“And it’s not you,” Logan pointed out, as though she needed the clarification.
She felt that familiar thrill at their words. It had been so long since they’d truly dominated her. Yeah, they were still in charge. But it was gentler. As though they were afraid she’d shatter if they were too forceful. She wouldn’t. She was strong.
“How dangerous is this?”
They stared at each other.
“No, don’t shut me out. I know you’re just trying to protect me but I need to know the truth about this. It has to be high-risk if it’s paying so well, right?
“You’ve been through a lot, I don’t think it’s unreasonable for us to want to protect you,” Max pointed out.
“I know you’re both feeling very protective, especially at the moment, but I won’t break.”
“It’s dangerous,” Max confirmed. “But I can take care of myself. I never told you this, but I was Delta Force. The best of the best. I will come back. I have every reason to want to come home.”
“You better,” she told him fiercely. The need to tell him not to go burned inside her, but she couldn’t let the words out. She could see how much he needed to do this.
“Do you know where you’re going?”
He shook his head. “No, not yet. I’ll get the details when I arrive for the briefing.” Max drew her onto his lap. He raised her face up, studying her intently. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“We’ll be fine,” she said quickly. The last thing she wanted was for him to be preoccupied, worrying about her. If where he was going was really that dangerous he needed to concentrate on keeping himself safe.
“Logan’s in charge while I’m away.”
“I’m always fucking in charge,” Logan grumbled.
“You’ll be a good girl and do what he says.”
She grinned. “Of course. When don’t I?”
Logan snorted. “I can foresee a lot of spankings coming your way.”
“Promises, promises,” she said lightly.
Max raised his eyebrows. “I almost detected some need in your voice. Have we been neglecting your discipline, love?”
“It’s been a long time since she’s gotten a spanking,” Logan added. “And I mean more than those few swats you gave her the other day.”
“I haven’t done anything to deserve a spanking,” she protested, even as her body heated at their words.
“I doubt that’s true,” Logan said.
She turned to glare at him. “I’ve been perfect.”
They both laughed. Assholes. Although it was good to see the tension drain from Max’s face.
“She tried to open the door without one of us there and without the go-ahead from her therapist,” Max pointed out.
Damn it.
“But that wasn’t a rule,” she said smugly.
Max raised one eyebrow. “I think it comes under not putting your health at risk. What do you think Logan?”
“Definitely,” Logan replied, standing.
She jumped up from Max’s lap and turned to run. Of course, she was under no illusion she’d outrun them. Still, this seemed to be the time to make a dash for it.