Page 67 of Jacqueline's Quest

“Hey,” Murray whispered, shaking her shoulder, “we’re here.”

She blinked several times, pushing back the dark memories. “Huh?” The hospital came into focus. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He helped her out of the SUV. “Everyone is already inside.”

“Sorry,” she apologized again. “I guess I’m a little more rattled than I thought.”

“Shit, I think I’m rattled too.” Murray wrapped his arm around her shoulders and tucked her into his side. “I also feel naked right now.”

She snorted. “I bet.”

He pulled her to a stop near the door and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I need to say this now before we go inside."

She stared up at him. They were parting ways, she understood. Someone like Murray had responsibilities and since he’d found his sister, they had a lot of catching up to do, as did she with Christian. “Sure. Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

He cupped her cheek and grinned. “I love you.”

She tilted her head; not entirely sure she’d heard him correctly. “Uh, what?”

He laughed. “I love you.”

“You wh-what? You love me?” Surprise filled her. “How did... When did—”

He captured her lips with his, kissing her. It was hungry and demanding. It stole her ability to breathe or think. She sank into it and moaned as he deepened it, wrapping her arms around his neck. The spill of arousal and adrenaline mixed, swirling low within her. He nipped at her bottom lip and a whine of pure need passed her lips.

“Ever had the chance to fuck after a mission. It feels so good.” He grabbed her ass, pulling her flush to him and rubbed his thick length against her lower belly.

“No.” She let out a shaky exhale.

“Wanna find a dark corner and fuck?” Murray wiggled his brows.

“I’m kind of covered in blood right now,” she muttered.

“Fine, shower sex.” He took her hand and pulled her into the hospital. “I’m sure we can find a quiet space.”

“Wait!” She pulled him to a stop. “You said you loved me.”

He glanced back and grinned. “I sure did.”

“Aren’t you going to ask me if I love you?” she said.

“You do. I’m not worried about it.” He laughed.

“So cocky, esclavo.”

“I got a cock for you, mi cielito,” he growled, pulling her into his arms.

“Cochino,” she giggled.

The comm in her ear went off, and she stilled. Murray gazed down at her. All of their playful energy bled from them. “We have a situation.” Asher’s voice had been filled with concern and anger.

“What’s going on,” Murray said, answering for them.

“There’s a fire. It’s not good.”

Her stomach dropped and her heart lodged in her throat. “Where?”

“It’s your house,” Asher began. “I’m so sorry, Jaqueline. It’s gone.”

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