"It would have hurt her when he moved back with Isla and Liam. We did the right thing in asking Rick to dog sit him until they return."
"That’s true." She cuddles into my side. "That little girl has seen enough loss in her life. She needs stability and routine."
It’s why we moved out of the penthouse and into a townhouse before bringing Bianca home. No more glass and chrome, this place is wooden floors, high ceilings, and sunshine pouring in through the big bay windows. And there are no hidden rooms. I don’t need one. I’d be lying if I said I don’t wake up with nightmares about my ordeal, but their frequency has decreased. The sessions with the psychologist have helped, and curling my body around my wife’s in our bed at night ensures I sleep well most nights. She supplies the comfort I seek. As for the control I’m searching for? Isn't it obvious? I get it when I dominate her. This compulsion to keep her safe and secure, and above all else, to care for her feeds my need to stay in charge.
From the moment Penny entered my life, it began changing for the better. It’s thanks to her, and now, Bianca that this place feels like home. We chose a house with a big back garden with a swing-set and a slide so Bianca can keep herself entertained. And the bonus? It’s next-door to Cade and Abby’s. And it's within walking distance of the Seven—who've all purchased homes in the neighborhood—and Michael’s, as well as JJ’s—on Primrose Hill. When Abby told us this place was going on the market, it was a no-brainer.
She lifts my arm, then nestles in under it. "It’s nice to be close to everyone. And with so many of us here, it feels like we own all of the Hill."
I laugh. "Today Primrose Hill; tomorrow the world," I laugh, do my best impression of a comic book villain.
Penny joins my laughter. "That reminds me, has Rick accepted his role as the Captain of the London Ice Kings?"
"Not yet, but he’s considering it.”
"I have to say, it came as a surprise. I didn’t realize he played ice hockey professionally."
I nod, "For the NHL, no less. But he had a falling out with his manager. Lost his temper, beat up the guy, and was expelled from the team."
"Rick?" She frowns. "You mean the same Rick who barely speaks, and went on to join the Royal Marines?"
"Guess he grew up. He was drafted in at seventeen, amongst the youngest ever, played until he was twenty-one, until this unfortunate incident, then quit, returned to the UK, joined the Marines, and went on to serve with me. He’s older than me and was a captain when I joined. "
"Why did he leave?"
I frown. "That’s not my story to tell."
"Was he injured?"
I shake my head. "Can’t reveal that. What I can say is that he was awarded the Victorian Cross, the highest decoration in the British honor system, and then he retired."
"Wow, how old is he?"
"Not too old to lead the team, and with Finn on there, as well, he has all the support he needs."
"Not to mention Gio."
I nod. "Your friend is perfect for the role of Marketing and PR Director for the London Ice Kings.”
"Hmm." She scowls up at me. "You realize, she and Rick don’t get along, right?"
74
Penny
"All right, everyone, settle down." Abby taps a fork against her champagne flute. The people in the room gradually quiet. I glance around and take in JJ with his now-fiancée Lena—yep, he proposed— talking with that other silver fox, Philippe, in a corner of the room. Their heads are bent, and JJ whispers something to Philippe, who barks out a laugh.
Next to them, Sinclair sits with Summer. There’s a bassinet next to them in which their daughter snoozes. Sinclair pulls Summer into his side, and she cuddles in. On the opposite side of the room, Michael and his wife Karma are absorbed in each other. They’ve gotten a babysitter for the evening and are, undoubtedly, enjoying their free time. That is, until Karma’s next one comes along. At three months, she’s not yet showing, but there’s no doubt she’s pregnant. She’s glowing; also, Michael has his big palm cupped over her belly—a dead giveaway—and the other around her shoulder. He kisses her forehead before turning his attention to Abby.
Mira is working tonight and couldn’t be here, much to her disappointment. The celebrity factor is covered by #Declene. Solene is curled into Declan, while he's sprawled out on an armchair not far from Summer. The two were shooting in New Zealand but took their first break in weeks and decided to come to London to catch up with their friends before they whizz off to one of the islands in the Mediterranean for a much-deserved break.
Edward, the only one of the Seven who doesn’t live in London but who happens to be visiting, stands next to the bar. He has a drink in his hand. Rick stands next to him. Tiny pants at his feet, his gaze fixed firmly on the bottle of champagne Cade holds in his hand. Cade, for his part, has his gaze locked on Tiny. There’s a warning look on his face. Tiny whines, and Cade shakes his head slowly. Tiny lets out a big sigh, then sags to the floor and cradles his big head on his paws. He hasn’t taken his eyes off the bottle of champagne, though. Yep, the mutt has a taste for champagne. He’s been known to pour an entire bottle down his gullet. Or so Isla warned me in one of her calls. No wonder, Cade has one arm around Abby and the other is fixed to the bottle of bubbles. He’s not giving it up easily.
"Thank you everyone for being here today. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see all our friends and family in one room. I know we are all busy people, but I wanted to properly welcome the newest addition to our family."
"Is she talking about me?" Bianca whispers from where she’s seated on the sofa between me and my husband. Her dress is pink, of course, a twin of the one I’m wearing. She transformed into a mini-me practically overnight. In fact, she’s taken to us and us to her so quickly, I almost can’t remember how it was without her.
"Of course she is, Princess." Knight takes her hand in his and brings it up to his mouth, kissing her knuckles.
Bianca giggles. "I’m not a real Princess, Papa."
"You’re the princess of my heart." He flashes her an adoring smile. Knight’s entranced by Bianca, and she has a case of hero-worship. Not that I blame her. He has that effect on all females.
"We are so proud and grateful to have you with us, Bianca. Welcome home." Abby raises her flute.
That’s when Giorgina breezes in on her six-inch high heels. "Hello everyone, sorry I’m late." She takes in the scene, and in a very dramatic gesture, pops out her hip and plants her hand on it. "Hope I’m not interrupting…" She arches a delicate eyebrow.
Across from me, Rick stiffens. He glares at the newcomer with something like longing, before quickly disguising the expression.
If Giorgina notices him, she doesn’t pay him any heed. She spots the bottle of champagne Cade holds and exclaims. "Aha, so you’re the guardian of the bubbles?"
She struts toward him, snatches up a flute from the bar, and taking the bottle from him, examines the label. "Dom Pérignon, excellent. I think I might have found my tribe after all. I—"