Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Cece jerked awake to the sound of her alarm going off beside her.

Minutes later, she was up, dressed in her workout gear and heading downstairs.

While her cup of English tea steeped, she wandered to her verandah.

She turned on her iPad, read her emails, and answered any urgent ones.

As soon as her tea was kickass strong, she sipped and read the news, letting her eyes linger over the sun rising over the ocean.

She launched into a quick yoga session just as Mason wandered out to make his toast, mumbling at her. Her son was not a morning person. Not in the least.

Half awake and bleary, he slow-blinked as she switched up her quiet yoga moment, turning on Beyonce’s ‘Formation’ track on her iPad and twirling around the room. ‘Mum, your dancing is weird.’

‘Weird, yes. Necessary? Abso-freakin-lutely. Puts you and me in an awesome mood and state of mind. ‘Sides I slay.’

‘True.’ He took round bites of his toast, his eyes crinkling at the corners with humour.

This was their weekday routine, and it worked wonders for Cece’s psyche. Especially now that she was still a tad anxious about Liam.

Two days had lapsed since speaking with Ash. He’d yet to share any news.

She supposed he was busy with the intricacies of freeing her brother. Or at least she hoped he was.

She wound down her dancing. ‘Enough fun times. Now get ready for school, and I’ll dress for work.’

They zipped around each other to put their breakfast dishes away. After bickering with affection in the bathroom, they dressed and raced out of the house.

Cece’s first stop was Byron Public, where Mason soon disappeared into the clutches of his handball and soccer-mad friends.

She got back to Falcon House just in time to make the 9 a.m. daily meeting.

Denise led the stand-up with department heads and key staff to discuss bookings, recent reviews, socials and events for the day.

Wrapped up with exec check, Cece went back to her desk.

At around lunchtime, she was chugging a protein shake and headed towards the stock room to check on a delivery of decorations when her phone buzzed.

Ash.

She jolted at the sight of his name and answered, almost dropping her device. ‘Hey.’

‘Where are you?’

‘Straight to the chase. I’m fine and dandy, Ash. Thanks for asking.’

‘Babe. I need to know where you are.’

She took a beat at the stern inflection in his voice. ‘At work. Why?’

‘Reg will be with you in five. Drop everything, get in the car with him, please. He’ll bring you to me.’

‘Where are you?’

‘See you soon.’

‘Is Liam -?’

The line dropped, and she gave a tiny, frustrated scream.

‘All good?’

Cece flicked her eyes up to see Rachel studying her with concern from her desk.

She shook her head. ‘Just our ever-confusing boss.’

‘Denise?’

‘Oh no, Ash.’

Rachel’s eyes widened further. ‘You work with Ash?’

Cece realised a direct professional relationship with Ash was extraordinary. Rachel had zero context, and giving any would not be advisable.

So she shook her head and made light of her slip-up. ‘It’s just something we’re working on. Don’t worry about it.’

‘You sure you’re fine? You seem flustered.’

‘All good, Rach.’ Cece hurried away. ‘Sorry, I’ve got to dash, I’ve been summoned.’

Rachel cocked her head and shrugged, unconvinced.

Cece didn’t catch her consternation because she was flying.

First to her desk, where she grabbed her bag, then towards reception. Where Reg was already waiting, to her surprise.

He gave her a tight nod and stalked outside without a word.

He moved to his SUV and opened the door for her, still silent.

‘Where are we going?’

Reg slid into the front seat, and she buckled in, waiting for a reply. ‘We’ll be there soon,’ was all he proffered.

Cece accepted defeat and laid her head back on the seat rest.

She turned her head to look at the scenery flashing past. A few minutes later, she sat up, realising they were heading towards Ballina Airport. Her heart rate picked up.

Soon, they were pulling into the private landing strip, where taxiing to a stop was a now familiar jet.

Her heart leapt. She scrambled for the door and was out before Reg reached her. Then she was running.

Towards the sleek machine that was at a standstill. She stopped a few metres away, nibbling on her fingers as the steps unfurled from the open doorway.

First through the gap was the same attendant, Dana, who’d served her the last time she’d flown in the Phenom. She gave Cece a friendly smile as she descended, which Cece echoed, but her attention fell elsewhere.

On the silhouette easing out of the doorway. Tall, muscled, broad-shouldered.

She stared at him as he halted midway down the stairs and gave her a look. His jade eyes pierced hers, and he lifted a hand, beckoning her over.

She rushed up, coming face to face with him.

He took a step down so they were level. His skin was grey, his eyes bloodshot.

Yet, his eyes held a glint. He gave her a faint smile, a gentle touch of her waist and jerked his head towards the jet’s interior.

She didn’t need any further urging. She squeezed his hand and took off up the steps.

Inside, she turned into the cabin and, lying fast asleep on one of the luxe leather recliners, was her brother. His body stretched out, so vulnerable.

He’d lost so much weight, and his tall body emaciated. She thought he was skinnier than when she’d seen him in Sydney, if that were at all possible in the few days they’d been apart.

She placed a hand over her mouth, tears pricking her eyes. Moving forward, she crouched beside him, placing a hand on him, not quite believing her eyes.

A gentle cough sounded, and she angled her eyes to see Ash towering over her.

‘How?’ she managed to whisper.

He placed one arm against the cabin’s textured mahogany wall and put his head against it, closing his eyes for a second. Weariness oozed out of him. ‘Long story. It was epic, and not all in a good way. Let’s get him safe, then maybe I’ll share.’

She nodded, reaching her hand to shake Liam awake.

He was slow to rouse, but when he opened his eyes, they fell on her. ‘Sis?’

‘I’m here.’

‘Where is here?’

‘Byron Bay. Let’s get you home.’

Ash eased into the small space between the chairs. ‘Cece, about that. We need to keep Liam at Falcon Farm. He’ll be safer with Reg and Diesel. He can also rest well in one of the villas. It’ll also be easier to manage from a security perspective.’

Cece gazed into Ash’s eyes for a moment. ‘You’re sure? That’s over and above -’

‘It’s what I’d do for any of my men. Not a trial, babe.’

She nodded, moved by his generosity. ‘Makes sense. Is that OK with you, Li’?’

Her brother’s hooded eyes dropped even further. ‘Whatever, sis. Your call.’

She stood to her feet. ‘Let’s do it.’

Ash moved. ‘I’ll help him off.’

Cece side-stepped out of his way and exited the plane, waiting at ground level as Ash helped Liam negotiate the steps.

Once his feet touched the ground, Liam shrugged off any aid and walked unassisted to the waiting SUV.

They all bundled inside, luggage and all and headed towards Bangalow.

As Reg parked, the sun dipped in the sky, casting a golden glow on the estate.

Instead of heading to Rose and Kit’s, he’d turned left a little early on the private road. Into a horseshoe driveway, coming to a stop before a stunning structure.

Cece slid out, shielding her eyes against the dazzling light and catching her first close glimpse of Ash’s home.

Ash extended his arm toward the house. ‘Welcome to my bolthole.’

The four-bedroom, original Queenslander mansion was majestic. Its white timber walls contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery surrounding it. A wisteria bush climbed up the front of the home, and the wrap-around verandah with wicker chairs and potted plants was an invitation to indulge.

‘Breathtaking.’ Cece stood still, taking in its elegant facade.

Her brother exited the car with Reg’s help and went to the steps leading to the house.

Ash jerked his chin at both of them. ‘I’ll show you around.’

Cece and Liam followed behind him as they entered the spacious entrance to a light-filled living area.

Cece’s eyes widened with curiosity, noting the seamless blend of old and new features - sleek couches, vintage armchairs, and modern appliances.

At the same time, high ceilings and polished wooden floors added a touch of elegance.

She was unable to contain her admiration. ‘Your home is beautiful, Ash.’

He gave her a soft smile, pleased by her reaction. ‘Can’t take credit for the decor - that’s all due to Mum. Like the main house, it’s been in my family for generations. We’ve tried to preserve its history while making it comfortable for Jake and myself.’

Just then, Liam stumbled on the edge of a rug.

Cece took her brother’s arm. ‘You OK?’

‘Feeling beat.’

‘Hey man, why don’t you chill for a few in the front guest room,’ Ash told her brother, leading him to a cozy yet modern bedroom. ‘I’ll take you to your villa when my mother returns from picking the boys up from school. She has the master keys for the place.’

Liam nodded, his body and eyes drooping as he settled onto the bed. ‘Thank you, Sir.’

‘Hungry?’ Ash asked the weary-looking man.

‘Nah, ate well on the plane. Just need a kip.’

‘Fair enough, it’s been a crazy few days.’

Ash backed out to the corridor where Cece was waiting.

‘I can’t thank you enough for this,’ she told him as he shut the door.

‘All good.’

‘I want to hear more about how you managed it.’

His eyes met hers in a clash of jade hues. ‘Follow me.’

He guided her through the house, each room they passed more enchanting than the last. When they entered the contemporary kitchen, Cece’s breath stuck in her throat.

It was every food lover’s dream. From the marble island and bench tops, the double-bowl copper sink, concrete floors, stylish grey cabinets, stainless steel appliances and exposed beams.

Outside, a swimming pool-length spa shimmered an invitation. A heated jacuzzi beckoned on the extended undercover deck, promising relaxation under the sun or stars.

Cece was unable to tear her eyes away. ‘Is this where you spend most of your time off?’

‘Only when I have good company,’ Ash teased, his eyes twinkling. A flutter mushroomed inside her, and she turned away, trying to hide the blush that crept up her cheeks.

‘Hungry?’

Cece checked herself. ‘I could eat.’

He rummaged around in the fridge, pulling out cheese, olives, dips, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a medley of vegetables.

She reached for a board, and they worked together on sharing a platter. Cece added thick chunks of the crusty baguette from the bread box. Ash retrieved a bottle of white wine from the fridge and raised a brow.

She nodded her approval, and he poured out a glass.

He nabbed a beer for himself, and they took their bounty onto the deck, seating themselves on the wood-carved table.

Ash angled his bottle. ‘Cheers.’

‘Cheers.’

They toasted the moment and sipped, in between enjoying the simple yet flavoursome feast.

When she’d had her fill, Cece sat back and sighed. ‘Thank you. I needed that.’

Ash gave her a slight smile, leaning back, his eyes shadowed, readying himself to share.

She picked up on his mood as their eyes clashed. ‘First, how did you find Liam?’

‘Took a long drive to bumfuck where he was being held. Hardly slept before we retrieved him, drove him back to Sydney and spent the last day picking the meat out of his witness bones. He shared enough to put the wheels of justice in motion.’

‘He has bruises. Did they hurt him?’

Ash pursed his lips. ‘They roughed him up in interrogation, but he took it like a champ. Still, it was uncalled for. I’ve informed the lead on the investigation, and they’re looking into disciplinary action for S.I. Owens.’

‘Who’s he again?’

Ash pinched his nose, indicating his frustration. ‘The flippin’ sap who tried to power play with Liam. Treating him like a prisoner and not a witness.’

‘What happens now?’

‘We’re working on having Joseph incriminate himself. With Liam’s help. I’ll share more when I have a plan in place.’

His face looked so drawn with weariness and lack of sleep that Cece’s heart lurched with compassion for him. She let the matter drop.

Casting eyes across the green gardens, she glimpsed Rose’s house between the trees.

‘Your mother is so lovely. What’s it like living so close to her?’

Ash gazed at her across the top of his beer bottle. ‘She’s fantastic with Jake and an even better cook, bringing over meals when I can’t get to it myself.

‘That’s super sweet of her.’

‘That said, Rose has an active and independent life. She’s got a book club and a knitting crew and runs our Farm Shop in Bangalow. She travels and has a massive group of friends she entertains. So trust me, sometimes I have to beg her for some attention.’

Cece smiled, imagining Rose in her element. ‘You’re lucky.’

She said it without any envy. Ash deserved awesome parents. Everyone did, but she was coming to realise that he’d a special dose of good fortune.

Just then, a car pulled up in the driveway.

Moments later, Ash’s mother, Rose, emerged with Mason and Jake, who rushed in for hugs, chattering about their day at school.

‘Hey, gorgeous, I missed you!’ Cece embraced her son. ‘How was your day?’

‘Awesome! We had art class today, and I made a painting for our new room!’

Mason held up a colourful canvas that featured stick figures of their little family.

Cece hugged him again. ‘Well done. Looks like you’ve got some chops in the art department.’

Ash ruffled Jake’s hair. ‘What did you make today, buddy?’

‘Uh, I kinda spilled paint all over my art,’ Jake admitted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he produced an abstract piece. ‘It was still fun, though!’

‘Sounds like we’ve got ourselves two budding artists,’ Cece mused, her heart swelling with pride and affection. She glanced at Ash, catching the tender smile that graced his lips as his eyes tracked their sons’ interaction.

Cece turned to Ash’s mother with genuine gratitude. ‘Bless you for picking them up, Rose.’

The older woman waved it off, her jade eyes crinkling with amusement. ‘Of course, dear. It’s lovely having more kids around the house.’ Her eyes strayed to the villa next door. ‘Is Liam here?’

Ash jerked his chin towards the inside of his house. ‘He is. Resting in my guest room until he gets master access from you to the villa.’

Rose’s voice dropped even lower with concern. ‘How’s he doing?’

‘He’s got some recovery to do, but he’s here, thanks to Ash.’ Cece’s voice choked with emotion.

She blinked them away, missing Ash’s loaded glance at his mother.

‘Come on, let’s get these young artists freshened up.’ Rose ushered Mason and Jake inside. ‘You two, cleaning time!’

The trio disappeared into the house.

Cece turned to face Ash again, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. ‘I appreciate this, really I do.’ Her voice broke with emotion.

He studied her. ‘It’s the least I can do given my fuck ups.’

Their eyes locked until Cece tore hers away.

Ash did no such thing. His eyes lingered, and unable to help it, she slid her attention back to him.

He gave her a faint smile, which she mirrored. Then his hand reached for hers across the table.

‘Peace?’

She nodded. ‘For now.’

A silence fell between them.

Cece dragged her eyes from his, wondering what was next for them. Liam was safe. So, there was no excuse for the walls she’d built between Ash and herself.

Apart from the fact that he could rip her heart into pieces.

He was not just a sensual sexual partner.

He had the power to blow up her world and wreck her to the core if they didn’t work out what they wanted.

The thought almost made her leap to her feet and flee into the thickets of gum trees she was training her eyes on.

Yet his heated, narrow gaze, now fixed on her, nailed her to her seat.

Unable to resist him, she swung her head. Their eyes clashed, and she inhaled, the emotion and energy ramping up between them. She wanted to push him, to force a response from him. To find out where he stood on whateverthefuck they were.

But she sat on her hands, bit her lip and waited.

He spoke after a beat, his crackled, rough baritone loaded with emotion that set her aflame.

‘I’m so sorry, Cece, for how I treated you at the start. And for not fighting Owens harder so Liam wasn’t get taken away.’ He paused for a beat, his breathing ragged. ‘I don’t know why you put up with me when I can’t say I deserve us.’

She widened her eyes. ‘Us?’

He stared into her eyes. ‘Isn’t there is an us?’

His voice broke with such a vulnerable twist that her heart lurched.

‘Do you want an ‘us’ babe? Because I do.’

There it was.

The moment’s poignancy hit her, and she closed her eyes to savour it.

‘Cece.’

She pulled back and met his scrutiny, searching his depths for truth.

She found it in his intense expression, in the feeling pouring from his every pore. ‘Yes. Ash, I do want us.’

The relief in his eyes was palpable. He reached out a muscled hand and wound it around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

With a swing of his arms, she landed on his lap.

Where she buried her head in his neck, breathing in his essence.

His lips trailed her temple, and his chest rumbled. ‘Even after everything I’ve done to you?’

She stroked his cheek and jaw. ‘What’s passion without the flames and ice?’

He shook his head, his lip curled with past regret. ‘It kills me that I was so cold to you when you’re worth so much more than that.’

‘Babe.’ She kissed him on the corner of his mouth, moved by his words. ‘You acted on what you knew at the time. It sucked balls, but I’m enough woman to forgive you.’

He pulled back. ‘That’s just it. I should have done better. The thing is, I’ve always sucked at relationships and women. Fuck, I’m divorced. Talk about failing at love.’

She stared at him, surprised at his confession. ‘You’re not a failure, honey.’

‘Feels like it sometimes. I’ve fucked up and fallen short more than a few times. I’ve lost men I care so deeply about. I’ve had to lock myself in my room or the bathroom multiple times and cry as silently as possible. What’s made me feel better is Jake telling me he loves me. When he hands me a drawing of us and says, I’m the best dad in the world, unprompted. Do I believe that? Not all the time. Maybe only half the time. I’m in my head wondering, is there anything I can do to be a better dad? To be a better leader? The same comes to you. Lately, I’ve been asking myself whether you deserve me as your man and lover.’

She shook her head, rejecting what he was saying about himself. ‘Ash, look at the results. I can tell you try so hard, hon, with Jake especially. You’re his world and his safe place. He knows how much you bust your ass for him and how much you care. That’s all that matters. You do the same for your staff and your men. It’s undeniable.’

‘Will that be enough for you?’

‘It already is.’

He stopped for a beat, using a thumb to rub her lower lip. ‘Fuck, I’ve so much to learn from you. Cece, if you teach me, I know I could be a better man.’

She reached for his face, cradling it in her hand. ‘You already are a better man. Because your values are solid and your choices come from good intention.’

‘Great ideas, poor execution?’ he huffed.

She laughed. ‘Something like that.’

‘I may still fuck up, babe.’

‘As long as you try your level best to fix it. Not wreck it.’

He nodded. ‘I promise. Now, you promise me one thing.’

Her heart pounded. ‘What’s that?’

‘That this isn’t just a temporary truce. We can make something real and lasting out of this crazy situation.’

She paused as she mulled his words and the future he hinted at. ‘I’ll give it a red hot go if you will. However, I’ll need time to ease Mason into it.’

‘Thank you, babe.’

He held her gaze for a long moment, letting their new beginning settle over them. ‘Stay for dinner?’

She nodded. ‘I can’t leave until I know Liam is settled in.’

‘Of course.’

They sat for a while, arms wrapped around each other. Ash nuzzled her neck, sagging against her in relief.

Beyond, the late afternoon sun glowed over the orchards, bathing the lush fields in golden light.

The sound of voices roused them. They pulled away with some reluctance to clear their plates just as the boys burst onto the scene in their swimsuits.

Cece couldn’t help but smile as her son chased Jake into the water, their laughter infectious.

The impromptu late lunch turned into afternoon tea as Rose brought cake and tea from her kitchen. The boys played in the pool while Cece kicked off her shoes and sat on the water’s edge, overflowing with contentment.

At one point, Ash dove in with the boys, and she slapped on her sunglasses to watch. Her eyes admired his muscled and powerful form as he horsed around with the boys.

He emerged in time to get the barbecue going for an early dinner.

Cece pitched in, slicing vegetables for grilling.

Soon, the scent of roasting garlic and sizzling meat filled the air, promising a delicious feast.

‘Hey everyone.’

Cece, Rose and Ash turned to see Liam emerge from the house, looking more rested.

‘Uncle Liam!’

Mason clambered out of the pool and barrelled towards his uncle.

‘Hey, big guy,’ Liam called out, extending his arms to catch his nephew as he ran towards him. The boy’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and Cece was wracked with regret for all their years apart.

Mason wrapped his arms around Liam’s waist. ‘You’re here!’

‘Sure am, buddy.’ Liam ruffled Mason’s hair affectionately. ‘I plan on making up for lost time.’

Mason beamed at him, and Cece knew that Liam reconnecting with family was his best decision.

The sound of Kit arriving drew everyone’s attention. Soon, the older man’s hugs and cheerful greetings enveloped them.

When Cece introduced Liam to Kit, she found Ash staring at her with longing, tempered by a hint of soft need.

She gave him a smile, which he repaid with a slight upturn to his sensuous lips.

Like they’d done with Cece and Mason, Ash’s parents welcomed Liam with open arms. Their warmth and acceptance melted away any lingering awkwardness.

Liam, too, seemed to enjoy the interactions between Ash and his family.

As the meal was plated, Kit and Rose regaled everyone with stories from their younger years. Mason listened wide-eyed while Jake interjected with excited questions.

‘Hey, can someone help?’ Ash called out, juggling a stack of toasted buns and condiments.

‘Got it.’ Cece stepped forward to ease some of the load from his arms.

Their fingers brushed, sending a spark of electricity up her arm. She glanced up at him, meeting his steady eyes, and her heart skipped a beat.

‘Thank you, babe.’ His gruff voice was delicious.

‘Anytime.’

They exchanged a tender smile before she set the plates around the table.

‘Alright, everyone,’ Ash announced. ‘Let’s get this party started.’

Settling into their seats, Cece studied Ash, observing how he interacted with his loved ones.

He ruffled Jake’s hair when the boy showed off a drawing and listened as Rose told of her concerns about an upcoming doctor’s appointment.

Despite his gruffness and their recent fallout, she was witnessing the kind and caring man he was - not only to his family. Also, to hers.

They dug into plates piled high with juicy burgers, crisp salads, and buttery corn on the cob.

While they ate, Kit waxed lyrical about his love for riding motorcycles and entering several cross-country racing championships.

‘Did you ever win, Grandpa?’ Jake’s eyes shone with admiration.

Kit grinned. ‘Sure did, but don’t go getting any ideas, young man. The sport is dangerous.’

‘Aw, Dad, let the kid dream a little.’ Ash teased, chucking a napkin at his father. Jake giggled, and their genuine affection charmed Cece.

Mason chirped in. ‘I’d like to ride a motorcycle.’

‘You need to learn how to do it safely.’ Jake made the sage and grown-up statement with a solemn face. ‘It’s best if you start with an ATV, which Dad allows me to ride.’

‘Ooh! Can I, mum, can I?’

Cece’s eyes met Ash’s. ‘I believe in raising boys who are wild at heart. I don’t see why not if he has good supervision.’

Ash gave her a weighted look. I couldn’t agree more. I’ll supervise.’

Jake nodded. ‘Dad’s the best teacher. I can help, too.’

Mason’s eyes widened.‘Mum?’

She nodded as he whooped. ‘Can we try the ATV tomorrow?’

‘It’s school tomorrow.’ Cece cautioned him with a wag of her finger. ‘We can try for the weekend.’

Liam grinned. ‘Maybe Uncle Liam can get lessons too from Jake.’

‘Sure thing!’ Jake wriggled with pride, beaming.

Ash and Cece shared a stolen glance across the table, their amusement undeniable.

Throughout it all, Cece noted how Ash radiated a quiet strength that anchored the entire family.

His love for them was evident in every touch, every word.

It tugged at something deep within Cece, filling her with a warmth she hadn’t felt in years.

‘Can I have another burger, Dad?’ Jake lifted a plate already wiped clean.

‘Of course, buddy.’ Ash flipped one onto the boy’s plate. ‘You’ve got a bottomless pit of a stomach, just like your old man.’

Jake grinned at him, and Cece couldn’t help but smile, seeing how much Ash cared for his son.

The sun dipped, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange as Cece’s heart overflowed with yearning for him.

Yet a tinge of worry lingered.

Their connection was going in a whole new direction. One deeper, more meaningful. Cece knew if she let Ash make love to her again, she’d fall into a chasm she’d never escape or recover from.

Later that evening, Ash and Cece waved at Liam as he disappeared inside his new temporary home, set in thick bushland further along the Falconer’s private road.

Ash had just given Liam a tour of the two-bedroom villa, the latter jazzed with excitement at the lovely new digs.

When his door closed, Cece sighed in relief.

Even though he was still exhausted and wired, Liam was showing signs of coming to some form of peace about his past and future.

It was more than she’d ever hoped for over the years.

‘This place seems to be working its magic on him already.’ Cece’s shoulder brushed Ash’s arm as they wandered up the driveway.

Above them, moonlight streamed down on them as they paused at the foot of his home’s staircase.

‘Give it a few days, and he’ll be part of the Falconer extended family.’

Ash paused midstep, his strong arms crossed over his chest. The moonlight fell on the rugged lines of his face, making him look almost seraphic.

Her heart stopped, and she bit her lip.

He sensed her mood shift. ‘What?’

She flicked her eyes past his face and onto the sparkling expanse above. ‘It’s so beautiful out here at night. The stars and moon are so bright and close out here.’

It was a deflection, but she meant every word of it.

‘You like stargazing, babe?’ His crackled voice sent shivers of pleasure through her.

‘I do. Byron has one of the most stunning starscapes I’ve seen. I’ve spent a few nights gazing at the constellations on my balcony at the townhouse.’

‘Sometime, I’ll take you where the skies will blow your mind.’

She met his gaze. ‘Really?’

‘Truly.’

He took her hand and walked her to the car, where Mason lay slumped, already passed out in the backseat.

Ash wrapped her in his arms when they approached her SUV door. She fell into his length, soaking in his warmth, scent and essence.

He nuzzled her neck. ‘When you’re ready, you’re welcome to spend the night. Only when you’re up for it, babe.’

She gazed up at him, her mouth soft. ‘Soon, Falconer. I want to ease Mace into this.’

Truth be told, she needed to ease herself. Mason had already made up his mind about his new potential family.

However, she also wanted to be a responsible mother and not rush into anything that would rip their world apart and jeopardise the new life they were building.

‘I adore you. That’ll never change.’ Ash’s voice was rich with such feeling that her knees weakened.

He was saying all the right words and making all the right moves, and her walls were crumbling fast and hard. She clutched his thick shoulders to anchor herself to his solid and steadfast strength.

‘I adore you more.’ It was all she could say.

They swayed in the moonlight for a few more minutes until Ash pulled back.

‘You stay here one more minute, and I won’t let you leave.’

‘Maybe I don’t want to leave, but I need to because you need your rest. You’ve had a rough few days, Ash.’

His voice cracked even more with fatigue. ‘True.’

He levered the car door wider and helped her inside. He kissed her on the corner of her mouth, leaving her yearning for more.

‘Look at you fraternising with your staff.’

He huffed. ‘Keep at it, and I might have to fire you to love on you.’

Her heart stopped. Somehow, she found her words once more. ‘Fire away, boss. Fire away.’

He watched her drive away, his heart so gone for her.

It took a moment before he realised his phone was vibrating against his butt cheek.

He pulled it out and sat on the top step to take the call.

Saint launched into it without any preamble. ‘Brother, Mirren is getting trigger-happy.’

‘Is that right?’

‘He’s been shaking down his contacts all over Sydney, trying to find Liam. Those who’ve not cooperated in his search have been shot. He’s turning his campaign into a bloodbath. Two more men were gunned down in the Eastern suburbs yesterday. All known associates of Red Adder.’

Ash sighed. ‘Fuck. Whatever happened to the good old days in the coke industry? When the top dogs were gentlemen in herringbone suits who preferred to deal with people over a cup of tea?’

Saint huffed. ‘It’s a dog-eat-dog world now, brother and desperate men do desperate things. He’s on the back foot, having lost a substantial amount of coke. It’s why he’s making violent decisions. He’s creating a hazardous and volatile environment, and the local cops have had enough. They’re urging us to move and execute our plan. With that amount of drugs in the wind for him, it feels like he has everything to gain and nothing to lose.’

Ash took a breath, staring at the galaxies swirling far above him, feeling the weight of the world on his wide shoulders. ‘We’ve no choice, then. Greenlight it is.’