Page 288 of Wild Card

“But you want to throttle something, let’s take this home and you can throttle my cock.”

My face heats and I peer around to make sure no one overheard. “No, no sex for you the rest of the weekend.”

If possible, his grin grows wider. “Like to see you try that.”

My stomach flutters at the intention in his gaze, knowing I can’t ever hold out for long.

Can anyone blame me?

“Go say your congratulations and make it quick. Our afternoon of rowdy kids and cake turned into another fucking celebration with a shitload of people. If I’m expected to remain civil while you prance your sexy ass around in a bathing suit all afternoon, I’ll need some time to prepare.”

“First off, I’m nowhere near sexy in a bathing suit. Secondly, preparing yourself better not mean marking me.”

There’s a flicker in his gaze that tells me that’s exactly his plan.

“Princess, talk to your brother and hug your best friend. You have five minutes.” His tongue skims across my lips and desire races through my system.

The promise of what’s to come clearly outweighs my ability to protest. Why deny it?

“You know, two of my favorite people are getting married. Bex is officially becoming a part of my family, and my nephew is getting a mom who loves him like her own. Even your barbaric ways can’t dim my joy. I feel likecelebrating.”

In a flash, I’m swept off my feet and he’s stalking to his truck. A few people call to us, but I hardly hear them over my laughter.

There will be plenty of time for congratulations later.

EPILOGUE II

TALON

4 Months Later

“Good job out there today, rookies.” A senior member of our task force flicks us a wave on his way around the corner.

“What a fucking day. What is it with stash houses and the stench?” Ace slips off his vest and reaches for his phone. His eyes scan the screen and come to mine.

“Shit,” Ford hisses, eying his own phone.

Their shared glances and following silence answer my unspoken question.

A glacial chill slithers through my system.

In less than a second, I’m on the move, bolting through the building and out to the parking lot, with them on my tail.

“Let’s roll.” Major jumps in one of the armored SUVs reserved for SWAT.

I yank my phone out of my vest, noting the only message is a text from Willow this morning.

Her cell goes straight to voicemail.

Same with Sterling, Stacy, Bex, and Rosie.

“Someone needs to answer their fucking phone.”

Chase finally answers on the fourth ring.

“Talk to me,” I demand.

“We’ve got her in a room. She made it in time for an epidural. Another ten minutes and?—”

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