Page 168 of Risky Passion

I selected a smoked salmon tartlet and took a bite.

“This looks beautiful,” I said, gesturing toward the setup.

“Doesn’t it?” Zena replied with a shrug. “Maya knew exactly what she wanted. And Maya always gets what she wants.”

“That sounds like her,” Cobra said with a chuckle. “Zac’s going to have his hands full.”

“He knew what he was getting into when he chased her,” Zena said, sharing a knowing look with Cobra. Whatever the story was, it seemed like there was a lot more to that comment.

It was one of the things I loved about these guys . . . there was alwayssomething interesting going on. And for the first time in years, it didn’t involve bad guys, guns, drugs, or Nazi gold. Just good people, laughter, and enough drama to keep things lively.

In the distance, horses grazed with their tails flicking lazily in the warm breeze. A few curious sheep wandered near the rustic wooden fence, joined by a lone llama that watched us with comical intensity. The air was warm, and an impossibly blue Queensland sky stretched overhead, making the world feel alive and vibrant.

Jaxson slipped his arm through mine, leading me toward a group gathered near the back steps of the house. “Hey, guys,” he said as we approached.

The group parted slightly, revealing Viper in a wheelchair.

“Viper,” Jaxson greeted, extending a hand. “How’s the recovery going, mate?”

“Too fucking slow,” Viper growled, shaking his hand.

“It always does,” Jaxson replied with a knowing nod. He gestured toward me. “Viper, have you met Tory before? She’s with Border Force.”

I stepped forward and extended my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“And you,” Viper said, gripping my hand so hard he nearly cut off my circulation. Releasing his grip, he let out a low whistle. “Heard about your plane crash. Lucky you survived that.”

“And the armed bastards who chased her into the swamp,” Jaxson added.

“And Jaxson’s driving,” I said, smirking.

Jaxson feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “Hey, what’s wrong with my driving?”

“If it’s anything like Whisper’s, I get it,” Cody said, earning a laugh from the group.

“Hey!” Whisper protested, swiping playfully at him. “There’s nothing wrong with my driving.”

The sound of heels clicking on the deck at the top of the steps drew my attention, and I glanced up to see Aria descending. She wore a sky-blue off-shoulder dress that made her olive skin glow, the soft fabric cinched at the waist with a gold belt that perfectly accentuated herstunning figure. For the first time since I’d met her, Aria had her hair down and long dark waves cascaded over her shoulders as she leaned forward to greet me with a warm hug. “I’m so glad you could make it,” she said, her smile radiant.

“Wild horses wouldn’t stop me,” I replied with a grin.

“What’s that about wild horses?” Xander asked, stepping down to stand beside Aria.

Aria tilted her head at him. “Don’t get him started. He’s already been bucked off the wild brumby he’s trying to tame out there.” She nodded toward the paddock in the distance.

“I’ll tame her,” Xander said with a sharp nod. “She’s just a bit feisty, that’s all.”

“Just like this filly,” Cody teased, wrapping an arm around Whisper’s waist.

Whisper scowled at him, her eyes narrowing. “Did you just call me a filly?”

“Nope.” Cody jerked back, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

“You should see your face.” Whisper burst out laughing, and everyone else did too.

A piercing whistle cut through the laughter, snapping everyone’s attention.

“All right, you lot, grab a seat,” Blade called out from across the yard. “The ceremony’s about to start. And trust me, you do not want to keep Maya waiting.”

---