Page 132 of Ugly Beautiful Scars

"All the more reason for you to get back to your family," I tell him. "Let me handle these last few days. I'll be with Londyn the entire time and we'll make a quick exit to the airport."

Mike scoffs. "What, you think I can't take care of myself? Ten years in the Marines, six in private security, and you're worried I can't handle a couple of guys in baseball caps?"

"It's not that. It's—"

"I know what it is." He stands, bringing us nose to nose. "You're trying to protect everyone. Londyn. Me. My family. Taking it all on those shoulders of yours."

I look away, feeling suddenly exposed.

Mike sighs. "Look, I get it. But I signed on for this job, and I'm seeing it through. Three more days isn't a problem."

"But—"

"And anyway, who's going to keep your reckless ass in line if I'm gone?" He smirks, the tension draining from his stance. "Plus, I can do more digging while you're helping Londyn pack. Maybe figure out who the hell those Navy Cap guys really are. Maybe I'll luck out."

The fight leaves me. Mike's made up his mind, and I know what his expression means: he's not budging. Unless I knock him out and drive him back to Florida myself, he's staying.

I don't like this; my insides are crawling, like roaches beneath my skin. This feels like a really bad idea, and my gut instincts are something I prefer to listen to—worse things seem to happen when I ignore them.

But I also don't want to stand here and argue. Mike's a grown man and aware of the danger. "Fine," I say. "Three days. Then you're on the first flight back to your wife and kids."

"Deal." His smile widens. "Now, with that settled… I owe you an apology."

I uncross my arms, pretty shocked but that. "For what?"

"I was pretty hard on you. About Londyn. Being involved with a client, crossing lines. All that professional boundary bullshit I kept preaching. I'm sorry."

I stuff my hands in my pockets and wait, not sure where this is going.

"Thing is," Mike continues, "I can see it now. What you two have. It's something serious?"

"Yeah. It is."

"Then who am I to be such a hard-ass? You crossed some lines, but it's not like you planned it." He claps me on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you, man. After everything, you deserve someone who makes you feel good about the world. You both do."

I'm still shocked, blinking at him with no idea how to respond. When I woke up this morning, something like this wasn't even on my radar. I'm hit with a sudden warmth I wasn't prepared for. "Thanks," I say. "That means a lot."

"Yeah, well." He returns to his chair, clearly having reached his emotional expression quota for the day. Us men have our limits."Don't get used to the mushy shit. I'm still gonna give you hell about everything else."

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. "Wouldn't expect anything less."

We're quiet for a moment, the weight of the past weeks settling between us like the shared warmth of a foxhole on a cold night. There's something comforting about standing shoulder to shoulder with someone who's seen the same darkness you have, who knows what it's like to be shot at and make split-second decisions that ripple outward in ways you can never fully predict.

That's why I won't feel settled until I know Mike is back with his family where he belongs.

Three days and this will all be over.

"I should get back to Londyn," I say finally. "Check if she needs anything."

Mike nods. "I've got things covered here. Go take care of your girl."

I smile at that.

My girl.

Those are the most beautiful words in the world.

Chapter 42

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