Talon (Uncompromising #1)(112)
I reached to grab a knife and by the time I turned back around, the apple was in her mouth and her toes were under the water. I laughed. “That’s my girl.”
“Everything all right?” Siren radiated tension as she walked in to the kitchen. “I didn’t hear you two get up.”
Maddie instantly held her arms out for her.
I waited till she picked Maddie up then I put my arms around both of them. “I would never take her anywhere without your permission.”
“I know.” But the rigid set to her shoulders said otherwise.
“I promise you, darlin’.” I kissed her forehead.
“I know, I just…” She looked at Maddie and smiled a small smile. “I didn’t hear you wake up, Maddie.”
I stroked Siren’s hair and rubbed her back. “It was a long night. I think we all could’ve used a few more hours’ sleep. How ’bout I make us some breakfast?”
The intercom on the alarm sounded and Siren jumped.
“It’s okay, it’s just the alarm lettin’ me know someone’s at the gate.” I checked the video feed on the alarm panel and saw my Challenger at the gate. I hit the talk button. “What’s up, Kendall?”
“I’ve been driving your piece-of-shit car for hours is what’s up. Open the damn gate.”
“You alone?”
“Who the hell else do you think would be with me? Cuban boy?”
Christ. “Pull up to the first bay in the garage.”
“Yes, sir,” she said sarcastically.
I glanced at Siren. “I’m gonna throw some clothes on then get the keys.”
“She can stay for breakfast,” Siren offered.
I grabbed her chin and kissed her once. She smelled like jasmine and Maddie and my bed and warmth spread through my chest. “I love that you’re offerin’ but there’s only so much Kendall I can take. I’m gonna get my keys and have one of André’s men drop her at home. Be right back.”
“Okay.” She smiled and I felt like the luckiest bastard alive.
I kissed her once more then grabbed some shorts and my cell and went downstairs.
Kendall stood next to the Challenger with her bag at her feet. “I hear you’re a daddy now.”
I ignored the bait. “Did you tell Candle you were comin’ home?” I held my hand out for the keys.
She handed then to me. “I wouldn’t say his house is my home, but yeah, I called him. Did you know you have two scary-looking muscle heads parked outside your gate?”
I glanced at my phone but I didn’t have any missed calls or texts. “Candle didn’t call me.”
“I told him not to.” She shrugged casually. “I figured you had enough on your plate.”
Huh. “Thanks. Why isn’t Candle’s house your home?”
She waved a hand dismissively. “Just because my shit’s there doesn’t mean it’s my home. Whatever, I’m not explaining it. Is pretty-boy surfer still watching the shop?”
It suddenly occurred to me why I put up with Kendall. She nicknamed everyone. I smirked. “Yeah. I gotta call him.” I hadn’t checked in and he hadn’t called.
“I’ll take care of it. I’ll get my ride then go over there. Speaking of which, you driving me?”
“André’s men will drive you.” I raised a hand and signaled for them to come down the driveway. “Braige said he wanted to make a few boards. I told him he could. He might be around for a few days workin’, so don’t give him shit.”
“You let him in your shop? With your tools?” She mouthed the word wow.
“You’re a pain in the ass.” The SUV pulled up.
“Whatever. Daddy.”
“Christ.” I rapped on the passenger window and it rolled down.
André’s guy, Tyler, inclined his head at me from behind the wheel. “Boss?”
“You talk to André? Is it safe for her to go to Candle’s?”
“I sent Davis over there a half hour ago. All clear.”
I nodded. “Take her over then make sure she gets to my shop.”
“I’ll drop her off and come back here. Davis will handle the rest. You good for twenty minutes?”
“No problem. Close the gate behind you.” I opened the door for Kendall, gentleman that I was, and nodded at her. “Thanks for bringing my car back.”
She smirked and hopped into the SUV.
I threw her bag in back. “Hey. I’m not comin’ in to the shop for a week.”
“Shocker.” She rolled her eyes as she buckled her seat belt. “At this point, you should just make me a partner.” She pushed the button to roll the window up and Tyler pulled away.