Page 148 of Unexpected Redemption

We’re quiet for the next sixty seconds of the drive. The comfortable type of silence.

Flashing red and blue lights distract me from the peace I’ve made with my father, sending my pulse into high gear. He drives us close to the action, pulling right behind a patrol car.

My head swivels from side to side as I search for Tomer. Once my eyes lock on his familiar silhouette, I reach for the door handle. Before hurling myself out of the SUV, I glance over my shoulder at Big Al with my eyes questioning. “Can I get out?”

He lowers his face, eyeing me sternly from under his prominent brow. “Oh, now you’re asking?”

I bat my lashes and feign innocence. “Safety first and all.”

“Hold tight. Let me scan the area.”

“Hurry up,” I order, then quickly tack on my manners, “please.”

Right before his door closes, his huffy grumble sails to my ears, bringing out a giggle in me. I still like messing with him.

He doesn’t take long to survey the area. Once he determines it’s safe, he opens my door and ushers me toward my guy. Tomer’s in the middle of a group of cops with Leo and Sawyer flanking him. Some other Redleg guys are scattered about, talking to other cops.

When Tomer sees us coming, his face nearly destroys me. From fifteen feet away, I can easily see his apprehension. He looks the same as he did after the mission to capture Yev. When he worried that I’d see him differently or fear him. As if such a thing could ever happen.

Not a freaking chance.

I break away from Boss’s protective hold, running straight into the arms of the man I love. Slamming into his chest, I curl myself around him.

He strokes my hair with one hand, holding me flush against him with the other. “What are you doing here?”

I pulse my arms around him before drawing back. My vision languidly scoops along his chest and neck until skidding to a stop at his haunted eyes. Following the same path, my hands journey up his frame and caress his cheeks, locking him in my stare.

“I came for you.”

As soon as the words are out, I remember when he said them to me. It was the night everything changed for us over a year ago, when he came to me at Bask.

His irises brighten instantly, returning to the vibrant turquoise pools I love so much. Tears pepper the backs of my eyes, and warmth floods every cell in my body.

Lowering his face to mine, he presses our mouths together for a feathery kiss. His relief over my reaction dances across my lips, carried by his fluttery exhale.

“You okay, sugar bear? I was so worried about you. I heard you crying.”

I reassure him the best I can. “I’m fine, babe.” Sniffling back the tears, I give him my most genuine smile, hoping it shines bright enough to drive away the darkness he’s been surrounded with since he first saw Viktor in that car. “I love you. Are you okay?”

“I am now.” His teeth unclench, and he dabs his tongue at his lips. “I’m good now that you’re here.”

“Come here,” I whisper, cricking my index finger at him. “Give me another kiss.”

Without hesitating, he joins our lips. Calmness washes over me as our heartbeats align. Beating as one.

Our kiss isn’t sensual or lustful. It’s honest and pure. A soothing reconnection to remind us what matters. And for that single moment, in the midst of chaos, all I feel is him. And our love.

Chapter 33

Whatever my sugar bear wants

LETTIE

The second Tomer closes the front door and arms the security system, I fling myself at him, practically climbing him like a tree.

With the guards outside and Viktor in the morgue, it’s as if the lingering fear I’ve been harboring has evaporated, leaving behind nothing but blinding lust.

Despite his surprise at my sudden attack, Tomer grips me under my ass and boosts me up his body. A breath later, my lips claim his, and I lock my ankles behind him.

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