Her Wilde Marines (Wilde, Nevada 4)

Emma had nodded off five minutes after they’d left the steakhouse and had remained fast asleep between him and Adam ever since.

“Should be back in town in under an hour, bro,” Adam said softly.

“Yep. We will roll in around zero-four hundred.”

“The diner will be open. I’m hungry again.”

“Me, too. I bet when Chef Em wakes up that she’ll be hungry.”

Adam smiled. “For pancakes.”

They both laughed quietly, trying not to disturb Emma.

“Bane, can you believe she’s slept nine hours straight?”

“No wonder. She worked like a dog back at her apartment.”

“She’s something special, that’s for sure.” Adam sighed. “I absolutely want to protect her from whatever she’s afraid of.”

“We’re on the same page. I can’t get the image of how she reacted to that phone call out of my head.” He’d played it over and over in his mind. “I know she said her reaction had nothing to do with Larry, but I’m going to protect her and her girls from him no matter what.”

“Definitely,” Adam said. “The sooner we get Autumn and Andrea to Wilde the better.”

“School will be out for them in a few more weeks. I know Emma’s grandparents won’t let anything happen to them. They don’t trust Larry either.”

“Em’s granddad told me that every time Larry comes over to visit the girls he makes himself at home like it’s his own house.”

“That bastard missed the girls’ duet.” Bane had only been around those two angels for a few hours and already bonded with them. “Once Autumn and Andrea are in Wilde with Em, I doubt the fucker will come around anymore.”

“And if he does, you and I will be here to make sure he doesn’t hurt their little hearts again.”

“Did you see how they reacted whenever he was in the room?”

“I did.” Adam frowned. “He’s a total stranger to his own daughters.”

“They deserve better, bro. Them and their wonderful mother.”

“I want to be that for them.”

Bane nodded. “Me, too.” He spotted Carlotta’s Liquor Store and Tarot Card Reading Room up ahead. “Time to wake Em so she’ll be ready to have some breakfast with us.”

“I’m on it.” Adam gently nudged their beautiful passenger.

Em yawned and opened her eyes. “Is it my turn to drive already?”

“Yes, sweetheart.” Bane placed his hand on her leg. “Let me pull over so you can take the wheel for the last mile.”

“Last mile?” Her eyes widened. “How long have I been asleep?”

Adam kissed her. “As long as you needed, baby. Like we’ve told you before, we’re here for you. Always.”

Chapter Thirteen

Emma held the front door open to her new home. “Go get some rest.”

Bane and Adam looked totally exhausted. They’d been so stubborn.