The room fell eerily silent.
“Your child? What are you talking about?” Mr. St. James asked.
“Miranda is pregnant. And I need Axel to protect them until Jason and his cronies are all behind bars. Because you see, Dad, Jason is one fucked-up man. He wants my woman. He’ll stop at nothing to get her. So if you fire Axel, you’re putting Miranda and your grandchild in danger. And I swear on Gram’s grave, if something happens to them because of you, you’ll never see the baby or me ever again.”
Damn, Will went to bat for me. I owed him big.
“Then you’ve spoken to Miranda? You’ve confirmed the pregnancy?”
“I was with her yesterday. Trust me, she’s pregnant.”
All the men raised their eyebrows. Even I couldn’t help but wonder how Will knew for sure. My guess was he’d reconnected with Miranda in every way possible.
“And what’s this about Jason wanting Miranda?” Will’s grandfather asked.
“He’s a sick asshole. Last Christmas, he harassed her. Scared her. I should have done something about him back then.” Will drummed his fingers on the mahogany table. “Maybe I should have Miranda fly back today. She asked to come home. This way, I can put her in the mansion with Mom and Simone until all of this is over.”
“There’s no time for that,” York said. “Abe and Cori are probably watching every move you make. And if Jason wants Miranda, he may stop at nothing to get her.”
I disagreed with York. I’d rather have Miranda where I could see her. The only way we knew she was okay was because the Lords were there. If I hadn’t called in a marker, Miranda would have been left vulnerable. Jason could have gotten to her, and we wouldn’t have known it.
“Okay, let’s conclude this meeting.” Mr. St. James looked my way. “Axel, I rescind my termination. If William wants you here, then I won’t overrule him. But from now on, nobody goes rogue where SJI is involved. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” I was sure I’d get an ass chewing from York later.
I glanced at Scout. The man never made a sound, appearing bored out of his mind. He liked danger and action, like me.
I was ready to make Sayton pay for all the damage he’d caused.
29 Will
THE BLUE SKY was the same shade as Miranda’s eyes. Bright, clear, and beautiful. I was on the phone with her as I stared out the window in my office. Talking like we used to made me incredibly happy.
“They’re all very intense, Will. Are you sure it’s necessary to have them here? Especially Norris.”
I had a feeling she’d be uncomfortable with Norris. “Yes, it’s necessary. Just until I can bring you home. Then we’ll select new bodyguards.”
“Really? I don’t know how I feel about having a guard watching me all the time. Maybe I can just keep Tessa.”
“You could ask her, but she does have her daughter. I’m sure she’d like to maintain a normal work life so she can be home for her.”
“You’re right. I forget Tessa has a child.”
I smiled, thinking about our own baby. “How are you feeling? I never asked you that. With the pregnancy, I mean. I’ve missed out on a couple of months.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“No more apologies, baby. I just want to look toward the future from now on.”
She sighed. “The future… I didn’t think we’d have one together.”
“I’m going to marry you, M. We’re going to be a real family for our little princess.”
She giggled. “I’m so happy, Will. And I missed you something awful.”
“I can’t stop smiling myself.” She hummed into my ear happily, and I asked, “Do you think we should buy a bigger house? Something more family friendly?”
“Are you serious? I love the beach house.”