Page 64 of Edge of Desperation

“That’s what I want to fucking know,” I fume.

We barrel into the alley just in time to see Thomas knock Dows out. Bennett has Aurora behind him, and she doesn’t look happy.

“Damn it, Thomas,” she shouts. “I wanted to do that.”

Thomas picks the fucker up and throws him into the van while Bennett leans over Dows, and ties him up. “You get to do the fun part,” Thomas pouts. “I only hit him once.”

I rush over to her, grabbing her arms. “That little stunt wasn’t part of the plan.”

“I know,” she concedes. “I saw an opening, and I took it. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity get away.”

“If anything would’ve ha—” She presses her fingers to my lips.

Her emerald eyes stare into my soul. “I trust you, Jaxson, wholeheartedly. Every single one of you. I was safe.”

I haven’t touched her or spoken to her about the kiss we shared the night of the senator’s untimely death. I’m trying to be respectful of her space, but I also don’t want her to doubt my intentions by dragging my feet.

To hell with it, I’m done waiting.

I cup her cheeks and lean close. “Auro?—”

She slides her arms around my neck and pulls me close, initiating the very kiss I was about to take. I release her face and wrap my arms around her waist. Her lips are soft against mine, and her tongue darts out to tease the seam of my mouth, demanding entry.

Who am I to deny this goddess anything?

I open up, allowing her tongue to pass through. Her body molds to mine as I squeeze her tighter. My cock strains against my jeans, and I worry this might be too much for her. Slowly, I ease back, looking for any signs of doubt. She smiles shyly and tries to step back, but I keep my grip firm, resting my forehead against hers.

“You two done?” Bennett hollers. “I’d like to get outta here before we draw any attention.”

I maneuver Aurora to the front passenger seat next to Carver, who’s driving, and I climb in the back with the rest of my team.

Carver gags as he glances at me in the rearview mirror. “Don’t make out with my sister in front of me ever again.”

I flip him off. “Technically, she started it.”

Aurora’s laughter fills the van, and Carver grumbles to himself about sisters being more trouble than they’re worth as he drives toward the abandoned warehouses where Aurora killed the senator.

The building we chose already has everything we need at our disposal. It’s vacant, and remote on the outskirts of town. Perfect for what we’re about to use it for. When we arrive, Thomas tosses Dows over his shoulder in a fireman's hold and carries him inside, the rest of us following behind him.

“This is your show, babe,” I say. “What do you want to do?”

Aurora bats her eyelashes. “Can one of you strip him for me and hang him over there?” she asks, pointing to the hook suspended from a steel beam that runs across the ceiling.

“Bennett, you heard the lady,” I gesture toward our guest of honor. “Cut his clothes off.”

Dows screams behind the Duct tape over his mouth as Bennett approaches him. “Why doIhave to strip him?” Bennett mutters. “Why can’t Carver do it?”

“Because I’m the favorite, dickhead,” Carver brags.

I smirk. “Carver gets to string him up.”

“What the fuck?” he says disgusted. “I don’t want his naked ‘lil smoky anywhere near me.”

Aurora strolls over to Carver, her eyes wide. “Please big bro,” she pleads, her lower lip wobbling. “F-f-for me?”

Carver backpedals real quick. “Oh shit… No… Please, don’t cry,” he stammers. “I’ll hang him.” The rest of us bite back our laughter as Carver picks Dows up and slings his tied wrists over the metal hook.

When he’s sure Dows is secure, Carver marches toward Aurora. “You played me, didn’t you?”

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