Page 98 of Risky Passion

"Yes, silly!"

A truck driver eyed me suspiciously as he passed, coffee in hand. Outside, Jaxson had shifted back from the glass, but I could still feel him watching me.

"You've got company listening?" Parker asked.

"Exactly! A nice couple loaned me their phone. Mine's completely dead." I forced cheerfulness into my voice while the husband collected their rubbish with sharp, irritated movements.

"Where are you? Are my brothers okay?"

"We're at the BP on the Bruce Highway." I kept my smile plastered on as the wife meticulously folded her napkin, watching me like I might steal the salt shakers. "Jaxson said he'd meet you at the warehouse. He's bringing Onyx to look for his friends."

"Rosebud Wharf warehouse?"

"That's right!" I giggled again, feeling bloody stupid.

Through the window, harsh fluorescent light carved shadowsacross Jaxson's face as he watched me. Onyx sniffed the bushes behind him, her lead connecting them. Something twisted in my chest. He’d already risked his life to save me . . . and his unwavering attention gave me no doubt he'd do it again.

"Could you call Whisper?” I said into the phone. “She'll tell you where the party is. That's where Whitney and I are heading. You know, just to be safe."

"Whisper from Border Force?"

"Mmhmm! We've got loads of boxes to unpack. Whitney saved everything." I silently willed Parker to decode my meaning as the husband pushed to his feet, his patience expired. "Anyway, sorry for worrying you! We'll be there in about fifty minutes."

"Copy that. And thank you. I'm glad to hear you’re all okay."

Outside, Whitney had joined his brother, and I couldn't help noticing how the lights played across his bare torso. The thought of Jaxson being equally well-built sent heat crawling up my neck.

Bloody hell! Focus, Tory.

"See you soon." I ended the call under the husband's increasingly hostile glare.

"That's enough." He stepped forward, hand outstretched, his bulk casting a shadow over my table.

"Please, just one last call?" I channeled every ounce of desperation I could muster. "Just a quick call to my sister. One minute, I promise."

"Frank." His wife touched his arm. "Let her make one more call."

I smiled at her. "Thank you so much."

Frank's scowl deepened, and as guilt raced through me for causing friction between them, I dialed Whisper again.

"Hey, sis," I said the moment she answered.

Frank loomed over me.

"I’m short on time here. Do you have that address?"

"4 School Road, Risky Shores,” she said. “The team's meeting you there."

The team? My stomach clenched. I wanted to ask who exactly she meant, but Frank's crossed arms and thunderous expression suggested that wasn't an option.

"Perfect! Thanks, babe. Will you be there?"

He took another step closer, keys jingling in his pocket.

"You betcha ass I am. I need to give you a big squishy hug."

I giggled.

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