83

JUSTIN

I was torn between staying with Astrid to protect her and the baby and going over to where Hunter was to confront him. I felt that familiar feeling of fear and all my body became tense as my mind started racing, calculating the risks. Under no circumstances must Hunter find out about the baby. If he found out, his games could get dirtier, more dangerous, and I could not afford that. Not now. Not ever.

I pressed a kiss to Astrid’s temple, she was too focused on her ice cream, completely unaware of anything happening while mine was melting in my hand, dripping down my fingers. So, I got to eating it and took my eyes back to where Hunter was, but he was gone like he had never been there.

I turned Astrid and tried to get her walking so we could get out of there but she wasn’t budging. “I want another one,” she whined, holding out her empty cone.

I forced a smile, trying to keep my fear out of my eyes and our link. “We have to leave sweetheart,” I said, my voice steady despite th