Page 70 of Wine, Whiskey, & Lipstick 2

Anxiously, Ran glanced over his shoulder, “one minute,” he said to Syntax.

Syntax stood. Ben stood as well while gently pulling Dillyn up, keeping her close to the inside of his body.

Syntax extended his hand. “Til we meet again, take good care of her. Dillyn’s a rare find.”

Ben took his hand and shook it. “I know, and I will.”

Finally, Syntax turned his attention to Dillyn. “I approve. Don’t self-sabotage.”

Dillyn gave him a shaky smile. “I won’t.”

Syntax directed, “Now, go. Get out of here.”

Wyatt spoke up. “We can’t just leave. There are dead bodies everywhere. The cops are going to want a word.”

Syntax smiled. “Our cleaners are already doing what they do. It’s handled. There won’t be any trace of you or your security team. Get our girl home.”

And just like that . . . Syntax and Ran turned and left the scene.

“Well, you heard him.” Wyatt responded, “If Evans said get the hell out, we need to do just that! Fill me in on what happened on the way home.”

*****

It was late by the time they pulled up to the house. Dillyn had fallen asleep in the truck's back seat while leaning on Ben’s shoulder. He’d never wanted to kiss and kill someone so much in his life. She’d aged him at least a decade.

Dillyn’s eyes popped open when their car stopped. Every part of her body was stiff, and she didn’t want to move.

The porch light popped on. The door to the house opened, and suddenly, the whole gang was standing outside on the porch.

Ben helped Dillyn out of the car. Palmer, Cat, and Selah almost died when they saw her face covered in blood. The horror on their faces couldn’t be contained. They immediately bounded down the steps to make sure Dillyn was okay.

As they performed a thorough inspection, they fired off a million questions.

Dillyn held up her hands as if to ward them off. “Guys, I’m fine. I promise. I’m just tired.” She stifled a yawn, “Can I explain in the morning?”

Begrudgingly, Selah and her besties let Dillyn give them a thorough retelling after a hot shower and a good night’s rest.

Dillyn’s eyes softened as she looked at Ben, “Thank you,” she gave him a small smile before turning and walking inside the house.

He watched her go. Selah followed closely behind.

Palmer and Cat started to head inside too, when Lucas touched Palmer’s elbow. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

Cat winked at Lucas and continued inside.

Lucas leaned down and spoke into her. His words for her only. “I hope you stop running from me after tonight, but if you don’t, I won’t give up the chase.”

Palmer seemed to ponder his words. After a moment, she stood on tiptoe and gently pressed her lips against Lucas’s cheek. “Tomorrow is another day. Let’s see how we feel in the morning.”

The grin on his face spread from ear to ear. Lucas felt like levitating as he watched Palmer walk into the house.

Wyatt and Ben closed ranks around him.

Wyatt spoke first. “Score one for Lucas.”

Lucas bit his lower lip as he stared after Palmer long after she’d gone inside the house, “Damn straight. It’s just a matter of time.”

Wyatt turned serious. “Not to bring down the energy, but what was Supreme Leader Evans doing at the airport?”

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