“Even if she’s a bitch and shits on you like Kati did?”
“Even then. When I revealed myself last night, I took on responsibility for them. I could have just killed him and waited, but I didn’t. Now, they’re here. Their shit is here. I’ll make sure they’re safe if Landry and I don’t work out.”
Ruin grunts, distrusting my rational words. He’s so used to me showing up and going berserk that he sometimes forgets I can do anything else.
Though he isn’t much more civilized than I am, Ruin gets to live in his big house, raise his kid, and hook up with a beautiful, delicate chick. Somehow, that scenario makes sense to him. However, me finding a good woman and settling down with a handful of kids is bound to fail.
While Ruin rounds up his women, I return to the house to find Landry and the kids missing from the family room. Rosemary says they’re napping. I assume I won’t see them for a while.
Unsure what to do with myself, I’m startled when Landry appears from the hallway. Her gaze locks on to mine, and that sunshine smile of hers returns.
For the first time, I realize how afraid I am to talk to Landry. No matter what I claim to Ruin or Armor, I dreamed big with this woman. I’m not totally sure I can survive if I’m proven wrong.
LANDRY
I’m finally alone withSilas again. Ruin, Selene, and Yazmin leave. The kids rest in bed. Rosemary and Woodrow make themselves busy somewhere else. I return to the family room to find Silas seeming lost.
His gaze locks on to mine before giving me a once-over. I know I’m not exactly sexy right now, but my skin still heats under his attention.
Last night, I’d been so intimidated by Silas. His size and demeanor felt like a threat. Today, though, in the bright afternoon sun, he’s simply a sexy, rugged man watching me like his jeans might be too tight.
“Are you busy?”
“Maybe,” he mutters as if I’m tricking him.
“I thought we could talk.”
“About Brooklyn?”
His question steals my smile. “Do you think his family will take her away?”
Silas literally snarls like a beast before spitting out, “I’ll burn them to the ground before I let them have that child.”
Though his rage should intimidate me, I’m relieved instead. I’ve never had an adult on my side before.
“Brooklyn doesn’t know any other family,” I say, slowly moving closer to Silas. “She’s my baby.”