Page 82 of Relinquish

My dad turns his attention to Cade. “How do you feel about that?”

“I’m fine with whatever she decides to do. She’s competent at her job, and for the most part, she’s safe.”

“Like last time?” My dad’s eyes flash with anger.

“I won’t make that mistake again.”

“I’m not going undercover again, and if I do, Cade will be with me. I don’t have a burning desire to be tied up and kidnapped again.”

I can feel Cade’s body shake as he stifles a chuckle. For fucks sake, we aren’t talking about role-playing here. I twist my head and glare.

“Sorry.” His eyes glisten with humor.

“I don’t want to hear about some twisted game the two of you play. I want to know you’re keeping my daughter safe.”

Cade sobers. “Sir, all kidding aside. I would sacrifice myself to save Lola, whether it was a spider or a masked terrorist. I take my responsibilities seriously, and there’s nothing more important to me than family.”

“Your family is gone.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “I have my own family, and I’d move heaven and earth to protect them. You know my record. There’s nothing in it that doesn’t speak to the level of sacrifice I’m willing to take to protect those I’m responsible for.”

I lace my fingers through Cade’s. To hear him fully embrace his past and be proud of it makes my heart swell with pride for him.

“That is abundantly clear. You should be proud of your military record.”

“I am.”

My dad rubs his palm over his knee. “Will you be out in the field?”

“Some, but not a lot. After I was injured, I was too afraid to go out and have people depend on me. I’m not worried about that anymore. I know I’m capable of planning rescue missions and pulling them off without a hitch, but I won’t risk my safety to do it. I want to be home with Lola and to be present when we have children. I won’t do anything reckless that leaves my children without a father.”

Oh, my God, I’m going to bawl. He’s never said that to me, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise. He’s the swooniest man in the world.

“Good.” My dad nods. “I should go and let you two finish what I interrupted. Meet me for dinner tonight.” My dad stands and straightens his pants. “Seven o’clock?”

“We’d love to.” Cade joins my father and shakes his hand.

After he leaves, I jump into Cade’s arms and wrap my legs around his waist. “Have I told you today that I love you?”

“Yep. After I drove you wild with orgasms this morning.” He winks and kisses my lips.

“Yeah. You’re right. Never mind. I don’t need to tell you again.”

He walks me through the living room toward the bedroom. “Oh, you’ll say it again. After you beg me to let you come.”

I shudder and moan deep in my throat. There’s no doubt he’s right.

Chapter Forty

One Year Later

Lola

“Did you see this?” I shove the paper in front of Jason’s nose.

“Yes.” He swivels in his chair and smiles. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Last week the jury found Randall guilty of all charges, and yesterday, the judge handed down his sentence. “The judge sentenced him to 60 years. I appreciate all the extra legwork you did unraveling the Ponzi scheme portion of his crimes. Between the robbery, burglary, embezzlement, and kidnapping charges, he’ll be in prison for the rest of his life.” Yes, he’ll have the option for parole in 35 years, but at 75 years old, he’s not going to be much of a danger by that time.

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