Page 67 of Owen

The atmosphere instantly changes, turning to ice even as the warm air continues to billow into the room through the mosquito-netted windows.

“Forgive me, sir.” Gregor reluctantly apologizes, remembering our ranks, then angrily pushes his chair back. He stands with such force that the chair drops with a loud clatter against the floor.

One of the other men picks it up and before Gregor stormsout of the room, he turns to me, and with fire in his eyes so fierce it burns, he says, “She’s safe with him, ma’am.”

I give him a curt nod.

I know she is, Gregor, because I feel it through every inch of my body and way down deep into my soul.

But him, looking back at Cobra, I wouldn’t trust him to look after a goldfish.

19

OWEN

Looking down the lens of the camera on my phone, I’m bursting with giddiness when I say, “I’ve met someone.” An involuntary smile shapes my lips. I can’t help it. I’m so fucking happy because Jade is the only good thing in my life right now. And Poppy.

I hear running footsteps behind Lincoln and right on cue, Violet appears. “You met someone?” she gasps, nudging Lincoln’s side to take a seat next to him.

“It’s only taken you a few weeks to meet someone?” Lincoln announces.

“Not just anyone, Linc. She’stheone.” I sigh blissfully.

“What’s she like?” Violet’s dark eyes light up.

I chuckle at her enthusiasm before I say, “She’s…” I stop, unable to find the right word. “Sensational.” Peace settles in my chest.

Violet repeats my words. “She’s sensational,” she gasps. “And what is the name of thissensationalwoman?”

“Jade.” I feel as smug as hell.

“Is she vacationing in Cyprus?” Lincoln presses me.

“She’s a member of the Royal Air Force. She works with Gregor.”

“What does she do?” Violet leans forward.

“She’s a pilot,” I say proudly.

“A pilot?” Lincoln’s mouth drops open in shock.

“She’s a world record holder. The first and only woman to have ever flown with the aerobatic team. She’s a fucking knockout and amazing at what she does.”

Lincoln shakes his head in disbelief. “Only you could fall in a dumpster and come out smelling like a perfumery.”

Violet grabs her phone, no doubt to scour the internet and find a picture of Jade.

“She has a daughter called Poppy. She’s amazing too.”

“You bagged a womananda child. You’re an instant family.” Lincoln fights hard to keep the surprise out of his voice. “You’ve changed, man.”

“I have,” I agree.

Violet flips her phone around to show me something on her screen. “She’s their team leader?” Violet sounds stunned. “Is this her?”

I look at the image on the screen and nod. “Yeah.”

“Holy fucking shit, she is stunning.” Lincoln grabs the phone from Violet. “How the fuck did your ugly ass get her?”

---