Page 231 of Wild Card

“We all know them, including you,” Ace informs me with less acid in his voice. “Hugo, Blade, and Rand.”

“The MARSOC guys?” I remember the endless flirting and exchanges at the wedding reception that had Talon gnashing his teeth. They also had every single woman salivating because they are all hot. Then panic sets in. “Omg! No! They’re goofballs and pretty boys.”

This earns me a lip-splitting grin from Major, who chuckles, telling me, “They’re combat-trained.”

“They’re babies. That one with the dimples, he hasn’t even grown whiskers. Are they even capable of doing a rescue mission? You sent Talon into a rescue assignment with amateurs?” I shout at Robbie, hysteria building.

I don’t know why, but they all smirk at this comment.

“They’re our age, ‘Lo. Don’t let the clean shaves and suits fool you. There’s a reason Rand earned the name Baby Face. I assure you he can grow a beard, and when he does, he looks like a deranged lumberjack. They’re not as good as us, but they’ve had our six many times.”

“Really?”

“They earned their stripes.”

I feel foolish for jumping to conclusions. “Well, that’s good to know.”

“But that being said, we’re going to get them.”

I suck in a breath, waiting for the room to erupt, but no one so much as winces. At the very least, I expect Rowan to react. But she just gapes at her new husband lovingly.

The front door bursts open, and Jewls zips in with Tom on her tail carrying both her boys. Harley comes in last with Maverick asleep in her arms.

“What’d we miss?” Jewls scans the room frantically like we’re having a party.

“You missed Willow revealing she has a backbone, a sharp tongue, and can cut a hero to the quick,” Rowan states proudly.

“Ummm, Maybe I —”

“Well, shit, I knew we should have taken the truck.”

“Woman, you drove that golf cart like a bat out of hell. No way I’m getting behind the wheel of an SUV with you,” Tom snaps gruffly.

“Stop being dramatic. Maverick didn’t even wake up.”

Tom spears her with a glare so frightening, I’d slink into the floor. She flips her hair and stalks to Major, curling to his side. “He’s exaggerating.”

“He’s not exaggerating.” Major bends to kiss her nose.

“Who pissed off the princess?” Jewls coasts her eyes along all the guys. “Do I need to give you all another professional speech on dealing with emotional trauma?”

Ace shakes his head, gesturing to Ford. “Wasn’t me who threatened to beat Simms’ ass.”

“Pretty sure I’m safe from counseling since I haven’t said a word.” Finn throws his hands up in defense. “I’m debating on being offended that Princess doesn’t consider us pretty boys.”

My face heats when Finn winks at me.

“Yeah, wait until Baby Face hears this one.” Major joins in the ribbing.

“I may have gone a little overboard,” I grumble.

I’m so focused on the others, I don’t realize Ford has moved into our space.

His hazel eyes are troubled and his jaw tight when he takes my hand. “I should have reigned it in. Talon is the closest thing to a brother I’ve ever had. What he did was stupid, but I get it. We’re going to help him finish what he’s started and bring them home.”

The decree might as well be a vow the way his words spread through me.

I throw myself at him, squeezing tight. “I believe that.”

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