Page 66 of August

She tipped back her head. “I know Todd better than any of you. I can—”

“I don’t want that sonofabitch to even look at you. If I have my way, he’ll be passed off to the cartel before I make it back here.”

“I should be there.”

He sighed and sent his gaze toward the ceiling. “You’re going to make me handcuff you, aren’t you?”

She pushed out of his hold and swatted his forearm. “If you even try, I’ll shove the handcuffs right up your ass.”

He guffawed and pulled her back into his embrace. “You’re busting my fucking balls, you know that? But I’m not taking you. I’m sorry. It’s too dangerous.”

She huffed. There was no way she was winning this one. “Fine. I hope you come home hungry because I’m going to have nothing to do but cook.”

“Why don’t you order more food? Get whatever you want.”

She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “You’re bribing me.”

“Not bribing.” His hand flexed on her spine. “Just trying to make up for leaving you behind.”

She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed his chin. “If you make it back in one piece, I’ll forgive you.”

His low, rough chuckle made warmth spread through her. “Honey, nothing’s going to keep me from coming home. Least of all a fucking senator and your doofus ex-boyfriend.”

“Good. Now where do I order the food?”

He motioned to the laptop and brought up the grocery order form.

The next few hours would reveal whether they’d make it out of this mess or not. In the meantime, she’d cook and bake until her heart was content.

A pang of fear settled in her abdomen. Whatever happened today, she couldn’t lose August.

She’d survive everything but that.

***

Ding-dong

With his handgun drawn, August approached the front door. Minutes ago, Toth had texted. He, Rami, and Ghost were downstairs. August was just waiting for Taschen.

Glancing through the peephole, August saw him standing in the hallway. He snapped open the lock and stood back. “What took you so long?”

“Sorry, had a few things to do.” Taschen entered the unit and August shut and locked the door.

Now the hard part. Saying goodbye to Gigi.

Leaving his friend in the kitchen, August went to the bedroom, where Gigi sat poring over recipes online. She looked up from her spot against the headboard. “He’s here?”

August nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. She moved his laptop from her legs and folded her arms around his neck. “I wish you didn’t have to go.” Her slight chest shuddered as she spoke.

Locking his arms around her waist, he pulled her tight against him. “I know. I won’t be long though. Should be home by dinnertime if things go smoothly.”

“And if they don’t?” She pulled back a few inches, and her hazel eyes searched his face. This close, he could examine the colors in her irises and the way her thick, black lashes bordered the vibrant hues. Her slightly upturned nose was a bit red at the tip. He’d guess she’d shed a tear or two.

Goddammit, the idea he’d made her cry ate at him from the inside out. He kissed her pouty lips. “Everything will be fine. Besides, I’ve got the most badass team with me.”

“What about the cartel? How will you give them Todd?”

“Once I have him, I’ll call Val Alvarez. I figure he won’t give a damn until Todd’s in arm’s reach. After that, hopefully it’ll be an easy trade-off.”

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