Page 65 of Brooks

“From what I heard you tell Max, it sounds like the same shit that happened to you. Those two over there tried to take a few shots. Other than Dickhead Number One’s bullet nearly taking Max’s head off, they didn’t get close to gaining entry. By the way, you think we can all go inside now? Two of you almost died tonight. I’d prefer not to have to add a detailed explanation as to why someone is dead to my SITREPS.”

Tatiana ignored Declan’s request and marched right up to Max, who thankfully had holstered his weapon. “Are you okay? How close? Did it graze you? Do you need stitches? Are you bleeding?”

Max’s lips twitched. “I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Listen—”

It was like an action movie was playing out in slow motion. I saw it before it happened, was too stunned to warn Max. Tatiana balled her fist up, brought her hand back, and even pivoted her hips to follow through as she punched Max in the stomach. The loud grunt followed by the labored inhale had cut off what I assumed was going to be his apology.

“Glad you’re okay. And Declan’s right, watch your balls, friend.” With a pat on his shoulder, she walked into the house, not sparing a backward glance.

“Goddamn.” Max had finally sucked in enough oxygen to speak. “I was gonna say I was sorry,” he grumbled.

“Don’t think she forgives you.” Dec chuckled. “Did you get anything from Nazari’s?”

“Yeah. I have the dead guy’s phone and gun. Oh, and he’s Omni, he had the peacock tattoo. I need to go park the car. I’ll fill you in when I get back.”

“I’ll go with you,” Max offered.

“What, you don’t want to go into the house yet?”

“Hell, no. She can hit fuckin’ hard, bro.”

I’d planned on beating the hell out of my friend for being stupid enough to point a gun at my woman. However, true to form, Tatiana took care of it all on her own. Getting gut checked by a woman half your size was way worse than me leaving a few bruises on his face.

We were halfway to where I’d left the car when Max asked, “She really save your life?”

“Fuck, yeah. I was as good as dead.”

“Damn.”

Damn didn’t begin to cover it. I owed her big time.

Chapter 27

By the time we’d finished our brief and called Zane to update him on everything that had happened, I was exhausted. Totally and completely drained.

We had more questions than we had answers and we still had two very important missions to execute. Thankfully, the asswipe who had Brooks at gunpoint had felt chatty and mentioned the prince. He’d also called me a bitch. Not that I cared, but knowing Al Issa knew I was in the area and still gunning for him was a tad unsettling.

I was almost to the bedroom when Max stopped me. “You gotta minute?”

“Not tonight.”

“Can’t wait until tomorrow, Tatiana.”

Damn. Fatigue had crept into my bones. I didn’t want to have another standoff with Max. I was mentally beat, my guard was down, and I couldn’t find the strength to fortify my walls. I couldn’t deny his earlier words had cut. Both before we left and out front when he pointed his fucking gun at me.

“You gonna shoot me now?”

“You gonna kick me in my balls?” he returned.

With a sigh that sounded a lot like something a toddler would make, I turned to face him.

“I was outta line. I’m sorry.”

Well, what did I do with his apology? I wanted to be a bitch and tell him to shove it up his ass but again I was too tired to muster the energy.