“He said he didn’t say anything to Emmett, but he knew it was you.” I’d have to thank Colt for not blowing our secret before we were ready when I saw him again. He was out back with Weston while they grilled.
The noise of everyone around us blurred into the background when Emmett’s hand found mine again. His thumb traced lazy circles over my skin.
“You good, sugar?” he murmured.
“Perfect,” I said, smiling up at him. And I meant it. This was all I’d ever wanted. The man of my dreams, my friends, my career. Everything was falling into place, and for the first time in my life, I was truly content.
22
Ch 21 - Emmett
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I said while looking out of Colt’s windshield. We were outside the Wild Creek Country Club, where it was confirmed that Sterling and Preston were having lunch. Also in the parking lot were three FBI vans.
They were getting arrested today.
FBI agents spilled out of the vans and stormed toward the club's entrance. It was more than what was needed for just two arrests, but I enjoyed watching them work regardless. Seeing the Kevlar vests, the guns, the way they moved in unison—it all hit like muscle memory. Even Colt, in his duty belt with his cuffs, taser, and gun strapped to him, brought a familiar pang of nostalgia.
I missed being part of something bigger than myself—being responsible for others and serving the greater good.
I watched as the agents stopped Sterling and Preston on the outside steps of the club. Members watched in shocked awe, gossiping to one another about what could possibly be happening.
Sterling thrashed around like a fish out of water, fighting every step of the way. His face was red, and his comboverwas messed up. He shouted threats of suing, going as far as threatening to sue the FBI. Preston just looked like he was about to piss himself, his face pale and head hanging in shame. It didn’t make up for all the crimes they committed, but God, was it fun to see them suffer after the hell they’d put us through.
“This feels too good to be normal,” Colt said, grinning ear to ear while he filmed the whole thing on his phone.
There was a scuffle, and Preston somehow got free. He ran across the parking lot, hands cuffed behind his back. “Oh shit.” Colt scrambled, climbing out of the car. I was two steps ahead of him, breaking into a full sprint. My muscles burned, my feet ached as they slammed against the ground.
“Preston!” I yelled after him. He looked back at me and fuckingwhimpered. What a coward. I pushed harder with a grunt. Seconds later, my body slammed into Preston’s, knocking him to the ground with a yelp.
“Not so fast, you piece of shit,” I panted, shoving him against the asphalt with my knee in his back. My body had moved on pure muscle memory. Guess I still had it after all.
The agents were right behind me. One of them skidded to a stop behind me, breathing hard. “Damn, you undercover?”
“No,” I answered. I lifted my knee and got up, leaving Preston for them. “Just fast, I guess.”
I wiped the sweat off my forehead, glancing back over my shoulder as they carried Preston away like a rag doll. I wished Levi were here to see this. Watching your brother and grandfather get arrested for white-collar crimes probably wasn’t enticing stuff, though, so I didn’t blame him for wanting to skip the whole experience.
Everyone else had come, though. After the shit they’d put us through these last six months, it was kind of a celebration for our family.
“Didn’t know I was dating the Flash,” Delilah teased as she walked over, fiery hair flowing in the wind. She draped her arms over my shoulders. Her hazel eyes were sparkling. “That was hot.”
“Yeah?” I linked my hands around her lower back. “Should I chase you next?”
She bit her lip. “Only if you wear a mask.”
I rolled my eyes, laughing. “You’re a mess.”
She cocked her head, squinting in the sunlight. “Your mess,” she corrected.
“Damn straight.”
Once Preston and Sterling were in custody, we all gathered together in the parking lot. Beau had his hands on his hips. “Don’t know about y’all, but I know I’ll be sleepin’ better now that that’s over.”
“Me too,” Savannah agreed.
“Still think I should’ve burned their houses down,” Delilah pouted.
“You can burn the leaf pile back at the ranch, sugar.” I kissed her temple.
