Page 159 of Unexpected Redemption

Mmm. Warm and melty. I want a lava cake.Now. I wonder if Madeline can make that. My mouth waters at the prospect.Grabbing my phone, I make a note to ask her later.

In fairness, I’ll forget the second I slip my phone back under my leg, and the note will be lost amongst the million other helpful reminders I ignore. But it’s the thought that counts.

Sammy’s still rambling on about her future husband. “I happen to like his golden retriever energy.” Pausing, she lowers her forehead and points past me toward Tomer. “You must like the quiet types. Tomer’s more of a German shepherd. Stoic. Sturdy. Smart. Protective.”

Her words make my pulse quicken. Unable to keep my hands off my love, I caress his thigh and brush my shoulder against his.

“What’s up, sugar bear?” He lowers the tablet to his lap, shifting to face me. “You need something?”

I pucker up and smack my lips together twice. “A kiss.”

His expression downshifts from concern to serene in a snap, features softening and wrinkles disappearing. “With pleasure.” Warmth radiates from his eyes, and he leans forward, eagerly granting my request.

After he pulls away, I wink at him before facing Sammy. “I suppose I see your point. He balances me out. I’m outgoing and hyper. I can always find something to chat about. My head is a mess most of the time. He grounds me.”

Sammy sighs, rubbing her pregnant belly in big circles. “It’s all about balance.” After a yawn, she tosses out something I never see coming. “And whenever I get tired of Sawyer’s constant chatter or impressions, I shove a gag in his mouth, tie him to the bed, and have my way with him.” She shrugs casually. “See? Balance.”

A huge gut-busting laugh shoots out of me, sailing across the room and stealing everyone’s attention. Even Sawyer quits playing dead, lifting his head off the mat to see what’s so damn funny.

Should I tell him why I’m laughing?

Nah. I’ll let him keep that secret.

Mia told me everyone here was kinky. Guess she wasn’t lying.

“Enough fucking around. Get up and fight like a man,” Kri bellows at Sawyer, kicking the bottom of his foot.

“Let’s go, Sawyer,” Sammy cheers, clapping and straightening her posture.

Kri flips her off. And I laugh again. Not quite as loud this time. Close, though.

Leo strides to the center of the mat, speaking quietly to Sawyer and Kri. They both nod, agreeing with whatever he’s telling them.He claps them on the tops of their backs, then turnson his heel, marching to the edge of the mat. The combatants move into something resembling a ready position.

Combatants. I heard Tomer use that word once and immediately added it to my vernacular. More hot military shit.

Vroom vroomgo my horny engines.

Leo raises his arm above his head. “Ready. 3, 2.” He lowers his hand. “1.Fight.”

Kri and Sawyer spring into action, arms in front of them protectively. They circle each other like predators. Sawyer’s feet are noticeably faster and lighter than hers.

In a flash, he dives at her lower half, taking her down to the mat without mercy.

My heart leaps into my throat, where I suspect it’ll be camping out for the duration of this battle.

They grapple on the floor, both jockeying for control.

I lean toward Tomer, who’s finally lowered the tablet to watch the fight. “Sawyer won’t hurt her, will he?”

He crinkles up his face, his nose scrunching. “Doubtful. She might hurt him, though.”

Val shouts. “Watch out for his slippery hands,mamacita. He uses a shitload of moisturizer.”

“Watch. Your. Language,” Kri grits out between staccato breaths.

“Sorry,” Val returns, not missing a beat. “Watch out for his slippery hands,Kri. He uses a shitload of moisturizer.”

Sawyer’s laugh must distract him enough for Kri to get the advantage. She swirls her legs around the mat, pivoting on her hip. Then she’s on top of Sawyer. No friggin’ clue how she pulled that off. I leap to my feet to applaud and cheer her on.

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