Page 100 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

I raise a brow. “You’ve clearly been thinking about this.”

“Damn right.” She taps her chin, then snaps her fingers. “Charlie’s Angels.”

I blink. “Isn’t that already taken?”

“Yeah, but it fits, doesn’t it? We’ve got beauty, brains, and a whole lot of badass. Plus, it’ll drive the guys crazy.”

I grin, already loving it. “Charlie’s Angels, huh?”

Malia winks. “Damn right. Welcome to the team.”

“Malia, this place is amazing.” Looking between these women—Jenna, Sophia, Rebel, Malia—I feel an unexpected connection forming. We’re bound by trauma in a way no one else could understand, survivors of the same monster, even if our experiences differ.

“Amazing and chaotic. We’re short-staffed this week,” Malia adds with a sigh. “Sophia’s training with Blake most days, and we’re still trying to hire another person, but let me show you my brews.”

“Your brews?”

“My specialty coffee concoctions. I’ve created signature drinks for all the Guardian teams,” Malia explains proudly, gesturing to the artful chalkboard above the counter. “Each one matches the team’s personality.”

I scan the menu, noting drinks with names like “Alpha Ambition,” “Bravo Boldness,” and “Charlie Challenge.”

“The Alpha Ambition is a double-shot espresso with caramel and a hint of cardamom,” she explains. “Strong, reliable, with just enough sophistication to keep it interesting.” She winks.

“And Bravo?” I ask, caught up in her enthusiasm.

“Vanilla latte with lavender and honey. Smooth, approachable, but complex underneath.” She grins. “Sometimes the sweetest things have hidden depths.”

“Let me guess,” I say, eyeing the board. “The Charlie Challenge is dark and dangerous?”

“Dark chocolate mocha with ghost pepper and sea salt,” she confirms with a mischievous smile. “Smooth at first, then hits you with an unexpected kick. Just like the team.”

“That tracks,” I murmur, thinking of the team’s performance in the gym.

“Yeah, they do that unexpected kick thing well.” Malia bumps her shoulder against mine conspiratorially and leans in closer. “Speaking of unexpected…” She glances toward Hank and Gabe, then back to me. “Are those two as dominant as they look? Because from the way they’re watching you… ” She fans herself dramatically. “I bet they’re hot in bed? All that control and intensity.”

My cheeks burn instantly, but I can’t help the small smile that forms on my lips.

Malia’s eyes widen. “Oh my God, they are.” She squeezes my arm. “Super hot. I can’t even imagine how you handle two men like that.”

“Malia!” I glance around to make sure no one hears her.

She grins, completely unrepentant. “What? We’ve been through hell together. I think we’re past being shy.”

“I don’t handle them,” I admit quietly, surprising myself with my candor. “They handle me.”

Malia whoops so loudly that several heads turn our way. “I knew it!” Her eyes are bright with excitement. “Oh my God, you’ve got to spill the tea. What’s it like with all that muscle wrapped around you? Malia’s eyes gleam with mischief. “Are they kinky? Because that would be the ultimate cherry on top.”

“I am not answering that.” Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I look away, suddenly fascinated by a crack in the floor tile.

Her gasp is theatrical, but the death grip on my arm is very real. “Oh my God—you don’t have to. That says everything.”

“Malia—”

“Nope. Too late. I knew it. I knew they’d be the type. You’ve got to spill. Everything.”

I shake my head, but the grin tugging at my lips gives me away.

Her eyes narrow in triumph. “You lucky bitch.”

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