Page 32 of Vinny

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As soon as they exited the plane and thanked Marc, Vinny looked up at an approaching man and greeted him enthusiastically. Grabbing him in a bear hug, he said, “Glad you’re the one greeting us, bro.”

Gabe laughed then sobered as he saw the slim, pale woman standing to the side. He walked over immediately, reaching out his hand. “Ms. O’Brian, welcome back to Virginia. I’m Gabe. You’ve had a difficult couple of days and Alvarez Security wants to make sure that we can do whatever’s necessary to ensure your safety.”

She placed her delicate hand into his large one, noticing that he gave a gentle squeeze…like his brother. Her gaze had not left his face until Vinny walked up to stand next to his twin.Oh my God, two of them!Almost identical, she smiled seeing their subtle differences. Gabe was handsome…but Vinny?Only he made her hand tingle when he touched her.

Settling into the comfortable company SUV, they began the quick drive into Richmond.

“Are you taking me home?” she asked, tired and hungry.

Gabe and Vinny exchanged looks through the rear-view mirror. “Babe, your apartment is still a crime site.”

Sighing heavily, she nodded sadly. “But I need to see my things.” Not getting a response, she added, “So where are we going?”

“Alvarez Security, Ms. O’Brian,” Gabe answered.

She looked toward the man in the front seat. “Please, call me Annalissa.” Smiling, she leaned over toward Vinny, closing her eyes. Soon, she was sound asleep.

Vinny looked down at her face, peaceful in slumber once again. Looking up, he said, “Bro, we’ve had nothing to eat since last night. Any chance there could be some food when we get there?”

“No problem,” Gabe said easily, placing a call.

A gentle shake pulled Annalissa from her dreams. “Come on, babe. We’re here,” Vinny called. Opening her eyes, she felt his hands assist her up. She looked out of the windows, seeing that they were in an underground garage. Gabe was already out of the SUV and had moved to the back to grab their bags.

Vinny opened the door and leaned in to pluck her from her seat. “Whoa, I can walk, you know?” she called, throwing her arms around his neck.

“Yeah, but I’d like to have you in my arms anyway,” he said. “Plus, I want to make sure your feet are all right now.”

They walked up the stairs leading to a small lobby, and down a hall through double doors into a large area that could only be described as the hub of the agency. Tables, desks, computers, large screens on the walls, maps and more equipment than she had ever seen adorned every space.

She was startled when behind them the clapping began. Vinny turned around and stood proudly with her in his arms, staring at the faces of his friends and brothers-in-arms. Tony, Gabe, Jobe, BJ, and Lily were all there. Plus Lily’s husband, Matt, and his partner, Shane. Vinny was surprised to see Tony and Gabe’s wives, Sherrie and Jennifer, as well.

Completely overwhelmed, Annalissa simply clung to Vinny’s neck, wishing the floor would swallow her up. She knew what she looked like…death warmed over.The men created a wall of masculinity. All tall, built, and looking like the kind of men you want to have your back when things get tough. And the women? Beautiful. With warm eyes and friendly smiles.

Vinny noticed her tightened grip on his neck and could see the blush cross her face. Tony stepped up as Vinny gently set her on the floor, keeping his arm protectively around her. He did not miss the looks that passed between the men and the smiles that passed between the women.

“As you may have guessed, this is the amazingly talented Annalissa O’Brian. Annalissa, this is Tony Alvarez, the man in charge.”

After the rest of the introductions had been made, Vinny turned her around so that she was focusing onjust him. “Babe, they’ve got some food for us and I know you’re hungry. Do you want to get cleaned up first?”

“Oh yes. I look and feel absolutely disgusting.”

Chuckling, he nodded. “Go with the ladies; they’ll take care of you and then bring you right back here to me.”

Sherrie and Jennifer took her hands, leading her down the hall to a ladies’ room that was more like a small locker room, which included a shower. Sherrie pulled out a small bag filled with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer. “I brought anything I could think of when Tony called.”

“Thank you,” Annalissa said. “I’m sorry you had to come out tonight.”

“Oh, honey,” Sherrie said with a smile. “Tony and the others have been here almost round the clock since you two had to go rogue. This gave me a chance to see my husband.”

Jennifer pulled out some clean underwear, along with navy yoga pants and a pink t-shirt. “We brought some clean clothes as well. Go on and get in the shower and we’ll be right here in case you need us.”

The warm water sluiced over her bruised and scratched body, washing away the dirt and sweat. Annalissa could not remember when washing her hair felt so good as she scrubbed her scalp. She could have stayed in the shower for much longer, but knowing the two women were waiting for her had her hurrying. Wrapping a towel around her hair, she quickly put on the clothes they had brought. As she walked out of theshower area, she saw the two women sitting on a bench with a cosmetic bag between them.

Jennifer held up deodorant and Sherrie’s hands were filled with different scented body lotions. Annalissa rushed forward, saying, “Oh my God, you’re lifesavers.” She grinned as the others handed her the bag so that she could finish getting ready.

“Were you really hiking in the woods and had to camp out overnight in a tree?” Sherrie asked.

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