He silenced me with a kiss. “Don’t get stressed. It’s not good for you. I have a solution, but was going to wait and discuss it with you after the pregnancy.”
“What is it?”
Bane sat up and the sheet pooled at his waist, showcasing his muscular torso. Scrubbing his scalp, he watched me closely as he said, “Disappearing. Completely beginning a new life. Never contacting anyone again that we currently know. It’s the safest way I know, but it means leaving everything.”
It was hard to believe it would be that simple. “How would we do it?”
“Stage our deaths. Then disappear. Start over somewhere normal. Create false identities.”
It was no different than what we originally planned when I was going without Bane. The decision had been easy with all that was on the line. “That’s what I want to do.”
“Okay, we’ll go after the babies are born.”
I could tell he wasn’t sure if I was certain. The pregnancy did make me a little more emotional, but I knew this was the right decision. “Why not now when I’m still early in the pregnancy? When the babies are born it will make it so much harder.”
“Maren, this isn’t a decision to be made lightly. We—”
I put my fingers to his lips. “I know. Bane, I was willing to do it without you. I was prepared to leave Frankie.” Closing my eyes for a second, I pushed the sadness away from losing my brother. “We need to do this. I don’t want to look over my shoulder for the rest of my life and wonder if it’s okay for the kids to play in the yard in case there’s someone waiting to take them.”
Rolling me under him, Bane looked me in the eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I know you’ll pick a safe place for us and the pregnancy.”
Bane’s dick was hard against my thigh. I squirmed. Positioning himself at my entrance, he pushed in. “We’ll make all the decisions together. It’s you and me, my angel and wife.”
I arched into the friction. “Yes. Forever.”
“THANKS, HAMPTON.”
“Anytime. I’ll be in touch.” I hung up the phone. I was going to miss my friend as we set the plans in motion. He was the only one I trusted to help me and vice versa.
Looking at the morning paper while I sipped my coffee, I prepared for my next call using a secure line. I had connections with more people than I realized. Maren spent the last few years buried in work and helping Frankie. She’d merely survived. There were no friends Maren wanted to see one last time. It shocked me how little she was tied to this world. I’d checked on her previous jobs and no one had even reported her missing. They let her stop showing up.
Fucking pathetic.
The water ran in the bathroom while Maren hummed to herself. We were nearly set to put our plan in action. When, where and how had all been finalized. All we needed now were a few little details tied up and Maren and I would be gone.
If Alex still watched us, he’d see that we were now down to a team of two for the security detail. After tomorrow we’d be down to one. Before New Year’s Eve, the last one would be dismissed. With their findings and eliminating the ties, it would seem out of place for me to keep so many men around.
Tomorrow I’d let him know about our plans for New Year’s. We were planning a trip to New York. Last time we’d spoke, Alex asked for me to keep him updated on my position. It was a normal request, but Maren was right. We’d never truly be safe as long as I remained Bane.
I took a deep breath; this was going to be the hardest phone call yet. The phone rang on the secure line.
“Wales.”
“Wales. Bane.”
“Bane. I hoped it was you. I got the message that it was okay to take the security threat level down. Thank you for handling the situation. Alli asked me yesterday if you were coming to town any time soon. We’re in Tampa currently with the team.”
The local newspaper had a shot of Damien and Alli arriving at the hotel with their two children. They were here for two more days before they headed home for Christmas. “I wanted to know if we could get together. There’s someone I want you to meet. I’m in Brandon near you guys.”
He paused. “Are congratulations in order?”
“They are. I’m married and expecting twins.” The pride in my voice was evident.
“Congratulations, Bane. There isn’t a man I know more deserving. How about you guys come to the hotel at six tomorrow? We’ll dine in. The kids will want to see you.” It meant a lot that Damien knew I’d found happiness. We’d been through a lot together as we solved who killed his sister.
This was bittersweet as I prepared to see those who I considered my closest family for the last time. “Sounds good. We’ll see you then.”