Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“Rebecca!” Chase calls and the crowd goes quiet.
She tips her head.
“Can you join us out here?”
Talon opens the player gate and she goes still.
I forego my mission to record this moment and prod her forward. She’s trembling from head to toe, and when Chase hits his knee with Wyatt mimicking his actions, she lets out a cry.
He pops open a velvet box and crooks a finger. She takes off running, him barely getting to his feet before she launches herself into his arms. He whispers something in her ear and her head nods as her small sobs sound.
My own tears threaten, but I will them away, not wanting to miss a thing.
A movement at the edge of the parking lot catches my attention. Rylee stands next to the sidewalk, swiping at her face. We momentarily lock eyes before she dips into her car.
In that split-second, there’s a glimpse of devastation so deep it rocks me to my core.
A hand comes around my waist, caressing my stomach. “Want me to have her removed?”
I glance up at Talon, shaking my head. “Chase is sharing one of the biggest moments of his life with a bunch of strangers. She’s no different.”
“You ready for that nap?”
“I’m ready to throttle your neck for keeping yet another secret from me.”
“You got jittery as a jackrabbit in the two minutes before you found out. Really think you could have kept this to yourself?”
His arrogant grin proves he has a point.
“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 like celebrating.”
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—”
“Why didn’t anyone fucking call me?”
“Willow refused until your raid was over.”
“That’s fucking bullshit!”
“I agree, Talon, but she thought she had time. No one expected this.”
My anger looms, but the dip in his voice makes my stomach roll.
“What is happening?”
“Her water broke, but her body had already gone into labor. She’s almost fully dilated and the doctor is with her now.”
“Is she alright?”
“She’s holding out for you.”
“I’ll be there. Tell her I’m on my way.”
“Hurry, man. This is going fast. She’s in room…”
I disconnect after he spouts the room number, the roaring in my ears tuning everything else out.
Major swerves in and out of traffic, the sirens and lights blaring.
Two minutes later, the hospital comes into view and he drives straight into the emergency entrance. I’m out of the vehicle before it stops and on the move.