“If you step foot off this curb with those kids, it is kidnapping,” Voss said.

Marco appeared from the driver’s side of the SUV.

He stood six feet four, his dark eyes fixed on Voss’s driver.

“Sir,” Marco said to Ryker. “The door is open.”

“Get them in,” Ryker said to me.

I didn’t hesitate.

I carried Lily toward the open door of the black SUV.

“Tessa, if you put that child in the vehicle, I will file for immediate sanctions,” Voss called out.

“You will lose your license before the week is out.”

My heart hammered against my ribs, but I kept moving.

I climbed into the back seat, pulling Lily onto my lap.

Ryker followed immediately, placing Owen beside us.

The boy was silent, his eyes wide and vacant.

Ryker climbed in and slammed the door behind him.

Marco slid into the driver’s seat and locked the doors with a sharp click.

Outside, Voss stood on the curb, his phone already pressed to his ear.

He was talking rapidly, his face turning red in the cold.

“Drive,” Ryker said.