crushing me to his chest. Hesitantly, I wrap my arms around him. Everyone’s been very distant since mine and Dresden’s return, even Sorina. She shadows Agent Morris more closely than I’m comfortable with. He’s riding in our vehicle, which I’m none too pleased about.
“Jameson,” I say in a strained voice.
“It’s good to have you back, Viper,” he whispers into my hair, unshed tears clouding his words.
“Hey.” I disentangle myself, meeting his gaze. “I’m here now.”
He swallows thickly, nodding. “Yes, you are.”
“Jameson . . . I’m sorry. You know I never would have done that if we’d had another choice.”
Tears still shine in his eyes, and in my gut, I’m hit with guilt like I’ve never felt before. “I know, Lily. Just . . . don’t do that shit to us ever again. Rhett and I . . . just, don’t do it again.”
I reach out and squeeze his arm. “I won’t.”
Walking around to the driver’s side, he gives me one last glance before sliding behind the wheel.
Damn, I missed him.
I climb into the backseat, sliding next to Blake. He takes my hand in his and kisses my knuckles. My stomach clenches with desire. He’s handsome as ever, wearing dark blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a tight black muscle shirt. Left arm in a sling, he leans the other against me, gently kissing my temple.
“What was that all about?” His tone is clipped.
I don’t understand his attitude. He’s been very agitated this week anytime someone else hugs me or touches me in any way. I don’t remember him being like this before. He used to smile when people touched me, knowing how much it meant that I could tolerate it.
“What’s your deal, Blake?”
The SUV falls silent, every eye on us.
He chuckles, leaning over, his lips brushing my ear. “I’m tired of everyone else touching you when I can’t.”
My body stills, burning with need. “Well, you can stop with the attitude. It’s starting to piss me off.”
He cups my neck and kisses me hard.
“Come on, Dad. Seriously?” Sorina’s tone is downright rude.
Don’t yell at her.
Turning to look at her, my eyes narrow. She visibly shrinks in her seat. “Let’s get one thing straight, Sorina. Dresden and I coming home is hard on everyone. If you talk to your father like that again, I can promise you, you won’t like my reaction. This is your last warning.”
Her gaze drops to her lap, shoulders slumping forward. “Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry.”
“And you,” I snap, turning my attention to the nineteen-year-old puppy of an agent sitting next to my daughter. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way she follows you around or the way you smile and touch her every chance you get. Keep it up and your family will be planning your funeral. Understood?”
“Ma’am, I-I didn’t— “
“I don’t give a fuck. She’s my daughter and your partner is already on my shit list. Don’t think for one second the last year has softened me or Agent Scholl in any way. Either of you does anything I dislike; we’ll make sure it has to be a closed casket.”
His eyes widen, fear flashing through them. “Yes, ma’am. Understood.”
“Lily.” Dresden’s voice is low and calm, instantly settling the tension and anger coursing through my veins. “Breath, babe.”
I take several deep breaths, my heart quieting. Blake’s lips are pressed into a thin line as he glances from me to Dresden and back. I trail my fingers along the stubble on his jaw and kiss the corner of his mouth. His lips part, sucking in a sharp breath.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I love you, too.”