Page 66 of Taking What Was His

Roman relaxed when he recognized them. “It’s Beth.”

“What are you going to tell her?” Conner asked.

“Everything. She’ll keep it quiet.”

“Roman, can I come down?” Beth called from the top of the stairs.

“Yeah. You’ll want to see this.”

The men waited as she came down the steps and walked to Roman.

“Guys, this is Beth. Beth, you know Aiden, and these guys are Conner and Dylan.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Beth said, smiled, and turned to Roman. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

“No, baby, you won’t. We have a lot of cash, drugs, and a gun in the little cubby.”

“Show me.”

The guys showed her what they found in the hole.

Roman turned to the men. “Go ahead and head out. I’ll be in touch later.”

All three men waved and left.

Roman showed her the hiding place Evan used.

“How the heck did he do that?”

“We’re not sure.” Roman cupped her shoulder. “I hate to ask, but do you think Rick had anything to do with any of this?”

“Oh, wow. Let me think. It’s been five years since he died. Evan started coming over after that to help. In all the years we lived here, Rick wouldn’t come down those stairs. He was deathly afraid of spiders and hated dirt, so I can’t imagine him touching it, but I would never say never.”

“I think it’s fair to say he wasn’t involved.”

“God, I hope not. I’m not sure how this is going to affect Jayden, telling him about Evan, much less if his father was involved.”

Roman curved an arm around her waist. “Let’s not worry about that now. I’m going to talk to the D.A. to see how to proceed while these guys get the evidence taken care of.”

“What if he comes back for it?”

Roman had thought about it. “I’d like you and Jaden to stay with me until he’s picked up.”

Beth stared at him. “We’ll have to tell Jayden what’s going on.”

“We will. I trust that kid more than I trust most adults.” He bent his head and kissed her. Her breath caught in her throat at the hot and blatantly possessive way he took her mouth. Her arms curled around his neck, trying to get as close to him as possible.

His arms tightened around her, bringing her even closer. He wished they had time for him to lay her down and make love to her, but Jayden would be coming home shortly, and they needed to get some things packed.

Roman knew the next few days were not going to be pleasant, and what they all found out was going to break Beth’s and Jayden’s hearts, and that just pissed him off royally.

He wished he could prevent their pain and disappointment, but he could be there for them.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Beth packed a bag for Jayden, all the while thinking about what to tell him. She knew this would hurt him, and she didn’t know how to prevent it.

She had cared for Evan, too. He’d been a good friend to them, but the deceit and lies would forever damage their friendship.