Page 130 of Unexpected Redemption

She rises to her tiptoes to give me her lips for a kiss. An offer I accept eagerly, claiming and worshipping her with my mouth for a few precious moments before I must break away.

Cupping her cheek tenderly with one hand, I brush my fingers through her hair with the other. “Lettie, we’ll be careful. We know it might be a setup and are prepared. This is what we do. And I’ve got the best team directing us from HQ. It’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”

She trails her fingers into my hairline at my nape. “Do you promise?”

“Yes. I promise.”

“Should I watch?”

“Whatever you want, sugar bear. I won’t decide for you unless you’re asking me to.”

“Okay. I’ll sit with Sammy and see what she does.”

“Good girl. Give me another kiss before I go.”

She presses her trembling lips to mine. The seconds tick by as I attempt to reassure her, providing the steadiness she needs from me.

Before leaving, I drop to one knee and whisper to her belly. “I’ll be back for you too, sweet caterpillar. Be good for Mama while I’m gone.”

Although the baby doesn’t have ears yet or the mental power to comprehend language, I simply want to make my sugar bear happy. As I rise to my full height, the joy and love she radiates tell me I did.

She gives me a watery smile. “I love you, babe.”

One more kiss and a whispered endearment.

And then I’m out the door, loading up with the team and preparing to meet a mystery person to receive mystery information.

Our plan better fucking work because I’ll be damned if I break my promise to my sugar bear or my caterpillar.

Chapter 28

Tiger of fate

LETTIE

Sure hope I don’t regret this—the title of my life plan.

Sammy and I will watch the op from the lair. Shit’s getting real.

Like last time, Mia and Klein are running the show and talking to the team through the headsets. However, Boss has a seat at the console and a headset on, seemingly playing a more active role than he did on the mission to capture Yev.

Sue and Kri are also spectating since Leo and Shep are with the team.

Kri’s pacing back and forth this time, her gait noticeably smoother. She’s doing well with her recovery. I’ve sat in on a few of her training sessions in the gym downstairs this past week. She’s a fucking warrior. Like a shorter, blonde Wonder Woman with a cooler haircut.

On her next pass behind me, I meet her eyes. “Where’s Val?”

“Downstairs, playing video games with Junior.”

Mia perks up, throwing a smirk over her shoulder at Kri. “In the bunk room?Alooone?”

“Stop that.” Kri wags a finger at her, feigning annoyance. “It’s not funny.”

Mia wiggles her head from side to side. “Disagree. It’s a little funny.”

“Do I need to have a chat with Junior?” Boss Dad nearly snarls the words and cuts an icy glare at Kri.

She puts her hands in front of her. “Not necessary. The crush is totally one-sided. All on Val. Junior has been respectful and kind to her. Nothing more. She isn’t making any cheap passes at him. It’s just longing little looks.”

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