Page 62 of Harmless
“So. Much. Fun.” She punctuated each word with a peck on my lips, her smile turning into a full-on grin against my mouth.
“Well, invite me up next time,” I said with a swat to her hip.
“I can’t wait.” Her nails ran over the back of my head as she kissed me again. “I love you, Torr.”
I held her fast to me, trying to force those same stubborn words out of my chest. What came out instead was, “Anything for you.”
Rori brushed her knuckles over my cheek, her smile warm and loving and not the least bit resentful. “Right back at you.”
Our tender moment was interrupted by Santos rummaging through the fridge. “Is there any food left?”
“What, like you didn’t get enough to eat?” the Hunter cracked, earning a smack on the arm from Paige.
“Strenuous exercise means calories have to be replenished,” Santos replied smugly, closing the fridge door. “I’m gonna check in the other house.” He came over, kissed Rori on the back of her head, and gave a quick nod to me before leaving.
“Seems like he gets it,” I observed, watching him go out the door.
“He does,” Rori said dreamily. “He really does.”
“You sound head over heels already,” I teased with a pinch to her waist.
She just leaned her head on my shoulder. “Pretty sure I am.”
I kissed her forehead before resting my cheek there, loving the feel of her against me, her arms around my neck, and the dreamy relaxation in her voice and face. Sure, it was another man who made her feel that way, but my woman was here with me now. She was happy, and she loved me. Plus, Santos was a good dude. I trusted him with her, so how could I be anything but pleased at this situation?
“I’m happy for you, creep. You two are good together.”
“Thanks, but so are you and I,” she said into my neck.
“I’m working on it.”
“You being a pain in my ass is just another reason why I love you.”
I kissed her hairline again with a chuckle. As much as I would have preferred hearing her say she loved me over and over, we had other matters to attend to.
“I think it’s time to tell everyone what’s next.” I spoke low, in a voice meant only for her ears. “It’s been a nice three days of R&R, but people are getting restless. Especially the fighters.”
Rori nodded, straightening as she stepped away from me. “I figured today would be the day.”
“Want me to get everyone together?”
“Yes, please. Is out front in fifteen minutes enough time?”
“If you tell everyone it is.”
Rori scoffed just as Devin entered the house, and then her posture immediately changed. She grew stiff, not just straight. The air around her became icy, although her expression remained neutral.
I wanted to block his view of her, to shield her from him. Yeah, I understood why he had issues with women, especially women in charge, but he didn’t have to be an outright asshole to Rori. Santos had been through the same shit and he had figured out she wasn’t like those whackos running the resort.
Devin came right up to us, and to his credit, didn’t have his usual sneer whenever he saw Rori with me or Santos.
“Hi, Devin.” She greeted him as cordially as she would anyone, despite her defenses being up.
He stopped a few feet away, hands relaxed on the holster of multiple knives at his hips. The guy didn’t even spare me a glance, his focus remaining steadfast on her.
“I wanted to let you know that the deed is done. Nella is no longer alive.” His gaze flicked to me before returning to her. “I did as you asked and made it quick. No drawn-out torture or anything of the sort.”
Rori nodded at him. “Thank you for honoring our agreement. I hope this kill gives you the closure you were looking for.”
