We’re all quiet for a stunned second, then the noise returns tenfold. The guys are cheering, clapping Damien on the back, and the girls are making sounds that would make wild turkeys envious.
“Congratulations, you two,” I say, lifting my beer pitcher in a salute, a giant grin on my face.
“Wait, this calls for something better than beer!” Emily squeals, already on her feet and sprinting toward Killian’s new wine fridge.
“Obviously not for me,” Mor says sheepishly, making us all laugh.
“What are you thinking?” Barbara murmurs, smiling up at me from my side on the couch.
I lean down to kiss the tip of her nose. “That it was all worth it,” I say quietly. “The deployments, this mess with Black Ash. Everything was worth it because it made us who we are now. Our women are safe, and a new life is coming.”
Her smile softens at my words. Then she frowns. “Well, Basia’s stalker is still out there.”
I glance at Caleb, who naturally heard every word and now has a tick in his jaw.
“We’ll get them too, little bee. We got skills, you know?”
She laughs at that and cuddles up into my side. “I love you,” she says so quietly I think I’ve imagined it.
I blink at her. “I’m sorry, what?”
She rolls her eyes. “I said I love you, asshole,” she mutters, way less dreamily. The insult is an endearment I’ve grown to love. But I can’t let it go this easily.
“What did you say?” I lay it on thick. “You know, that grenade, my hearing?—”
“I said I fucking love you, Ethan Kane!” Barbara yells, turning every head in our direction. They all have goofy smiles on their faces.
“Ah!” I exclaim. “So that’s what you said.”
Barbara starts hitting my chest and snarling.
Laughing like a man possessed, I wrap my arms around her and pull her close, disarming her.
“I fucking love you more, Barbara Neal!” I yell even louder than she did, making everyone else burst out laughing.
“Fucking finally,” someone mutters.
I can’t tell who.
I’m already lost, kissing my girl.
Thank you for reading My Masked Shadow. Loved it? Ethan would appreciate it if you left a rating and a few kind words on GoodReads and Amazon!
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It’s out on February 20th, 2026, and here’s what it’s about:
She hired a bodyguard.
She doesn’t know who she invited into her life.
Basia Langford. Governor’s daughter.
A spoiled socialite playing poor girl, pretending she isn’t in danger.
The threats against her aren’t empty.
I’ve seen what men like this do. I’ve buried their victims.
