Finn

“One more thing. My men are trained professionals. Treat them that way. We don’t go into dangerous situations blindly, and they are top-notch. You show any resistance or disrespect, you deal with me directly. I’m not your boss, nor am I your friend. I don’t give a shit if you like me or not. Want to start a pissing contest? Think you can outwit, outsmart, or outdo me? Try it. You won’t like the results.” James darts his eyes around the room, challenging anyone to respond. Then he strolls out, leaving silence.

I roll my shoulders and fight a grin, feeling a buzz of excitement. Time to find these assholes.

Chapter 28

Presley

I’m useless. For the whole day, my eyes have been glued to the television with my phone close. The news of Governor DeSantis’ family went viral and was on every channel for about twenty-four hours. Now, with no news or developments, the story is mentioned with promises of updates when available.

Ember and I have talked about ten times. Each time one of us gets a text or a measly two-minute phone call, we update each other. So far, there is nothing to be alarmed about. Finn sounds tired, but assures me he’s fine. The same with Robbie. Even Max has joined our daily calls. He had to go back to Virginia the day the guys left for Louisiana, and he doesn’t hide that he feels out of the loop.

The tune to “Outta the Woods” rings out, and I fumble to get to my phone. In my dash, I drop the bottle of water I’m holding, and it pours down my shirt before landing on the floor.

“Dammit! Shit! Hello!” I say, out of breath and jumping around.

“Presley? You okay?” Finn’s voice is full of concern.

“I’m fine. I was in such a rush to get to the phone I spilled water everywhere. Sorry.”

His light laugh is soothing. “Glad to know I can get you wet without being in the same state.”

“Finn! You’re incorrigible.”

“Oh yeah, baby. Keep going. I love it when you throw out the big words.”

I drop to the sofa and fling my head back, giggling at the ceiling. “How about you come home, and I’ll promise to recite the entire SAT prep exam to you in bed, naked.”

“Get ready and clear your schedule.”

“Really?” Hope blooms in my chest.

“Yeah, babe, we got ‘em.”

“You did?!?” I screech, jumping back to my feet and dancing in a circle. “That’s outstanding!”

“We’re moving out in a few minutes. Everything’s in place. Hell’s about to reign down on these bastards. Our undercover nanny found a way to communicate, and she also got a firearm. Kids are safe, and the wife needs medical attention, but her gunshot wound was more of a graze.”

“Finn!” My voice cracks, and I don’t stop the tears that fall. They are a mixture of pride and pure relief.

“Hey, why are you crying?”

“Because I love you and I’ve been on pins and needles. No matter how many times you’ve assured me you’re safe, I’ve still been doubtful.”

“When I get home, after I’ve shown you exactly how much I’ve missed you, we’re going to discuss your lack of confidence.” There’s a trace of hurt in his statement.

“I’m sorry. Next clandestine assignment, I’ll be more prepared.”

“Clandestine… there’s my scholar. I’d hardly call this a stealth mission since I’ve told you almost everything.”

A door closes on his end of the connection, and mumbled voices filter through.

“We’re headed out. Call you later. Love you.” He disconnects before I can respond.

I shoot off a text, hoping he hasn’t turned off his phone.

Love you too, more than you’ll ever know.

My phone rings, and I smile as I answer. “Hey, Ember, did you hear?”