Aspen broke away, struggling to catch her breath. “You need to be registered as a dangerous weapon.”
My lips twitched.
Aspen’s fingers twisted in my shirt. “I want to take things slow around Cady. I’ve never introduced anyone to her before.”
“I get that. We can go as slow as you need to, as long as you’re not kicking me out.”
Aspen’s gaze shifted to the side.
I pulled her tighter against me. “What?”
She forced her focus back to me. “I like having you here. But sometimes I worry I like it too much.”
Beautiful pain spread through my chest—agony and bliss all wrapped into one. “I’m here for as long as you’ll have me.”
“Mama! Mr. Grizz! Come oooooon!” Cady called.
A smile spread across Aspen’s face, hitting me center mass. “Come on, let’s go get our butts kicked by a six-year-old.”
“I think I had too many meatballs,” Cady mumbled, holding her tiny belly.
Aspen shook her head, but a smile played on her lips. “I warned you five might be too many.”
“But they’re soooooo good.”
I squeezed her shoulder. “I feel your pain. I think I might’ve overdone it, too. We need to walk it off. Maybe do a few laps around the living room.”
Cady slid off her chair and grabbed my hand, tugging me to my feet. “We can march like we’re in the army. Charlie always wants to play soldiers, so I’m good at marching.”
I couldn’t hold in my chuckle as Cady strutted toward the couch, bringing her knees up ridiculously high with each step. Chauncey lumbered to his feet and barked, thinking it was a game. The noise sent the demon cat skittering out of her hidey-hole. She launched herself onto the couch with a loud meow.
A knock sounded on the door, making Chauncey bark louder. It startled the cat, and Pirate flew off the couch toward the nearest person. Me. Her claws dug into my shirt and my damned chest. I cursed. Loudly.
“Ooooooh, Mr. Grizz. That’s a no-no word. You’re gonna have to do an act of kindness to pay that one off,” Cady said, still marching.
I peeled the cat off me, glaring at it as Aspen opened the door. She stepped back, motioning Lawson in. “Welcome to the zoo.”
His eyes flicked to me and then to the beast in my hands. “Is that a one-eyed cat?”
“It’s a demon from the fiery pits of hell.” I set Pirate down, and she ran down the hall.
“That’s another one, Mr. Grizz. Be careful, or you’re gonna get extra chores,” Cady warned.
My brother chuckled. “You gotta keep him in line, Cady.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m trying. It’s not easy.”
Lawson pressed his lips together to keep from laughing outright.
Aspen shut the door. “Is everything okay?”
Lawson turned to her. “I need to borrow Roan for a minute about a case. Not yours,” he assured her.
My skin prickled as I saw something pass across Lawson’s expression. Something ominous.
“Oh, of course.” Aspen motioned to Cady. “Come on, Katydid. Let’s pick up your room while they talk.”
Lawson turned, glancing at Aspen again. “I heard from an Evan Kemp in Jackson.”
She stilled in the hallway. “He’s the police officer who helped me get a new identity.”
“Seems like a good cop,” Lawson said. “He wanted to make sure you were okay. That we were looking out for you.”
A soft smile spread across her face, and a hit of jealousy landed in my gut. “He would. I’ll text him and let him know I’m all right. He doesn’t have my new number.”
Lawson nodded. “He’s going to be my point of contact at the Jackson PD, so I’ll keep him up to date.”
“Thanks, Law.” Aspen placed a hand on Cady’s back and guided her forward.
“Aw, man. I always miss the good stuff,” Cady grumbled as she followed Aspen down the hall.
Lawson chuckled. “That kid is hilarious.”
I nodded, my lips twitching. “She is.”
He studied me for a moment. “Are you…smiling?”
I instantly wiped the grin from my mouth. “Shut up.”
Lawson slapped me on the shoulder. “Happy for you, brother.”
I scowled at him.
“Unfortunately, I’m about to steal a little of that happiness.”
My entire body went on alert. “What?”
Lawson shifted in place. “Just got a call. Body was discovered. Human this time. And the death wasn’t accidental.”