Lauren buried herself in Matt’s embrace, thankful for the warmth of his body. Without it, she was sure she would have turned into a block of ice. With his words, Matt had confirmed her worst fears. Victor had found them already. It had been a matter of days, not nearly long enough for Lauren to even find her feet, let alone have any hope in coming up with a plan to finally break free, and he was already there. Why was Matt so sure? Had Victor already tried something? As much as her brain was screaming at her to disengage, to run away and hide, she had to know. “Are you sure? You saw him?”

She pulled back, still holding on to his arm. Matt’s hand sat around her waist, gripping her hip. It seemed she wasn’t the only one who was reluctant to let go. How could she do it? Run again when she’d only just found him? Her breath left in a whoosh when she realized she couldn’t. She wouldn’t. She’d just found her forever, and Matt and Brayden had a right to know each other, too. She wasn’t running from that. Matt had told her he’d protect them, and he’d never let her down before. Victor scared the shit out of her, but at least this time, they both knew what they were up against. They were going to win. She had no other choice.

“I haven’t seen him,” Matt said. “Though I have no doubt that you saw exactly who you thought you saw at the fair.” He took a deep breath before continuing, his fingers gripping a little harder on her hip. She’d probably have bruises there come the next day, but Lauren didn’t care. She’d take a few marks for feeling Matt’s touch right then. She needed it.

“There was a note,” he said. “Left at the scene of the fire on yesterday’s shift.” His voice had gone quiet, and she snuggled in close, wanting to feel his warmth as he spoke. “It was a house fire, a single mom and her son. A detective came to see me afterward. They’d found a note at the scene, addressed to me.” Matt turned to look at her, his eyes blazing. “I will always protect you. You have my word.”

She kissed him gently before tucking back into his side. She sensed he needed the contact as much as she did. He didn’t continue until Lauren was back in his arms. “It said that he would find me, wherever I ran to, and it was addressed to Matthew Rivers.”

It took a second for Matt’s words to sink in, and when they did, Lauren was glad she was still pressed up against his side. She wasn’t sure she would ever feel warm again. “I have to go.” She looked up at him. “I’ll leave Brayden here. He trusts you so much, already, and he’ll be safe around you and nine other firefighters.” She sat up, already forming a plan in her mind. “It’s me Victor will want to get to.” Her chin jutted out and her hands clenched the quilt underneath her hands. She’d get Brayden out of the way, safe with Matt, and then take the fight straight to him. She wouldn’t win. Lauren supposed she’d always known that, but maybe, if she told Victor the truth—that Brayden was never his blood to begin with—then after he’d taken out his revenge on her, he would leave Matt and Brayden alone. They’d be safe to live out their lives how she’d always wanted for both of them.

“Don’t even think about it,” Matt growled. “You say I haven’t changed. Well, neither have you. I can tell what you’re thinking just from looking at you.”

“I won’t let Victor take him,” she said. “I’ve come too far to give in now. Brayden will be safe with you.”

“And so will you.” His face was grim, but there was a fierce look in his eyes that made her shiver. She wasn’t scared. No, it was the exact opposite. For the first time, she had hope.

Matt shifted on the bed, wrapping her back up in his arms and leaning down until their foreheads were touching and his mouth was only inches from hers. Her tongue darted out and wet her lips, and the fire in his eyes grew stronger. “You and Brayden are mine,” he said. “And nobody’s going to take what’s mine.”

He took her mouth in a brutal kiss, his lips moving against hers as if he knew exactly what she needed. He did, she realized. His tongue thrust into her mouth, tangling with hers as his grip tightened on her hips again. She moaned, moving closer, and she felt the hard length of him against her thigh. She shifted, rubbing against him, and Matt groaned into her mouth. Lauren took the opportunity to push her tongue into his mouth, sweeping hers against his, tasting him. Her eyes fluttered closed at the sensation—it was pure Matt. Strong, masculine, and so good she was turning herself on from just kissing him. If she moved just a little, maybe she could move so her . . . 

“Matt! Meg’s on the phone!” Brayden’s voice gave her about three seconds’ warning before the door to Matt’s room swung open. Brayden stood in the doorway, the house phone hanging from his hand and a giant grin on his face. “Mom! You and Matt were kissing!”

Lauren’s face burned, but Matt just grinned. Oh, crap. He held Lauren close, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

“Hey, Matt, are you going to be my new dad?”

Matt tensed, and Lauren’s heart broke—for him and Brayden. How many shocks was Matt going to have to take in one day? She cleared her throat, trying to figure out what the hell to say to her son, but Matt beat her to it. “Brayden, you’re an amazing kid, and I’m so glad I got to know you.” He reached over and took Lauren’s hand, holding it tightly. “I bet you and your mom have had to take care of each other for a while, huh?”

Brayden nodded, his face solemn. “Sometimes it’s hard being just the two of us. I miss my dad, but I want Mom to be happy, too.”

Matt nodded. “Me, too.” He held out an arm and Brayden scooted under it, sitting on Matt’s other side. Looking at the sight of Matt holding both of them in his embrace, Lauren’s heart ached. Her heart was so full that it felt as if it might burst, but the moment was still so bittersweet. She wished Matt had been given the chance to know his son from the beginning. James had done his best, and she’d never wish any ill on him, but both Matt and Brayden deserved what they finally had—a chance. “I can’t speak for your mom,” Matt said. “But if it’s okay with you, I’d like to be the guy who makes you both happy.” He looked down at Brayden. “Would that work for you?”

Brayden nodded, his head bobbing up and down. “Awesome!” Before Lauren could make her tongue move enough to say anything, Brayden reached behind him and held out the phone. “But you should probably speak to Meg now. She’s been waiting a crazy long time.”

Matt’s mouth hung open in surprise, and Lauren burst out laughing. Brayden grinned, threw his arms around both of them in brief, tight hugs, and then bounded out of the room, yelling that he didn’t want to miss the best part of the movie. She was still chuckling to herself when Matt finally pulled away to pick up the phone. Yep, no matter what happened, Brayden was going to be absolutely fine.

She tuned back in to what Matt was saying when she heard her name. “ . . . So I’ll bring them both to the house. Can you rally the troops?” Lauren wrinkled her brow. What was Matt planning? He went back and forth with Meg for a few seconds more, then hung up the phone. He was still smiling, but his face was tight.

“Okay if we head to Meg and Liam’s house for a bit?” he asked.

Lauren placed a hand on his chest, loving the quick breath Matt sucked in at her touch. It seemed even when things were at their worst, touching each other was all it took to make things better. “No problem,” she said. “Is there anything I should know?”

Matt nodded. “If we’re going to end things with Victor once and for all, then I need to fill the guys in. They need to know my past, and who you are.” He chucked her under the chin with a finger, gently lifting her head so she was looking directly into his eyes. “You’re ready for that?”

Was she ready to start her new life—one where Brayden knew his father and she could spend the rest of her life with her soul mate?

“Bring it on.”