Me: “Thanks, Ops. Tats, Alder will be at the carousel with me and Asa. I got two Champion Security with me.”
Tats: “Roger, Michadeau.”
I shepherd the kids and Bits over to the carousel keeping Asa and Alder in front of me. They don’t run so I’m able to keep in high alert distance with no barriers between them and me. The Security Brother walks with me although I’m not worried. The little Officers both can take care of themselves.
“Behind you Sophie.” That’s a relief.
I turn back seeing Tats and throw him chin. “Alder’s Lead is here.” I tell the Security Brother.
He backs up and stands with his partner scanning the carousel kids. I see Hud walk through the building toward me and the little Officers. His presence settles me. I think I love the man without the guarantee, extra dates, food or rides. As he gets closer, I smile at his sexy look, piercing gray eyes, dark hair a tad too long and body that knows how to set mine off. “I’m in,” I say as soon as he’s close enough to kiss.
He smiles, probably matching mine. “I know. That’s why I’m claiming you tonight.” He knows.
I really like his cocky confidence. “Who is on Asa?”
I shrug and keep my scan going so I don’t get fired. “I don’t mind being replaced with another Lead but I’m not leaving Asa with no Protector coverage.”
“I have the new Protectors from the cruise. Moss and Edwards are on him until he’s on the ABSZ. They’re with Tats and his team.” Falcon has me turning.
“They’re not here.” I point out.
He smiles. “They’re helping load for cleanup.”
I nod. “I’m here until they show, Pres.” I give respect with my sass.
Falcon gives me a look. “I’m here.”
I nod. “With a baby in your arms and an ol’ lady with her hands full. If nothing else, I can take the kid while you pull your gun for the next try on Alder or any Bit they can grab.” I don’t say this loud enough for more than Hud and Solei to hear.
The Champion Security Brother tries to hide his laugh…badly. We all turn toward him and he pivots a nice about face. I bet Falcon gave him one of his dirty looks.
He smiles like he knows what I’m thinking. He may but I know Falcon is not a reader, he’s just Badass weird. “I appreciateyou keeping watch. I’m not giving you my kid again so they don’t learn how to play drums since harmonica is out of their capabilities.”
Hud laughs and I elbow him and scan from right to left again.
Hannah and Trask walk over with their boys in a stroller that’s actually two small bikes. With a removable frame that hooks them together with a steel bar for someone to push it, it’s a good way to keep them from running wild in the middle of chaos. They’re not Bits but they’re freaky and from what I’ve seen, they’re a freaky I haven’t dealt with in kids yet.
Hannah laughs letting the push handle go. I give her the evil eye for like five seconds so I can continue my scan.
Solei laughs. “You both scan the same way the men do.”
I nod. “Sniper is taught to scan that way. Badass is military so they’d train it with the nutty attacks Badass gets.”
Hannah agrees. “We do. You scan the same way.”
Solei nods. “Habit. I think you all rubbed off on me.”
“Hey, hey, now. I’m the only one allowed to rub…” he stops when Hud’s hand comes up.
“You don’t want to finish that, Pres.”
Falcon gives Solei one of his dirty looks. “Monkey pissers.”
Me, Hannah and Solei crack up while the men watch. It’s funny but they’re scowling like we shouldn’t laugh. We all look at each other, then laugh again not showing much concern for whether or not our opinions are welcome. We give freely no matter what look we get. Badass says so.
I step back and keep my watch on my package deliberately with the intent to do a thing proper. It keeps me from getting shit too.
Hannah covers her mouth and avoids my eyes. She shouldn’t be reading me so I don’t feel bad when Trask leans intoher and kisses the shit out of her. I watch my package. She told us he does that to shut her up. Solei, Seren and Lorelei too. I look at Hud but he’s watching the kids on the carousel with Asa and Alder until I think it.
