I place my mug on the counter and take Queenie from Bee. “The one with the four-year-old kid?”
“Yeah. It was the father, I’m sure. But I did a little research this morning. Seriously, an hour of work and I can’t believe other authorities didn’t catch it, but get this…the fucker is busy with starting a new family. New wife, new life, and he obviously wants a new kid since the four-year-old with the ex didn’t quite fit in.”
I try to hold back my anger and cuddle Queenie close. To think an asshole murdered his own kid because he didn’t want to be linked with his ex; wanting a clean cut to start over with a new woman. There are some seriously twisted people walking this fucked-up planet.
“Do you have the proof you need to bring him to justice?” I ask through clenched teeth.
“Working on it, but I need your eyes on the shit I found because we can’t screw this up, one chance is all we get.”
I nod at Wyatt’s words.
Bee takes Queenie from my hands. “Go, I have work to do too.”
She shoots me a wink as she stalks out of the kitchen. A moment later she strolls back inside emptyhanded and I’m sure she’s placed Queenie back in her playpen.
“I’m going to make some more coffee and get behind the laptop. Oh, don’t forget to ask your sister to swing by this weekend. Your mother was asking about her, Esmee has been avoiding her calls and messages.”
“Esmee is busy with her new job, her new man, and her new life. I’ll call her and extend the invitation, but I’m not making any promises.”
She places a kiss on my cheek. “It’s all I’m asking.”
Bee’s about to step away but I wrap an arm around her waist to keep her close.
“A damn swift kiss on the cheek won’t do, woman,” I growl and take her lips in a hot kiss.
When I pull back, I relish in the way her eyes are still closed followed by a dazed look when she blinks a few times.
“I’ll be home early,” I promise.
She leans in close and whispers, “Another promise for sex? Are you sure you’re able to stay awake this time?”
Motherfucker. I’m about to smack her ass but she dances out of my reach. Jabbing Wyatt’s shoulder she says, “Take him out of here and get to work, boys. I have things to do.”
“Fly, fly away, little Bee,” I murmur. “But I’ll catch you every damn time.”
She leans against the counter, lips twitching. “Uh huh.” Her head slowly tilts to the side, eyes closing as she starts to snore.
I repeat. Motherfucker.
A growl rips from me and Bee squeals before dashing out of the kitchen. Wyatt laughs a full belly laugh and shakes his head.
“Man, I’m not sure I even want to know what married life is all about with you two. But the impression you guys give me? There’s loads of action…but is it the right kind?”
“Shut up,” I grumble and head out of the house, dead set to get this day over with so I can return home early and spank my wife’s ass before I sink my dick deep inside her sweet pussy.
CHAPTER THREE
– BEATRICE –
“You smell delicious. Grandma is going to eat you,” my mother coos and tickles Queenie, making her giggle.
“Wait till there’s a surprise in her diaper, then you wouldn’t be all excited about the way she smells,” my dad grumbles but the corner of his mouth twitches when my mother shoots him a glare over her shoulder.
“Archer working again?” my father asks in such a tone it makes his dislike known about the fact Archer isn’t around much.
I know Archer is working most times they come to visit and how I’m always swinging by their house with only Queenie with me, but he knows damn well Archer loves me and would do anything to protect his daughter and myself.
I narrow my eyes. “He’s waiting outside until you leave because your diaper smells.”
My mother laughs and joins my father on the couch. Bumping his shoulder she says, “Stop being grumpy.” She glances at me and adds, “His bike broke down this morning and he had to walk home.”
“You should have brought it in for repairs a long time ago, dad,” I scold.
“I don’t like not being able to ride my bike when I take it apart.”
“Well, now you can’t ride it at all,” my mother simply states. She points at my laptop. “Did you take it apart to check?”
I shove the tiny tracking device in her direction. “I did.”
Dad points at a sticker still on the laptop and grins. “The one you found is a distraction for the obvious. We always add a new high-tech one.”
“Thanks, I’ll rip it off later.”
My father turns the laptop and pulls off the sticker himself. Taking the other tracker off the table, he shoves both into his pocket. “We’re all about recycling.”
“We would like to ask you something.” I tilt my head and wait for my mother to continue.
“Would it be okay for our granddaughter to stay a night at our place? We could either bring her by in the morning or you could pick her up yourself, whatever works.”
I give the both of them a smile. “Addictive to the cuddles and the way she smells, huh?”
My father stands and strolls over to take Queenie out of her playpen. My father might not have been happy–overstatement of the year–when Archer and I got together, but when I was pregnant it all turned around. And the first time he held Queenie I watched him melt into a puddle. He still might be grumpy and mention Archer in a bad way, but he doesn’t mean any of it.
My dad secretly is a big grizzly bear; a stuffed one meant for cuddles. How he handles Queenie reminds me how safe I always felt when he hugged me close as a kid. I love my parents and I love the both of them spending time with their grandchild.
“Sure. I’ll grab her bottles and pack a bag.” I try not to sound too eager since my mind is obviously on having the night alone with Archer.
Fingers crossed there won’t be any club interruptions so we can finally have some sex. Yikes. Now that does sound too eager in my head.
“I’ll help,” my mother says and follows me up the stairs.
I pack an overnight bag while my mother is leaning against the door.
“I thought you said you’d help?” I question.
She tilts her head. “Are you okay?”
I hand her the bag. “I am. And you guys taking Queenie till tomorrow gives me some free time to dive into some work. I’m actually itching to let my fingers dance over the keyboard, it’s been way too long.”
She shoots me a grin. “There’s my girl. If you need anything, I’m just a phone call away. And you know we could take her for two days if you need more time.”
I quickly shake my head. “I would miss her too much. I also don’t need to work, it’s just some distraction I’m craving. It also should be easy enough to work around the times she’s awake.”
“The offer stands. And I didn’t want to say anything with your father in the room, but I think you look amazing. Did you buy more than just this one?” She points at my jeans.
“Yes, mom,” I fake grumble and stalk over to the closet.