Page 78 of What Remains

“My wife is right. We’ve been hitting dead end after dead end. We need to clear our heads. We’ll start fresh tomorrow.”

Once Carter’s mind is made up, it’s all the way up. There’s no sense in arguing with him. And maybe I could use a break myself, so I don’t break down.

Gideon stands, palms planted on the table, his expression and voice incredulous. “You’re seriously asking us to swim?”

Carter levels him with a hard look. “I don’t recall asking.”

And here we go.

Two alphas, neither inclined to back down. Gideon’s probably the first guy Carter has faced off with who’s slightly taller with a bit more grit. Oh, and more money and connections. Seems impossible, but it’s true.

“The store upstairs sells swimwear,” I toss out, smiling at Gideon, hoping to soften him a little.

Zoey closes her rig and tucks it under her arm. “I’ll continue working from my room.” Another stubborn one. Shocker. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Hold up, I’ll join you,” Gideon calls out. Guess he won’t be needing to hit the store. “When my team in Brisbane reaches out, I’ll come find you.”

Carter gives him a hesitant nod before his gaze settles on Easton, his expression a lesson in Don’t even think about it if I’ve ever seen one. Gideon and Zoey may not answer to him, but the rest of us do.

Easton doesn’t argue, but I can tell he’s not happy about this. He slowly rises, exhaling a deep breath in the process, and Dad steps out of his way so he can go to his bedroom to change.

Maybe this is a crazy idea but spending time with the kids and hearing them laugh might be the best medicine for all of us.

As everyone else starts to pack up, Julian remains rooted in place next to me. “You coming with us?” I ask him. “Or are you joining Gideon and Zoey?”

“I should probably keep monitoring everything from my rig, don’t you think? Like if she uses one of our shared programs?” He leans in and whispers, “Also, I don’t think Zoey cares for me that much.”

“What? Why not?”

“Just a vibe I get. And as for your dad? The man hates me. Not going on vibes but death stares. So, I should probably skip the pool.”

I almost laugh, but when I spot Dad’s eyes aimed at Julian like he’s a target behind enemy lines, I suppress the urge to do so. “No, no. You can keep an eye on your programs at the pool. You deserve a break, and I’ll keep you safe. Don’t worry.”

“Safe from everyone, or just your dad?”

Are you implying what I think you are? “You only need protection from my dad.”

His green eyes narrow in question.

“Trust me on that.” My voice breaks, and I even go so far as to swallow the lump in my throat, which of course he clocks. There’s a reason I should stay behind a screen and never play poker. My tells have tells.

“Now see,” he rasps, shaking his head, “I think if I listen to you on that . . . I’ll wind up getting myself in trouble.”

CHAPTER 25

Easton

My phone vibrates from inside my gym bag, so I fish it out, already guessing who it is.

Gwen: Be down to the pool shortly with Dad, Natasha, and Emory. I know you’re worried why I’m running late.

Oh, you’re not here? Didn’t notice.

Gwen: Liar.

I shake my head—still shocked I’m actually sitting on a lounger by the indoor pool to begin with—and tuck my phone back into my gym bag as my sister approaches, pushing Illiana’s stroller.

“How’s your back?” She parks the stroller and drops onto the lounge chair next to me.