Page 38 of Metal & Mud

*Yes, you. Now I'm going to shut this down because I don't do phone or video, but how about tomorrow night, we go to the movies?*

Sabby typed back eagerly:

*Let me pick the flick and you've got a deal.*

*Agreed. Goodnight, Sexy Sabby.*

Sabby reclined, feeling that familiar pulse in her core. She considered taking care of her needs, but the promise of Logan's touch convinced her to wait. As she passed Jess's room on the way to bed, a low vibrating sound and soft whimper from beyond the door simultaneously stopped her from sharing her plans and definitely didn't help her sleep.

The next afternoon, Sabby dressed in her sexiest outfit: a black crop top showing her flat stomach and navel piercing, a loose faux leather skirt, thigh-high black stockings, and boots.

Entering the living room, she found Jess preparing for the gym. "How do I look?"

Instead of answering, Jess retrieved something from her backpack and tossed it to Sabby. "For your purse."

Sabby caught the packet—three condoms bound with a rubber band. "Why do you have these?"

"To protect my sister," Jess replied with a grin. "Not like I need them. Anyway, I'm off for a chest workout. Have fun, and remind Hollywood he still has work on Monday."

"Will do," Sabby said. "Is he doing well?"

"Oh, I still push him hard," Jess assured her. "But he's improving fast. He's figuring out how to be smart and tough, and he's getting really good. I can trust him to have my back when we deploy next time."

This was a subtle reminder that her boyfriend shared her sister's dangerous profession. One mishap on a mission could cost Sabby both of them at once.

But she refused to dwell on it. If anyone could protect Jess, it was Logan. She knew he was intelligent and admired Jess enough to do anything for her. If they had to enter battle, Sabby was glad they'd be together. It increased their chances of returning safely.

Jess had already left when Logan arrived, looking irresistible in black jeans and a button-down shirt showcasing his muscular arms.

"You look... like I'm going to have to drive very carefully," Logan greeted her as she posed slightly. "And I'm thankful my truck has a cockpit-style seat to minimize distractions."

"Good, because Jess would kill you if we crashed," Sabby joked, and Logan laughed. "She says she's still tough on you."

"Always will be, but I'm okay with it," Logan replied.

Sabby almost mentioned Jess's compliment when Logan shook his head slightly.

"Enough Army talk. I don't wear green twenty-four seven. Let's discuss movies instead—what did you want to see?"

"Depends how far you want to drive," Sabby answered, appreciating how Logan could compartmentalize. "If you want to stay local, there's *Summer Cabin* playing just outside town."

"Horror movie, right?" Logan asked, and Sabby nodded. "Interesting. It's been a while since I've seen horror in theaters. What's the other option?"

"If you're willing to drive toward Richmond, there's a new anime at an art house theater," Sabby replied. "*Super Wind Warrior Go-Go!*"

Logan considered this, then looked into her eyes. "Where would you prefer to go?"

Sabby bit her lip. "Would you watch anime with me?"

"Anytime."

"Then let's do *Summer Cabin*," Sabby replied, surprising him. Seeing his questioning look, she explained, "I prefer watching anime in Japanese with subtitles, which works better on a regular TV. I like pausing to discuss things, even if I'm just talking to myself."

"I bet that drives your sister crazy."

Sabby shrugged. "We have a system. I watch her boring powerlifting videos, and she watches anime with me. Between us, she actually enjoys quite a few."

"Really?" Logan asked, and Sabby nodded. "But not all of them?"

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