Table of Contents
Chapter 1..................................... 2
Chapter 2................................... 10
Chapter 3................................... 20
Chapter 4................................... 27
Chapter 5................................... 37
Chapter 6................................... 45
Chapter 7................................... 52
Chapter 8................................... 58
Chapter 9................................... 71
Chapter 10................................. 81
Chapter 11................................. 89
Chapter 12............................... 101
Chapter 13............................... 112
Chapter 14............................... 123
Chapter 15............................... 129
Chapter 16............................... 138
Epilogue.................................. 142
Chapter 1
How the hell Sebastian got roped into this he will never know. One kid was kicking and screaming because he didn't want to go to bed while the other wailed because his brother woke him up with his screaming. Fucking Henry and Claire. He was never letting them go out on a date again. Sebastian bounced the two month old Henry in his arms while he waited for Ethan to stop having his fit. What the hell had made him volunteer to babysit? It was Claire and her pleading blue eyes. She had said that she and Henry needed a date night and that he was the only one she trusted with the baby. Sebastian, being his arrogant self, thought that he could handle two kids at once. What an asshole!
A screaming four year old Sebastian could handle, but the baby broke his heart. His arms were flailing, his face was bright red and his little bottom lip was sticking out. Ethan was on the floor in the living room, kicking and pounding his fists on the floor. Sebastian had had about enough of the four year old. He put Henry in his swing and turned it on with the music. Then Sebastian went over and picked Ethan up by his arms. Ethan immediately went limp. Sebastian gritted his teeth. He hated when the kid did this.
" You can go have your fit in your room, mister," Sebastian snapped, tossing Ethan over his shoulder.
Sebastian stomped up the stairs with Ethan beating his little fists on his back. Did he do this for his parents? Sebastian was going to have to find out. Once in Ethan's room, he dumped the kid on his bed, turned the nightlight on then left and shut the door firmly behind him. Sebastian sighed heavily and headed back downstairs to deal with the still wailing Henry.
Sebastian had thought that he wanted kids. He snorted to himself. Not after tonight. Fuck this shit. Babies were cute and all but he was going to be happy to give these two back. Not that little Henry was a problem, he didn't really know any better. He was just doing what babies do. But Ethan and the fits he's been having all night were irritating as fuck. No wonder Henry and Claire needed a break.
Back in the living room, Sebastian turned on the video monitor and set it for Ethan's room. Ethan was curled up under his covers, fast asleep. The kid had obviously been tired. At least one was out. Henry was still whining a bit in his swing. At least he wasn't full out crying anymore. His little lip was still sticking out though. Sebastian glanced at the clock. The kid was probably hungry, again. Sebastian left him in his swing and headed into the kitchen.
Sebastian prepared a bottle of breast milk Claire had pumped ahead of time and went back into the living room where Henry was gearing up for another bout of screaming. His face grew red and his itty bitty fists started pumping. Sebastian went over and scooped him up then went over to the glider and settled into it. As soon as the bottle was in Henry's mouth, he started sucking away. His little hand wrapped around Sebastian's thumb, his bright blue eyes staring up at him.
How he had become so comfortable handling a baby was a mystery. He'd never even held a baby until Henry was born. It just seemed like second nature to him. Claire had called him a natural. And every time they were together, she somehow commented on how great of a father he would make. Well, he was content with just being an uncle, fuck you very much. Especially after tonight. This was the first time he actually babysat all by himself. He was proud of himself. He thought he was doing a damn good job so far.
Sebastian burped Henry when he was finished. The kid practically passed out when he was done so Sebastian brought him upstairs and put him in his bassinet in Henry and Claire's room. When he got back downstairs, he flopped onto the couch and turned on the TV. Sebastian rubbed his suddenly tired eyes and tried to focus on Sons of Guns, his favorite show.
Sebastian jolted awake, not even realizing he fell asleep. His heart pounded as he looked around the living room. Something had woken him, he wasn't sure what. He checked the monitor. Both kids were still sleeping. He checked the clock on the wall. He had only been asleep for an hour. That's when he heard the scratchy-scraping noise coming from the back of the house. Adrenaline raced hard and fast through his body. Someone was trying to break in. No fucking way!
Sebastian pulled the SIG 40S&W out of the ankle holster he always wore and stood. Working as a gunsmith in a gun shop kinda had Sebastian a bit paranoid about going anywhere without his gun. He's heard so many stories and has seen so many weirdos buy guns that he was wary of people he didn't know. So Sebastian had gotten a permit to carry as soon as he turned 21 and has been carrying a gun on his person ever since.
The scratching continued. It sounded like someone was trying to pick the lock on the back door or something. Sebastian left the lights out as he crept along the wall of the hallway that lead to the kitchen. Peeking into the kitchen, he could see the backdoor - the top half of which was glass. Only problem was that the glass had a shade in between the panels and it was closed. He couldn't see who was on the other side. If it was Henry and Claire, then they should have come in through the garage door. So whomever was at the back door was not welcome.
Sebastian saw the small flash of light cross the window. Fuckers had a flashlight. They must have climbed the wrought iron fence that surrounded the property because they couldn't just walk up the driveway - there was a gate. Sebastian heard one voice curse while another shushed the first one. Okay, so far he knew there were two, maybe more. He should call the cops. But he left his phone on the table in the living room and there was no way he was going back and letting these assholes get any further then the kitchen. Sebastian had kids to protect and he'd die before he let these scumbags get anywhere near them.
The lock clicked and the world seemed to move in slow motion. Sebastian let out the breath he was holding and waited as the door opened. He knew the laws in PA and as soon as those shit-heads entered the house he was going to shoot them. He was defending himself and the lives of two children. He would not be at fault if he managed to kill someone. Not that he really cared either, as long as Henry and Ethan were safe.
Sebastian saw two figures step into the house. Sebastian dropped into his shooting stance, aimed and pulled the trigger. There were only two of them and they were both wearing dark clothing and skull caps. Sebastian had a reputation for being one of the best shooters in the state. So he knew that he would hit whatever he was aiming at, even in the dark.
Pop, pop...Pop, pop!
The lead guy dropped like a sack of potatoes. No scream of pain or anything. Sebastian knew in that moment that he had just killed a man. The second guy got spun around, screaming in pain as he slammed into the doorframe then scrambled to get away. Sebastian let him go. No doubt the gunshots would wake one or both the kids. He watched as the man disappeared into the darkness of the backyard. Sebastian waited, his
gun still trained on the backdoor just in case he decided to come back.
" Uncle Bastian, I heard a noise," came Ethan's sleepy voice from behind him a minute later.
Sebastian didn't move. " Listen closely bud, go get me my phone off the table in the living room," he said in as calm a voice as he could manage.
Sebastian heard Ethan's bare feet slap on the hardwood floors toward the living room. He came back a minute later. Sebastian just held out his hand behind him until Ethan pressed the phone into it.
" What are you doing?" Ethan asked curiously.
" Ethan, I need you to go back up to your room and shut the door. Don't come out until me or your parents come get you, do you understand?" Sebastian asked in a low serious voice.
Ethan must have understood the seriousness of the situation, because he said okay and quickly did as he was told. Sebastian called the police then moved to the control panel in the hallway that worked the gate to the driveway. Sebastian hit the button to open the gate and then went to the front door. He opened it quickly before moving back into the kitchen and turned on the light. Tucking his gun in the back of his jeans, Sebastian moved towards the man sprawled out just inside the backdoor. A pool of blood was spreading out from under his head. Holy shit. Sebastian blew half the guy's skull off. Sebastian swallowed back the bile that rose in his throat. He refused to throw up.
A few cops barged in the front door, while some appeared at the back door. Sebastian was ordered to put his hands up. One of the officers moved up behind him and pushed him against the counter, ordering him to place his hands on the top of it and spread his legs. Sebastian did as he was told. The officer asked Sebastian what happened while he frisked him. The officer removed Sebastian's gun from his pants, popped the clip and removed the bullet from the chamber. The officer placed them all on the counter out of Sebastian's reach.
Sebastian told the officer what had happened in as much detail as he could remember. Sebastian could hear both kids crying and he couldn't help but glance at the ceiling repeatedly. The officer seemed to notice his distress about the kids and let him go get them and bring them into the living room.
Sebastian cradled Henry in the crook of his left arm while he held Ethan against his leg with his right. Ethan was hugging his thigh, his head resting against Sebastian's hip as he rocked them slightly side to side. Henry had settled back down and Ethan just sniffed and rubbed his eyes.
Sebastian heard a female voice snap at someone and lifted his gaze to the front door. A gorgeous blonde walked in with a fierce expression on her pretty face. Her light hair was parted on the side and pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck. She was wearing black dress pants and a tailored white button down blouse. Her badge and gun were clipped to her belt. Sebastian had a flash of deja vu. His eyes widened as he realized who she was.
" You've gotta be kidding me," he muttered and hung his head. This was the bitch who bent his finger back at the bar over a year ago.
The gorgeous detective moved further into the living room. Her shrewd gaze taking in everything. Finally her eyes settled on him. He saw the flicker of recognition in her eyes before her gaze swept over the kids. Surprisingly, her gaze softened and a small smile lifted her pink lips.
" Mr. Beck, I'm Detective Reynolds," she said, holding out her hand.
Sebastian eyed it warily. " You going to actually break my finger this time?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
She rolled her eyes at him. " Not if I don't have to."
Sebastian snorted and shook her hand. Before she could ask any questions, Sebastian heard Henry's frantic voice just outside the front door.
" This is my house! What the fuck do you mean I can't go inside?! My kids are in there!" Henry shouted angrily.
Sebastian glanced at the door then back at Detective Reynolds, who had turned and walked to the door. She stepped outside and Sebastian could hear her ask Henry for ID. He snapped at her that this was bullshit, but must have shown her his ID. She stepped back inside with Henry and Claire on her heels. Both looked terrified.
" Sebastian! What's going on? We pulled up to see tons of cop cars," Henry said roughly, rushing over to him and the kids.
Claire sobbed in relief and took the baby from him, clutching him close to her chest. Ethan wrapped his arms around her waist. She held him to her with one hand. The weight of what just happened seemed to hit him out a nowhere and he just stared at Claire and the kids. Jesus Christ, what if it had been Christian here watching the kids? What if he hadn't woken up in time?
Henry's strong hands grabbed his shoulders and shook him. " Sebastian?!"
Sebastian flinched, his gaze flicking to Henry who was right in front of him all of a sudden.
" I...uh...someone broke in the back door. I shot them," he whispered.
Henry's eyes widened in horror. He let go of Sebastian and started for the kitchen. Detective Reynolds was right behind him, calling for him to stop, not to go in there. Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut, and waited. Henry's horrified shout came no more then a few seconds later. Henry stumbled back into the living room. Detective Reynolds in tow, a grim expression on her face. Sebastian looked at his brother, who had turned deathly pale.
" Sebastian," he choked out.
" I'm sorry Henry..." Sebastian started. He knew Henry had to be disgusted that he killed someone in his house. But he had no choice.
Henry gripped him up by the front of his t-shirt and shook him hard. " Don't you dare fucking apologize to me!" he shouted in Sebastian's face, his nostrils flaring with the force of his panting breaths. Sebastian frowned, confused.
Henry clasped the sides of his neck, tears welling up in his eyes. " You...you killed someone to protect my kids," he said, his voice trembling. Claire gasped behind him. Henry blinked and the tears rolled down his face. " I don't know how I will ever be able to thank you," he choked, dropping his forehead to Sebastian's.
Sebastian felt his own eyes well up. Goddammit. He clasped the back of Henry's neck. " You know I would never let anything happen to those kids. Not as long as I'm breathing," he rasped.
Henry wrapped him up in a tight hug. They both tucked their faces into each other's neck. Sebastian just let the tears slid down his face, not really caring who saw.
Once they broke apart, Henry gave him a pat on the face. " I love you, brother."
" I love you too." Sebastian nodded.
Claire moved forward. Henry took his sleeping son from her arms and kissed him softly. Then he crouched down and pulled Ethan into a hug, kissing him on the temple. Claire cupped Sebastian's face, her eyes full of love and adoration. She gave him a kiss on the cheek then hugged him. Sebastian wrapped his arms around her.
" Thank you," she whispered.
Sebastian just nodded. He hadn't expected the gratitude. He knew they would be thankful that their kids were okay. But he had killed someone in their house. He thought they would be pissed off and disgusted with him. He killed someone. But they had nothing but love for him. It eased his heart. He had been so afraid that they would cut him out of their lives after this.
" I'm sorry to interrupt, but I really need to interview Mr. Beck," came the soft voice of Detective Reynolds from behind Claire.
Claire let Sebastian go. " Oh yes, I'm sorry," she said quickly and wiped the tears from her face as she went to Henry and the kids.
Henry looked at Sebastian. " I'm going to call mom and see if we can stay there for a little while until the house is taken care of."
Sebastian nodded. " Good idea."
Henry nodded back. Then he and Claire got an escort upstairs so that they could pack some bags. Sebastian scrubbed his hands over his face roughly and sank back into the couch behind him. He shoved his hands through his hair then leaned forward, placing his forearms on his knees. He lifted his head to find Detective Reynolds sinking down onto the coffee table in front of him.
" I need to ask you some questions," she said, cocking her head to the side.
&n
bsp; Sebastian nodded and cleared his throat. " Alright."
She pulled a little note pad and pen from her back pocket and flipped it open. " The two little boys are your nephews?" she asked in an offhand manner.
" Yes," Sebastian said roughly, having to clear his throat again. Damn his emotions.
" They're cute," she smirked.
Sebastian stared at her for a moment, realizing that she was trying to lighten the mood a little. Sebastian smiled softly. " Yes they are," he agreed.
" They were sleeping when everything happened?"
" Yes, thank god."
Detective Reynolds nodded solemnly in agreement. " Can you go back and start from the beginning, tell me everything happened?"
Sebastian sighed but retold his story. She asked questions throughout, making sure she understood everything correctly. She asked where he worked and how he got so proficient with a gun. She asked him if he had been drinking or had taken any drugs. She asked if he had anyone who would have wanted to hurt him. Sebastian couldn't help but admire her. She was completely thorough in her investigation. Sebastian answered all her questions honestly and she seemed to know that. Which he was glad for.
Sebastian (The Beck Brothers #2) Page 1