Page 72 of Glamour and Grit

“Maybe we should call the police?” Selene says. “Just saying.”

Justin points back toward Moreno’s private quarters.

“The boss…” he winces as if in pain. “That is, Moreno has a satellite phone in his office.”

I nod. “Go, use it. I’ll do a sweep of the yacht, make sure that nobody loyal to Moreno is left on board.” I glance over at Selene. I could tell her to go with Justin, but I don’t have the heart to let her out of my sight, now. “Stay close and be careful.”

She nods, and creeps along behind me as I sweep the yacht. Fortunately, it is as deserted as it looks.

About the time Selene and I return to the main, sun-splashed deck, Axel comes strolling up the gangplank, whistling the theme fromStaying Alive.A smear of crimson mars his face from hairline to jawline on the left side, but he wears a big smile and doesn’t appear to be in pain.

“Sorry, Dane,” Axel says, blowing out a big sigh. “I’m afraid I took care of Moreno’s boys without you. I tried to leave some for you to have some fun with, but man, they were determined.”

He shrugs with nonchalance that seems so natural, I almost can’t tell it’s forced. Almost.

“Nice work, Axel,” I say. “I don’t think you need to worry about that welcome package at Platinum Security after this.”

I clasp his hand in a firm handshake. Then he looks past me and gasps.

“Is that a bar?”

“Yeah, knock yourself out. Moreno’s not going to need it.”

Axel cocks an eyebrow.

“Is he dead?”

“Not that I know of. He’s floating around out in the Pacific.”

“Hopefully being eaten by sharks,” Selene says.

“The important thing is, Selene and her brother are safe,” I say. “I couldn’t have done it without you, man. Thanks.”

Axel waves me off as he unscrews various bottles and sniffs their contents.

“Don’t mention it. I’d do the same for any homeslice.”

Selene and I exchange glances.

“Homeslice?” we say at the same time. Then I kiss her, because I feel like I can’t do that enough.

All that matters is the amazing woman in my arms. I don’t ever want to let her go.

23

SELENE

Justin stands on the deck of the yacht, shaking his head with disdain as the sirens grow ever closer.

“I hate the fucking cops, man,” he groans.

“You’re going to talk to them anyway,” Dane growls. “And you’re going to be fucking honest, you hear me? Don’t make things hard for your sister. Do the right thing for once, Justin.”

Justin’s shoulders sag, but he gives a nod.

“Yeah, man. You’re right. I’ve fucked her over one too many times. Hell, one time was too many. It’s way past time I grew up.”

He perks up and even smiles a little.