BEAR

I didn't just get my name on account of my grumbly voice. I'm also a predator. Once I grab hold of my prey, I tear and rip at it until I'm the victor. The problem is I occasionally treat non-violent threats with the same aggressive tendencies.

Right now, I'm bullying Natasha into leaving the estate with me. I don't care if I have the right vehicle for her and the kids. I just want to take them with me, so she can't run away again.

I like her kids. They're cute and silly. They seem so small. I bet they won't even remember their real dad. In a few years, they'll only know me. I decide they're mine like Natasha is.

Hector and Jacinda don't notice Natasha's growing panic. I do, of course, but changing gears means losing what I want.

The security isn't blind to her frazzled behavior and start speaking on their radios. I assume they'll hassle me, even if I'm not doing anything more than staring at Natasha who peeks at me like I'm a threat.

The security lingering at the front door moves aside when Leon appears. He was clearly working out based on his shorts and sleeveless top. The icy blond killjoy doesn't hurry toward his sister. His gaze never falls upon me. He only sees her. I feel invisible as usual around the Kovak men.

Leon speaks to Natasha in their native tongue. She nearly lunges at him, wanting protection. I try to see her situation from Natasha's viewpoint. She got her ass beat two days ago. She's back in the lion's den with her family. Now, I'm bullying her to get on my timetable. Though Natasha is right to be afraid, I refuse to back down.

Leon listens as Natasha speaks in a frenzied voice. Jacinda leaves her brother with the phone and walks to her uncle. The child wraps her fingers around Leon's pinkie, winning a frown from him. She just smiles at him and licks her overly pink lips.

I don't like my new kid preferring him to me. I squat next to Hector who watches Natasha calming down as Leon asks questions. His gaze turns to me, and he shows me his Kermit doll.

"I used to have an Elmo doll when I was little," I say, skipping the part where my idiot grandma threw it away to punish me for not eating my veggies.

"I like Elmo," he tells me. "I like you."

"We'll be pals, kid."

Hector has Kermit kiss my face. Natasha goes silent, watching me like I might steal away her boy. She turns to her brother who finally acknowledges me.

"You can't take them today," Leon says as Jacinda grips his finger. "The kids can't go in public for at least a month."

"What about if I only take Natasha?"

Leon looks at his sister whose eyes plead with him. Showing no emotion, he focuses back on me.

"Has there been any new information on this matter? It's been two years since the agreement was hashed out."

"We made a deal, and I still want her. That's the information you need. And it has been two years, so I don't want to dick around."

"Is your goal to come off desperate?" Leon asks, cocking an eyebrow. "Natasha isn't going anywhere. Why not wait until her face doesn't look like ground beef?"

Natasha flinches at his last comment and touches her bruised eye.

Throwing my woman some help, I point out, "She's hot, and I want her." Then, I lose my temper and add, "I don't give a shit what you think, Leon. It's not like you pull the strings around here."

Natasha frowns at me and then looks at her brother. She says something in Czech to the stony-faced man. He glances at her and narrows his eyes. Whatever he tells her is meant to upset her. I can tell by his tone. However, she only grins like a little sister mocking her big brother.

"Natasha can't leave the estate yet," Leon tells me. "The details can be worked out with someone less emotional. Perhaps, Aunt Fred or another woman can assist you in planning."

I don't normally eat shit from men. I nearly punched a neighbor who made a snide comment about my lawn. My temper isn't something I harness well.

But I control myself now and avoid pushing back at Leon. I realize taking Natasha and the kids today won't happen. Making sure everything's ironed out between the club and the Kovak Syndicate makes sense.

Except I don't want to leave. Natasha is close enough to touch. I'm already second-guessing my earlier behavior. I should have been softer when I got here. Acted shy or something. Tricked her into lowering her guard. Once Natasha let me close, I could stay longer and find out where she's been for the last two years.

Instead, I've backed myself into a corner. Leon won't leave until I do. He might be a cold jackass, but he isn't blind to his sister's panic. My time with Natasha today is over.

Squatting again, I look at Hector. He smiles at my attention on him. I glance at the girl clinging to Leon's pinkie. Jacinda also offers me a grin. I study their battered faces. What kind of dickhead would hurt such small people?

"I want to see them tomorrow."

"No," Leon replies. "You can see them in two days."

Standing up, I announce, "They can come to my house for an early dinner. You can send security or whatever. I'll have food. Everything will be fine." I focus my gaze on Natasha who seems panicky again. "You're going to like my cats."

Her face fights a little grin. Natasha still wants me. I know that look in her eyes. I'm the guy she craves. Once I win over her kids, she'll forgive my sins and become putty in my hands.

With a new plan in mind, I tell Hector and Jacinda goodbye and return to my motorcycle. The kids clap when it roars to life. Yeah, they'll be easy to impress.

I let my gaze linger on Natasha. No woman's ever looked so beautiful. I nearly don't leave. I'd rather follow her around all day, but life doesn't work that way.

Besides, I remind myself how she's back now. Her family won't let her run again. I'm her best shot at a good life. All Natasha needs to do is get over hating me, and we'll both get what we need.