Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre narrowed his eyes, locked onto the target, and squeezed the trigger- another perfect shot, right through the center. “The Dark Web's after Maja because they want to know where the goods ended up. Ever since we cut off one of their networks, things have been ugly between us. The only reason they're keeping quiet is because they don't have the guts to make a move-yet. If they can't track down Maja, they'll go after the Martin family instead. The Dark Web doesn't play nice." Just look at the way they'd kidnapped his wife and son-pure rats, the lot of them.

He fired again. Bullseye. "Whatever went down in the past, it doesn't matter now. Maja's Conner's sister-in-law. My brother's problems are my problems. We have to find her."

With every shot landing dead-on, Andre finally set down his gun and muttered, “Haven't practiced in ages—getting rusty."

He had no idea his little son had been watching the whole time, completely starstruck. Henry was Dad's littlest, most loyal fan. "Daddy, pick me up! Love Daddy, Daddy kiss! Daddy hug!" he chirped.

Andre scooped him up, and the little guy puckered his lips for a kiss on Dad's cheek, already laying on the charm before making his pitch. "Daddy, let me play too! Pew pew pew!" He added his own machine gun sound effects for good

measure.

Andre hefted Henry up. "You're way too little, kiddo. Maybe when you're bigger. Right now, you can't even hold it."

Henry pouted, wriggled, and tried to put up a fuss, but Andre gave in and played along for a bit before quickly carrying him away.

By four in the afternoon, Andre and his son were ready to head out.

Asher stopped them and handed his godson a gold bullet, engraved with an intricate pattern. "Don't lose this, kid. One day, this is your golden ticket-you'll be able to boss around all your godfather's guys."

Henry almost chucked it into the sea.

Andre snatched it back and tossed it to Asher. "He's two, man. What's he supposed to do with this?"

Asher shot him a look. "I didn't give it to you, so what's your problem?" He walked over and fastened the bullet around Henry's neck himself. "Besides, you gave us those hidden badges. Everyone's got a backup plan. I live life staring down the barrel-never know when things will go sideways. Gotta make sure my boy's got something from me."

Andre rolled his eyes. "Quit talking nonsense. As long as we're around, nobody's touching you."

So Henry ended up with the "big gift" hanging around his neck. He tipped his chubby face up, stood on the deck, and waved his little hand. "Bye, Godfather!" "Bye, son!" Asher called back.

He watched the boat fade into the distance before turning and heading for the basement.

On the boat, Andre finally got a taste of what his wife had gone through-Henry was a handful and a half. The little mischief-maker tried to leap into the water for a swim.

Back when he was smaller, you could just cover his eyes and rock him to sleep. Now if Andre tried to hold him, he'd start bawling and wriggle free, sprinting straight for the cockpit to "help" the captain.

Even the captain couldn't help but laugh. "Andre, you've mellowed out so much these past few years. Five years ago, I captained for you once-back then, if we made any noise, you'd have thrown us overboard."noveldrama

Andre wrangled his little wildcat. "Tell me about it-marriage changes you. Two little troublemakers at home, and I can't yell, can't scold, can't even give them a proper talking-to. Only thing I can do is get better at keeping my cool."

He lifted his son and stood at the stern, letting him watch the spray and waves. Henry pressed his lips to the wind and let out a little howl, "Awooo~"

They didn't get home until nearly nine, the night already settled in. Mia was the only one out by the beach, wrapped in a shawl and staring out at the dark water.

When she spotted their boat coming in, her smile lit up the whole shore. "Honey! Baby!"

Henry, fast asleep in Andre's arms, didn't stir. From across the sand, Andre could see his wife waiting, holding up a lantern, bouncing with excitement.