Page 73 of Jacqueline's Quest

“I’m so confused,” AJ grumbled. “What’s going on here?”

“You and Scotty will be leading the new team of recruits who will be working with Bexley. Mateo, Noah, and Jamie will be their mentors, but you and Scotty will be the leaders of their team and this particular mission.”

The girl sat back and blew out a breath. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Asher replied. “We’ll walk you through it. As for the rest of you, I expect your reports on my desk by tomorrow evening. I know you’re all tired and hurting after what went down, but we still have a target on the loose. The mission isn’t complete until all of the pieces are put together.”

After Asher dismissed them, Jaqueline went to Murray’s side. She was exhausted, yet her mind continued to churn. The idea of Raul being out there somewhere, able to strike at a moment’s notice, left her edgy. Add in the fact she lost everything she loved and owned, and well, she couldn’t seem to string two thoughts together, much less anything else.

Murray wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tucked her to his side. “We should grab some dinner.”

“We should,” she agreed.

“Then we can sleep here for tonight,” he added. “Tomorrow, I want to go home with my family.”

She glanced up at him. “With your family?”

He grinned, bending to her for a kiss. "Yep. It's big enough for all of us right now, but we can find something else later. You know, in case we want kids someday." He’d explain the base later though.

She jolted in his embrace. “Kids? Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack. Unless you don’t want them, of course. Your life since your parents died hasn’t been the easiest. Neither has mine, so I would underst—”

“I do,” she whispered. “Three. Two boys and a girl.”

Murray’s features brightened with excitement and happiness. “Same.”

“Okay.” She nodded.

“Okay,” he repeated. “Maybe I’ll retire after all.”

Jaqueline laughed. “You? Retire? Yeah, I’m thinkingthat’llnever happen.”

Murray smirked. “I guess I’ll just have to prove you wrong, mi cielito.”

“I guess you will.”

He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. “I love you.”

A thrill ran down her spine as his blue eyes swirled with intention. “I love you too, esclavo.”

Murray growled. “Is the Madam wanting to play?”

She bit her bottom lip and batted her eyes. “Maybe.”

Murray groaned. “Fuck, you’re perfect. Let’s go home.”

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