“All the better to scare the bad guys with.” His grin was rueful and charming. “I didn’t mean to use it on you. Sorry. I’m glad you’re finally here and out of rehab.”

At the sincerity in his blue eyes, she relaxed. “Me too.” She tried to keep the quaver out of her voice. “Thank you so very much for your part in my rescue.”

He blinked, then shook his head. “I’m only sorry we didn’t make it in before you got so hurt.”

He’d risked his life, yet felt bad the rescue hadn’t been faster? Her fear drained away. “Bones heal. You got the children out. Got Aric out. If there is ever anything I can do for any of you, you have it.”

“Just work on getting better.” He grinned at her. “I’d been wanting to shut those bast—” Audrey’s elbow impacted his ribs, and he grunted and amended his words. “Uh, those PZs down since I met the first one. I’m grateful Frankie let us help.”

She could hear the sincerity in his voice. He really was a nice person, wasn’t he? All of them were—and they’d saved her, and even more importantly, her son.

Averting her gaze, she blinked away tears. Where was her son?

There, on the other side of the patio with Hawk.

Tall, broad shouldered, with his sleeves rolled up over muscular forearms to reveal those amazing tattoos, Hawk was helping Aric throw a ball for Gryff to retrieve.

As if he’d felt her gaze, Hawk turned. His eyes sharpened, probably at the tears in her eyes.

At her slightly wavery smile, he gave her a chin-lift.

Aric bounced, waving his hand at her to get her to come over.

“I guess I’d better see what’s going on. Excuse me.” After smiling at Audrey and Gabe, she joined him. “What’s up, honey bear?”

His eyes got wide and uncertain.

Hawk frowned before making an interrogative sound. Did the man have a restricted number of words he was allowed to use in a day?

Still, it was wonderful he could read Aric so accurately.

Reluctantly, she explained what had worried her son. “Obadiah ordered me to only use Aric’s name. He said endearments—especially from a woman—would weaken a man.”

Hawk’s expression hardened.

Yes, she’d been a failure as a parent. She knew that.

He looked down at Aric and growled, “Obadiah was an idiot.” His tone made her shiver, yet Aric didn’t seem afraid in the least.

She swallowed and owned her failure in a whisper. “So was I.”

“You were conned. That’s different.” His dark blond brows drew together. “No endearments. And Aric whispers.”

She nodded. “Only the men were permitted to talk freely. To be loud.”

“Yeah, no. He needs to see it’s okay to make noise.”

“Of course.”