Page 169 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

“I won’t need it.

Cassidy nodded. “I’ll call you after the meeting.”

“I’ll answer.”

Cassidy’s gaze heated for one quick, private second before he murmured, “Have fun.”

Xander put his sunglasses back on before his face gave too much away, then went toward the door, where Free, Tech, and Curtis waited.

He glanced back once before stepping into the hall.

Cassidy was watching him.

Xander gave him a small dip of his head.

As he followed Free, Tech, and Curtis toward the elevators, hat low, sunglasses on, his heart felt strangely light.

Xander finally believed for the first time in a long time…he wasn’t in danger.

God

God relished the smile on his husband’s face.

He didn’t get to see that kind of smile anymore. Not the sharp grin he used before he said something that’d get them both in trouble. Or the cocky one he flashed when he had the upper hand.

This one was different.

Pleasantly surprised. Excited. As if his prayer was being answered much sooner than he’d expected.

God leaned back in his chair and watched him across the table in the semi-secluded corner of the infamous 71Below restaurant in Downtown LA, letting himself enjoy the sight.

Because this news was almost too good to be true.

They were seated behind a screen of tall palms and dark wood partitions, tucked far enough away from the main dining room to keep their conversation private.

The restaurant had the kind of California elegance God didn’t have a liking for. Ambient lighting even in the daytime, overpriced mineral water, waitstaff that was stiff and impersonal, and plates arranged by chefs who thought empty space was the main entree.

Cassidy Morrison had arrived with his briefcase and laptop, set both near his chair, and waited until the meal was eaten before he decided to get to the reason he’d brought them there.

“What’s the plan when you get back to Atlanta?” he’d started.

God shrugged. “Clean out the office, I presume.”

Day told him what the procedure was, but also how none of his guys would ever partner with anyone else.

“Ruxs and I talked about maybe opening a self-defense school or something.” Green shrugged.

Cassidy had listened, sipping his Cognac, eyes moving from man to man.

“So, what’s up Morrison?” God said. “The view from up here is great, but I don’t think that’s why you invited us.”

Cassidy pulled out a folder and opened his laptop.

Then dropped a warhead in the center of the table.

“How would the five of you like to become equal partners with me in West Protective Solutions?”

God stared at him.