Spike

Chapter 49

"Well, well...looks like the gang's all here."

James didn't even flinch as the gruff voice rang out, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of multiple guns cocking. His arm tightened around Lily's waist, tucking her against his side.

She tensed, free hand instinctively going to her belly as she took in the group of armed men fanning out to flank them. At the head of the pack was a broad-shouldered behemoth she recognized instantly - the scarred bruiser who'd terrorized her at the courthouse all those months ago.

"Rocco." James' tone was conversational, almost casual despite the wild disparity in firepower. "I can't say I'm surprised to see your ugly mug front and center for this shitshow. You always were Spike's dumbest attack dog."

The goon's beefy face contorted in a sneer of rage, arm twitching like he wanted to just open fire then and there. But another voice cut through the tension before he could act.

"Now is that any way to speak to an old friend, Jimmy boy?" Another