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14
Wit stoodin awe as he took in the room. A long table surrounded by the people he respected –– and adored –– most in the world. He’d cared deeply for his team but never quite realized, until now, just how much they cared for him as they sat and ate together, waiting to safely move him to another location. To protect him. To fight for him.
They were laughing, eating, enjoying each other’s company like they didn’t have a worry in the world –– which couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth at the moment. The world was hunting them –– all of them –– because they were all a means to get to Wit and twenty-five million dollars. This was what family did for one another and the reality of that brought Wit to near tears. These were his people and he was theirs. Family.
“You going to stand there and stare at us, or grab a plate?” Declan called out, turning everyone’s attention to Wit.
Wit was quickly aware that all eyes were on him and got himself together, smiled, and took a seat at the table next to Ayelish where she handed him a plate, and everyone started shifting bowls of food his way.
“Roll it up in one of those tortillas and make yourself a breakfast burrito for the road,” Dace told him. “You can take it to go. We need to hit the road soon to stay on schedule.”
“Right,” Wit said. “A burrito.”
The group began to disperse, taking their now empty plates, breakfast bowls, and platters to the kitchen behind them as they prepared to move on to the next stage of their day.
“We were planning your bachelor party,” Wylie added. “But bossy is right, we should get you back to Watermark. We can keep planning there.”
“Bachelor party?” Ayelish gave Wit a look of warning.
Dillon giggled. “Don’t worry. We’ll plan a nice and equally tantalizing bachelorette party for you, friend.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Ayelish turned her attention to Dillion and Sheridan, who were clearly in cahoots over the girls’ night out planning. “I mean, what are we talking about… drinking and strippers? Aren’t we sort of above all that?”
“Strippers?” Wit shot up. “I’m with Aye. Maybe we don’t worry about pre-weddin’ parties.”
“That’s so cliché,” C.T. chimed in. “What, you ladies going to hire a stripper dressed like a police officer? What a slap in the face.”
“You used to be a cop,” Sheridan pointed out. “You available? We pay well.”
“Yeah, in singles.” Dillon laughed. “It could be a good side hustle. Do a good job, and we’ll give you a good review to help your new side hustle a bit.”
“Not on your life,” C.T. said, seeming offended. “One, I have a girlfriend –– a serious one –– and I’d like to keep her. Two, the objectification is a little appalling.”
“Yeah, like men are just a piece of meat,” Mercy chimed in. “We’re more than six-pack abs and bulging biceps.”
Ryker nodded aggressively in agreement. “We’re more than a good body. We’re smart, thoughtful…”
“And so full of shit,” Sheridan said to her brother.
“Completely full of shit.” Dillon rolled her eyes in dramatic fashion. “You don’t wear those too-tight T-shirts because you’reso smart. You’re showing off those abs and biceps. So who’s objectifying who, huh?”
The room went silent as the men each shared a knowing look, daring each other to respond with the answer to shut the women down. Ronan took the bait.
“We can’t help it if the clothing industry isn’t designed for men of our stature,” he said.
“Bullshit,” Rip scolded. “I worked hard for this body. I’m just showing it off.”
Coy grinned. “Same. I size down for full effect.”
The women roared with laughter as the men ducked their heads, having just been exposed, and finished cleaning up breakfast.
“Let’s get these divas on the road,” Ayelish rallied, “before they break into tears and start talking about their feelings.”
“Agree.” Rip hit the buttons on the dishwasher to run it. “You guys roll as decoys. I’ll carry the package.”
Rip looked at Wit, who smiled wide.
“Did you just volunteer to be my handler?” Wit said with surprise as Rip tended not to be his biggest fan. “I’m the package, right?”
