Page 47 of Stolen By the Hit Man
I watch the man I love go on a brief rant about how he was housing a federal agent investigating the cult, and how it was all happening right under his nose. How he never wanted to get involved in helping Wylie and his friends and their little crusade, but then it turned out he was already helping by inadvertently giving Nelly a safe house.
He’s adorable when he rants, this love of mine.
Yep. I absolutely love him. And I could never love someone I didn’t trust.
And if I trust him, then I trust his friends.
“That church really did a number on my head. Even now that my memories are back, I’m having a hard time shaking off some of the things they made me believe.
He blinks at me, then leans forward and presses a deep, sweet kiss to my mouth.
When he breaks from the kiss, he says, “I’m going to stay and help the cause, and I promise I’ll join you when it’s all over.”
I’m not prepared for this. When it’s all over? When what’s all over? When the FBI fucks everything up and the elders decide to burn everything to the ground, and Darling Creek ends up on the news?
“That sounds extremely dangerous.”
He shakes his head. “There’s a plan. There are people on the inside…”
Joaquin goes on to explain what he knows so far, which is not a lot.
“…and I’m gonna help by finding that asshole Prophet, too. Be proud of me, I’m gonna return him to the authorities and everything.”
I nod solemnly and say, “Then I’m staying too.”
I pick up my phone and begin texting my assistant to ask her if she can keep my cats for a little bit longer.
“No, you should go home, and I’ll come to you as soon as the danger is over.”
I shake my head. “Are we a package deal or aren’t we?”
His throat bobs. “Jasmyn. It’s too dangerous for you here.”
“Please. I can shoot a gun.”
He laughs ruefully. “You sure can.”
“And nobody is telling Olivia and her friends they can’t be a part of this mission. And what about Nelly? No one is stepping in toprevent her from being at the front of this—whatever it is that’s happening—just because she’s a woman.”
“It’s not because you’re a woman. It’s because if something happens to me, you’ll be here alone. Vulnerable. A sitting duck.”
“Then my assistant will get me home. Me and the kitten. I’ll name him after you and we’ll remember you very fondly.”
He rolls his head back and laughs.
“Oh my god, I fucking love you, Jasmyn.”
“I love you too.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Of course I love you, you big dummy.”
Joaquin claims my mouth, cupping my face in his big, familiar hands. I drink in his overpowering presence, his forcefulness, the quiet determination.
His hands go to my hips, and he pulls me into his lap.
I sigh, circling my arms around him. Taking comfort in him.
