X nodded. “We had four before the comms went down, and these are the other two.”
I pointed at the man whose body lay at the edge of the trees. “That’s Badger.”
“You saw him on the monitor?” X asked.
I nodded.
“And you came out here to…”
“Warn you. I tried everyone’s comm, but no one responded. I didn’t know what else to do.”
He looked like he didn’t quite believe I was actually there. “How the hell did you get out?”
“Through the ventilation system.”
“Good thinking,” Lance said.
X turned to him with a look that made him take a step back. “Maybe I should find the others.”
X shook his head. “Head for the house. I’ll send up a flare to let everyone know to return to base.”
Thank God they’d set up a system in case they lost the ability to communicate. X liked to cover every possibility.
When Lance disappeared into the trees, X turned to me. I expected anger. I thought he would rant about safety and how I wasn’t supposed to risk myself. Instead, the look on his face was soft, almost wondrous. I didn’t think I’d ever seen that expression on him before.
“You saved my life.”
“Maybe. I don’t know if Badger actually knows how to use that thing.” I gestured toward the gun that had fallen from Badger’s hand.
X frowned. “You’re not pale. You’re not… You didn’t feel sick, but you were watching…”
“A person does what they have to do to protect the ones they love.” I held my breath as I waited for his reaction.
He studied me for a moment. “Love?”
I nodded. “I love you, Xavier, and I had to keep you safe.”
“Jesus, Emilio.” He cupped my face, his eyes shiny with tears.
No. No way could I make X cry.
He kissed me gently, reverently. “Emilio, I love you so much. I don’t even know how to express it. I need you. I don’t want this to end.”
My heart pounded. I’d hoped he wouldn’t be angry at my confession and it wouldn’t send him fleeing, but I’d never expected his reaction. “Really?”
“Really. I’m not ever letting you go.”
“And you’re going to continue to be controlling every day that we’re together?”
“You know that’s who I am.”
“As long as you understand that I’m also going to protect you, even when I have to step out of my comfort zone to do it.”
X looked down at the two men who lay near us. “I don’t think this is in anyone’s comfort zone.”
“You’re so calm,” I said, in awe of him. My adrenaline high must have been wearing off because when I glanced at Badger, my usual queasiness hit.
“Emilio, are you all right?”
“I… The blood. It’s affecting me now.”
I yelped when he picked me up. “Let’s get you back to the house.”
“Is this over?”
“God, I hope so, but we’ll keep all our feelers out.”
“I’ll help. I’ll do anything you need.”
“I know you will. You’re one of my team.”
“Is… is that all?” How the fuck had I gotten so needy?
“You’re also the man I love. No one will harm you, and you’ll never do something this reckless again.”
“I feel the same way. No one will harm you either.”
X squeezed me to him and carried me toward the house.
36
Xavier
I got Emilio some water and a chocolate bar. Once I could tell he was feeling better, I left him in my room with orders to rest while I debriefed with my team. We extracted what information we could from the two men we’d taken prisoner, then dispatched them. We made sure all signs of what had occurred were cleaned up while also checking that rumor the men had met their demise would pass to the right people. I wanted anyone else who might try to continue Swain’s work running scared, and I wanted them to know I would be watching.
As expected, Lancelot and my team wanted to spend the evening celebrating. Henrietta set out a large spread of dips and other finger foods and pulled out pans of lasagna from the freezer for when we were ready for something heavier.
I delved into my stock of alcohol. Emilio, who was not only recovered but willing to take part in the celebration, helped me place beers in a cooler, and Niall served as bartender. An hour or so into our revelry, I left Emilio talking with Devil and looking more comfortable than I’d seen him in a social situation and sought out Lancelot.
“I owe you one,” I said holding out my hand.
He shook it with a firm grip. “You’re welcome in New Orleans anytime. I know Remy will be contacting you about a problem you can help us solve.”
“I’m sure he will.” Tony sat on Lance’s shoulder, and Lance handed the monkey bits of fruit from his plate.
“You’re taking him when you leave, right?” I gestured toward the little creature.
Lancelot scoffed. “I don’t go anywhere without him. I told you that.”