Rowdy held his breath during Logan’s five-second, emotional pause.

“...Reese said it was the damnedest thing. In that short time, Marcus had already gotten an attachment to her. He kicked up such a fuss that Alice was on her knees holding him and telling everyone else to back off.”

Sounded like Alice. Eyes burning, throat going scratchy, Rowdy avoided Avery’s astute gaze. “I’d put my money on Alice.”

“Pretty much always, you know?”

“Yeah.” Rowdy found his first smile. And once he had it, the need to touch Avery, to connect with her, nearly overwhelmed him. He put an arm around her and hauled her into his side. “What else?”

“After Reese closed up the bar, he and Alice took Marcus home. Reese told me to tell you not to worry too much. He’s sleeping on the couch to make sure the kid doesn’t try to take off, and Cash is sticking close to him.”

Cash, their crazy-ass rescue dog, had seen his fair share of abuse before living the cushy life with Alice and Reese.

For the moment, it was the best Rowdy could have hoped for. “The kid knows what happened to his dad?”

“That he and one of his thugs attacked you? That we arrested him? No. I don’t think it was uncommon for that bastard to take off.”

But it would be uncommon for a social worker to show up. Marcus probably had a clue, but Rowdy was grateful that it hadn’t been spelled out to him. “Thanks.”

“One of these days,” Logan said, “you’re going to believe that a few bad cops don’t represent the whole of the profession.”

He ignored that to say, “What happens now?”

“The social worker is getting hold of the family court judge. If that goes well, the judge might be able to place Marcus with Reese until we get everything else sorted out.”

Breathing became more difficult. “Reese is up for that?”

“Yeah, you know Reese. He’s muscle-bound, but at heart he’s just a big softie.”

Yeah, that was one truth Rowdy could swear to. Until recently, he wouldn’t have believed they existed, but now... Reese and Logan both were proving to be really good men.

Next they’d have him believing in Santa Claus.

Logan didn’t seem to think that much of Reese taking on a street rat. “There’ll be an emergency custody hearing. Unless we find a suitable family member—”

Rowdy’s heart stalled. “No.” Other family would have to know what went on, and the fact that it continued meant they didn’t care enough to put a stop to it.

And that, as far as Rowdy was concerned, made them unsuitable as guardians.

“Reese could have temporary custody.”

How long that would last, Rowdy didn’t know, but he wouldn’t tip his hand by asking too many questions. Because when it was all said and done, Marcus wasn’t going back there. He wouldn’t let it happen, no matter what the court said.

As the numbness wore off, his back began to ache and his temples throbbed. “Can I see him tomorrow?”

“Sure. Alice would love that. Reese is taking the day off, so he’ll be around, too.”

Rowdy knew he owed Logan and Reese more than he could ever repay. But he’d try all the same.

Usually a debt would have eaten at him, but this time, it didn’t. This time, weird as it seemed...it sort of lightened his burden.

Smiling as if she felt his relief, Avery leaned into him. Her silky hair teased over his skin. The side of her breast pressed against his ribs.

If he’d known being cut would get her to touch him this much, he’d have figured out a way to get sliced sooner. Maybe she thought he was too hurt to take advantage of her affection.

Even at the worst of times, Rowdy couldn’t keep his hands out of her gorgeous red hair. He tunneled his fingers in close to her scalp and kissed her temple.

“Yeah, so, Logan...” What could he say? How did you thank a man for doing what you couldn’t? “I... Damn, man...”

“Get some sleep,” Logan told him. “We’ll talk more tomorrow. But for tonight, know that your bar is fine and Marcus is safe.” He disconnected the call.

Hand shaking, Rowdy put the phone on the coffee table and slowly turned to Avery.

“Marcus is okay?”

It felt like her beautiful blue eyes looked into his soul. “He’s with Reese.” She’d met both Reese and Logan when they came to help with the renovations to the bar. But she couldn’t possibly know the lengths they’d go to to serve and protect.

Hell, until recently, Rowdy himself hadn’t realized it. Before this, even with the evidence in front of him, he’d told himself that most people had ulterior motives. They were users. They cared only about their own comforts.

Now... Well, now he had to believe that some men had amazing ethics and a deep sense of responsibility.

“What will happen?” Avery asked.

Rowdy shook his head, but said, “I’ll make sure he stays safe.”

Her expression softened. “Rowdy—”

Driven by hunger and desperation, Rowdy drew her in for a kiss.

With a light laugh, she dodged him. “Not again. You need your rest—”

I need you. He didn’t say it aloud, and he didn’t let her retreat. “I’m not tired.”

“Well, I am.” She put her hand to the side of his face. “What do you think? It’s awfully late. Would you mind if I stayed the rest of the night with you?”