled being as petrified as I was staring into my daughter’s eyes.
“Ruby?” Araneae said as she settled across the table. “Why don’t we wait until your mom arrives?”
Ruby looked from Araneae to me. “I’ve been thinking about it all night. That test is not a secret. The doctor said it was to check for illness, but I watch TV. You knew Mom. You have eyes the color of mine. You show up like some shining knight on a white horse—or a fancy car. I don’t care if you are or not. It really doesn’t matter. But I’d like to know.”
I nodded.
“Fine,” she said definitively. “By your not answering, I have the answer I need. Where have you been?”
Araneae reached across the table. “You know, Ruby, sometimes there aren’t simple answers. Sometimes what one person knows, the other doesn’t. This is a lot to think about. Patrick’s going to get your mom and then the three of you can talk.”