He snorted as he double-checked Pera’s vitals. “I should have known when you didn’t get into the ambulance where you were headed.”

She finished canceling the contracts, then pulled the hard drive. “No one threatens my family.”

“Hence, why I’m here.”

She heard sirens approaching. “Guess we weren’t that quiet.”

“I’ll make sure the authorities know that it was self-defense. No one will question it.” He jerked his chin to the HD in her hands. “What’s that?”

Sumi gave it to him. “She had a contract she was posting on Darice. I figured there might be other incriminating things on here Syn can pull.”

Nykyrian frowned. “Why would she put a hit on Darice?”

“I’m thinking he either knows more than he’s told us, or she thought he knew more.”

“I’ve never been able to stomach anyone who would go after a kid.” Nykyrian slid the HD into his pocket. “How are you doing?”

“Been a heck of a day.”

He hugged her with one arm. “That it has, kisa. That it has.” He glanced down to Pera. “But how are you feeling?”

She considered what he was really asking her. “Normally, I’d be sick to my stomach. However, this time, I’m strangely okay about it.”

With a knowing glint in his eyes, he nodded. “Ready to go check on Hauk?”

“That I am.”

He took her out the way she’d entered, through the bedroom window.

Bastien was still waiting for her on the street. Along with Darling and Jayne.

He winked at her. “When I heard shots, I started to help, but saw the big guy here and decided the best place for me was making sure no one disturbed you two. Then the next thing I know, these two came up out of the shadows at me.”

Darling shrugged. “Should have known Nyk would leave us so that he could have all the fun.”

Hand on hip, Jayne nodded in agreement. “He’s bad that way.”

“Don’t get all pouty with me.” Nykyrian pointed to Sumi. “She beat me to the punch.”

“Well, that’s just not right,” Jayne groused. She narrowed an irritated smirk at Sumi. “What? You think you’re sleeping with Hauk, or something? You have all the rights to kill the person who killed him? Gah, the nerve of some bitches.”

Sumi laughed at her teasing.

Maris tsked at her as he came out of the shadows behind them. “Jaynie… jealousy does not look good on you. It makes your butt look even fatter than your head.”

Gasping, she lunged playfully at Maris. “I don’t want to hear that from you! Do you even own a mirror at home? I bet you’ve put on twenty-five pounds since you’ve been with Ture… at least!”

Horrified over her words, Maris grabbed at his rear and turned his back to Darling. “Tell me the truth. Is my butt fat?”