Page 130 of Kage

I glanced at Jarvis, who remained leaning against the wall near the window where he’d been constantly looking out the window. We were both hyped up, prepared for another attack, although I doubted that would happen. At least not in Durango.

What would happen from here I wasn’t certain, although I’d shove the entire bastardized situation in Gray’s lap to deal with. In my mind, he was the reason Juliette had almost been killed.

The officer started to turn then threw a look toward Juliette, who was resting on the couch. While her eyes were closed, I knew she wasn’t sleeping. She’d said very little but at least had consumed almost two bottles of the water.

“Forensics will be leaving shortly,” the officer said. “The chief asked that a car be posted outside tonight for your protection. Just in case there’s more of them.”

“Thank you again.” Any additional enemy soldiers had left the area. There was no reason for them to hang around.

Jarvis moved toward the door, a sneer on his face as he waited for the officers to leave. Once they did, he closed the door and placed his palm on the surface before turning his head in my direction.

I owed the man a debt of gratitude and a hell of a lot more.

Headlights shone in through the half open blinds, Juliette sitting up on the couch. There was a vacant look in her eyes and she immediately slipped to the floor, crawling toward Tank. He’d slept through most of the interrogation, especially after the sedative the veterinarian had given him.

I had Jarvis to thank for that as well. One of the local vets was a friend of his and had agreed to make a house call. I think I’d overheard a discussion about trading favors. All I knew was that both Tank and Juliette were safe.

For now.

She curled up next to the sleeping pup. Thank God Tank had reacted so quickly, tackling her to the ground a split second before the assailant had fired, using a gun hidden in a leg holster. While Tank had managed to twist his leg in the process, things could have been a whole lot worse. Even a bastard like me needed to take time out to be grateful.

“Think I’ll head out unless you need anything,” Jarvis said. I’d never heard his voice so quiet before.

“Nah. We don’t need anything. Thanks for everything.” I headed toward him, offering my hand for a shake.

As expected, his grip was brutal and we stared into each other’s eyes. There was an easy understanding between us, a sense of camaraderie few people were lucky enough to experience in their lives.

“Bring your missus around for a drink when she’s up for it. On the house.”

I laughed for the first time since the incident. Why bother telling him she wasn’t my missus or anything else since that’s the way I felt. “I’ll do that.”

He glanced at her and sighed. “You’re a good man, Lieutenant. Glad I know you. Things will look up, my friend. You’ll see. Just remember you’ve got friends here now. Might as well consider them family.”

“I will,” I chuckled.

After he walked out, I held the door open, staring into the darkness.

Family.

It had been a long time since I’d felt like I had one. Maybe now as the time to reconsider my options.

Her soft murmurs drew my attention.

Especially since I was falling hard for the most beautiful, courageous, and incredible woman in the world.

CHAPTER 34

Kage

“What now?” Juliette’s voice cut through the crackling fire, the softness sending a shiver down my arms. Her words were still so haunted.

“Gray arrives tomorrow and we find out what the hell is going on.”

She rested her head on her knee. “I don’t think I’ll like whatever it is.”

“Well, let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“I’ll try not to. I’m sorry I didn’t obey orders.”

---