Hawk’s lips edged up slightly. “Good to hear. I wasn’t sure…”

“Are you ever going to tell me why you quit the squad?” Gabe asked.

“Maybe. Someday.”

“All right.” Typical.

The last of Gabe’s anger at his brother’s leaving the squad without explanation had disappeared when Hawk showed up to help find Audrey. “Thanks for the help. On the mountain.”

“Sure.” After a pause, Hawk added, “I like her for you.”

From his brother, that was a glowing accolade, especially since Hawk had watched her with open suspicion at first. “She likes you, too.

Hawk shrugged.

Yeah, act as if you don’t care. You do. Gabe shook his head. “You know, even though you’re a bull-headed dumbass, you’re still my brother. And I love you.”

When tears appeared in Hawk’s eyes, Gabe hastily looked away. Clearing his throat, he pointed at a young boy playing tug-of-war with a fluffy pup. “That’s the kid I told you about. Niko. The one who escaped a pissed-off sow.”

Hawk’s jaw was tight, his gaze on the child and dog.

“You all right, bro?” Gabe asked softly.

“Good enough, yeah.” Hawk watched as the kid lost his hold, landed on his ass, and burst into infectious giggles.

“Fuck, I’d forgotten that sound.” As if that’d used up his quota of words, Hawk jumped off the table and punched Gabe’s arm. “See you later, old man.”

“Soar high, bro.”

Audrey watched Gabe’s blond brother move toward the parking lot. Walk wasn’t the right word for the menacing way he moved. Stalk was closer.

Caz moved so silently that he’d scared her more than once. Bull didn’t have the same grace, but no one ever got in his way.

Now, her Gabe had a prowling gait that was as sexy as anything.

She looked around for him and realized he was watching his brother leave with a tight expression of unhappiness.

Her heart ached for him. He’d often talked about Hawk and how his taciturn brother had disappeared without a word.

Turning, Gabe noticed Audrey’s gaze. His face softened, and he gave her that look, the one she’d only seen him wear for her. Because he loved her.

She swallowed hard. He loved her.

Gabe was up and moving across the grass to her.

“You okay, Goldilocks?” He tipped up her chin as his baritone deepened. “Did the fighting scare you?”

Beside her, Cecil gave a loud snort. “Scare her? She saw that putz heading for you, grabbed my cane, and gave the asshole—’scuse me, miss—the cretin a smack up alongside the head that laid him out, sweet as ya please.”

Her face heated with a flush as pride—I’m a badass!—and embarrassment—I hit a man!—danced through her. “Um…”

“I saw.” Gabe grinned down at her. His warm hand cupped her face. “Good to know you have my back.”