Mistletoe (K19 Security Solutions 3)

“That’s where she was headed the last time I saw her,” Gunner told him.

“Anybody else think this is weird as…oh, hi, Mrs. Godet.”

“Razor,” she said, kissing his cheek. “Mrs. Godet was my mother-in-law. How many times have I told you to call me Madeline? By the way, where’s your mom?”

“Mashing potatoes and adding marshmallows to yams.” Razor cringed. “So gross,” he muttered.

“I’ll pop over and see her as soon as I make the stuffing.”

“I got this, Ma,” said Gunner. “Go be…uh…social.”

Madeline stood on her toes and kissed Gunner’s cheek. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Hey, man,” said Razor, putting his hand on Striker’s shoulder.

“Hey, Razor.”

“Just in case no one else has warned you, break Aine’s heart or hurt her in any way, and I’ll kill you.”

Striker laughed; not exactly the reaction Razor had expected or wanted.

“I’m not kidding.”

“I know you’re not, and just to reassure you, Gunner warned me first.”

“Good,” said Razor, moving away from the onions. “You gave him the worst job of all,” he said to Gunner. “I like it.”

“You’re hazing me.”

Razor laughed. “Hi, sweetheart,” he said when Ava walked into the kitchen followed by her twin.

“Hi, Tabon,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Can I help?” he heard Aine ask Striker.

“Nah. I got this.”

“I don’t mind.”

Striker leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I’m being hazed. Plus if I hurt you in any way, including making you chop onions, they’ll both kill me.”

“Damn straight,” said Razor. “Back away from the onions, Aine.”

“Got a minute?” Ava asked him.

“Got a lifetime of ’em for you, baby.” He followed her out of the kitchen and then out the front door. “Where are we going?”

She didn’t answer.

“Avarie?”

“We should leave them alone.”

“Who?”

“My sister and Striker.”

“Why?”