I slip the lid off the box and gasp at the pendant nestled on a pad of black velvet. It’s more than a pendant. A solid white gold chain with a 3D mermaid suspended in the middle. The exquisite detail highlights her struggle to free herself from an anchor embedded in her tail.

“She’s strong. Determined. A fighter. Like you.” Z’s low voice slides over me like honey, making the moment even sweeter. “My beautiful siren.”

“It’s gorgeous. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“You’ll wear it?”

“Yes. I love it.” I turn and lift up my hair. “Will you put it on for me?”

He takes his time, tracing one warm, rough finger over my collar bones. The sensation shoots straight to my nipples and he chuckles low and sensual against my neck.

The pendant rests cool and heavy against my skin. I press my hand over it. “Thank you so much.”

There’s a thump and a stirring from Chance’s room. Z leans down to kiss me again. “I’ll get him.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, still reeling from how well Z knows me.

Z

“You don’t have to come inside with me,” Lilly says as I pull into her brother’s driveway.

I glance over at her but don’t respond. She should know me better than that.

Alex opens his front door with a less smug than usual expression. His face brightens when he sees Chance, which helps me dislike the dude less. He might be an ass in general, but at least he’s good to my son. And Chance seems to love him, so that’s something.

“Hi, Z.” He holds out his hand and I shake it.

“Thanks for watching him tonight,” Lilly says, ushering Chance inside.

“No problem.” Alex glances at me, then Lilly. “You’re going to see Ted?”

So, he knows Ted? Does he know the guy proposed to his sister too? Bet Alex would rather have a doctor for a brother-in-law than a biker. Too bad.

“Yes.” Her eyes dart my way. “He’s heading home tomorrow.”

“Tell him I said hi.”

“I will.”

“Mom?” Chance tugs on Lilly’s hand, pulling her further into the house.

“I’ll be right back.” Lilly turns my way and raises an eyebrow. Silently asking me not to kill Alex? Probably.

I watch Alex for a few seconds without saying anything.

“Lilly tells me you’re getting married,” he finally says.

Surprised she told her brother, I just nod.

“Don’t see a ring on her finger yet.”

Now that makes me laugh. “It’s coming.”

He crosses his arms over his chest.

If he’s waiting for more information, he’s about to be disappointed. “Would you mind keeping Chance tonight?”

“Not at all. Why?”

“Not sure how late we’ll be out.” I flick my gaze down the hallway. “Don’t mention it to her, though.”