Instead of complying, Hermano raised Peter higher, until the child’s rib cage was level with his open maw. Saliva and drop dripped from the tips of his teeth. “Put down your weapon, Brown or I swear I'm going to end his life.” Dave didn’t move. He didn't blink as much as blink. Holding his gun steady, he only hoped Hermano would believe his bluff. “Chelsea,” he said calmly. “Move out of the way, baby.” Hermano growled. “Don’t you take even one fucking step, Chelsea, or the next thing you’ll hear is this brat’s screams as I punch a hole through his sternum with my fist.” Christie sobbed. Chelsea looked equally miserable, but she held herself together. She stared at Dave, shaking her head as if to warn him away from doing anything rash. Well, fuck that. He would do anything to get her out of this, but damn if he wanted to forfeit an innocent child’s life to accomplish it. He saw little choice but to try to catch Hermano off guard. In a split-second move, Dave took his shot, hittin

I make my way through the busy airport with my luggage. It takes me a few minutes to adjust to the modern, big city kind of flow to things again. When I finally make it outside to the "pick-up" area, I spot my sister and Peter. She comes barging towards me and embraces me in an enormous hug. I drop my bags instantly and bury my face in her neck. I inhale the familiar scent of her perfume while tears fill my eyes.I tighten my grip on her as we both sob; motionless in the middle of the busy walkway.My sister, Christie, and Peter finally pull away, and I stare into their watery eyes."Oh, Chelsea dear... I missed you so much, sweetheart," she mumbles, a big smile carved on her face. "And look at you…you’re so tanned!""I told you it was scorching hot out over there," I chuckle, wiping my eyes. "But now that I’m back, I definitely don’t mind being a few shades darker. Beats going to the salon anytime soon!""You look so beautiful too. I am so proud of you, honey."I take a step back, tr

When Chelsea reached the bottom step, she spotted Sebastian out of the corner of her eye, laughing animatedly with her sister, and Peter. His left hand was planted firmly on her sister’s lower back. The sight made her cringe with discomfort, but could she do something about it? No! Definitely not. She sized him up before they noticed her. Unlike before, when the man was brooding, today he was dressed in a designer pinstripe suit, which was appropriate attire for a man of his caliber. He towered over her sister with the same dark hair she remembered one year ago, that faded almost all the way to the middle of his head. However, his face bore the signs of his age, as unwrinkled lines dotted his forehead and eyes. Despite being obviously a lot older than her sister, his attitude was somewhat authoritative over here, and that immediately annoyed her. "Oh! Hi, Chelsea. We’ve been waiting for you," Christie said, gazing at her. Sebastian smiled and nodded his head towards him. "Hi, aunt

Later that evening, fireworks burst overhead, eager laughter swirled around Chelsea, and an attentive waiter pressed a margarita with freshly crushed mint into her hand. After dinner earlier, she managed to call Jane and Catherine, and they decided to have a girls' night out, which involved Shawn Richmond driving the car and giving them VIP passes through the most expensive, new, and well-known pub in the city. It had been a wonderful reunion, and the three of them ended up sobbing and hugging and eventually ruining their make-up.Ah, this was life. After almost another drink, Jane was almost wasted and Catherine called her younger child on the phone, singing a lullaby. God knows what sort of Peppa Pig song it was. She shook her head and smiled at the embarrassed mom. It had been a couple of years, yet Chelsea saw how the couple still looked at each other's eyes like they were the only ones in the room."This is life, right?" Jane grumbled to Chelsea with a grin. She looked beautiful

If she’d thought Dave had looked good in that T-shirt while at Sebastian's house one year ago—well, shut her mouth. And open it again, because those dimples were in danger of making Chelsea's jaw hit the floor. How could he look so good in a suit?He wore a dark navy suit, the jacket unbuttoned and the scarlet silk of his shirt making his skin almost glow. He’d tugged off his tie in the heat and was now absentmindedly wrapping it around and around his strong, graceful hands. His gorgeous eyes seemed to sparkle in the faint light of the torches and fireworks, and his hair fell in defiant curls around his face. A hint of stubble graced his cheeks, just enough to rasp against someone’s skin if he leaned down to claim their mouth with those full, pouty lips...Oops, Shawn was saying words. She should probably pay attention to Richmond’s words and not Dave’s lips and notice how Jane and Catherine are eying her like a mother hen.Though Dave’s lips were definitely more interesting.He’s got