Page 148 of Nash

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

VALE

“I have a bad feeling about this.”I rub Nash’s concrete chest hidden under his black tactical shirt. “I’m afraid something bad is going to happen to you.”

“Just so we’re clear, I never want you to feel good about my job.”

“Yeah, I hate math.”

“That job, too.” He grins. “But my money is about to be yours, so I’m getting you activity books on basic arithmetic.”

“Not interested. My erotic coloring books teach me all I need to know.”

“They’re a waste of time.” He cups my cheeks. “You already know your sweet pussy, plus my hard cock equals what I live for every day.”

I fist his shirt. “Just promise me that you’lllive.”

I’ve had the best week of my life as Nash’s new queen. We work side by side at Delta’s. I love how he rubs my thigh under the desk while seriously auditing my abysmal use of percentages.

“Tamayto, tomahto.”

That’s all I hear when he lectures me on county versus state taxes.

Jace is there, too. He joked about me giving him my diamond earring and leaving him with a smile. It’s a nod toThe Breakfast Club, so we’re good—more than good. Jace and Nash act relaxed about it, too.

Every evening after work, Nash and I drive to the islands and house shop. I think we’ve found one we like. It’s on the wide creek overlooking the tranquil marsh. It has a dock house Nash wants for his boat, for our rapid escape if needed.

Every night, I introduce Nash to new adult toys, and our play turns into passion until I’m lying in his arms, and we’re dreaming aloud about our future—about that house.

After Alena’s wedding next weekend, we’ll schedule a showing because Nash says it’s too risky until they get Turner.

So, I hate this. Maybe it’s natural to fear the worst. Maybe it’s a premonition.

Nash, his brothers, and their small army will ambush Turner and his crew tonight. For a week, they’ve surveilled the church where Turner hides. They’ve reviewed their ops. Their tactical approach. Their weapons. Their extraction. Their…

I forget the rest. That’s just what I’ve overheard, filling me with dread.

“I’ll be back,” he promises me about tonight.

“Okay, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Not helping.”

“Be good for Zar.” He peppers my lips with kisses.

“I’m not a puppy who’ll piss on the carpet.”

“No,” he smirks, “you’re my poison who can kill a man with your snark, especially when you’re nervous, so behave while I’m gone.”

Nash holds me in the kitchen of Zar’s suite at The Mercier while Zar and Nick recline with Wren, Sire, Delphine, and Grant in his living room.

Not only is Zar the CFO of this luxury hotel chain, but he also serves as the loyal sub to Luca Mercier.

Though Nick and Zar will marry one day, Zar will always serve Luca and Luca’s wife, Scarlett. Nick knows. Nick joins them. He loves them, too. And for his beloved sub, Luca Mercier will deploy all of his security at Zar’s request, no questions asked.

“So…” I press my cheek against Nash’s chest. His heart rate is too calm. “We’re just supposed to stay locked in this tower like your Rapunzels until you return?”

“No,” he kisses my hair, “you stay secure in this vetted location with a security team we trust until we complete the mission.”

Part of me wants to grab a gun and help Nash. Part of me knows that’s ridiculous. Once I start shooting evil men, I won’t stop, and that can be really dangerous for my morally grey kings. I may,whoops, pop a cap in Axel’s ass, too.

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