AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“About time,” Addie states matter-of-factly, Ford leaning back and scowling at his sister.
“What are you doing here?”
“You think we were leaving, knowing you were on some kind of covert assignment? Things were a lot different when you were across the world.”
“It wasn’t exactly dangerous.”
“Tell that to Mom and Dad.”
At the mention, I try to step aside, but he keeps me close, tucking me to his side. Celia, Doug, and Carson crowd us.
“You will never understand the worry of a mother.” Celia cups his jaw, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
“You good?” Doug questions, looking at him intensely.
“Yeah, why don’t we take this inside?”
I glance around, noticing my parents hanging back. Dad has Mom folded closely to his side in the same position as me, his eyes shining. When they come to me, he straightens. Mom beams brightly.
Major has Jewls in his arms, same with Ace and Harley.
Talon stands to the side, looking exhausted. I duck out of Ford’s hold and go to him, throwing my arms around his shoulders
“Hollywood.” He responds by wrapping me in a tight embrace.
“I was worried,” I admit softly.
“You think a bunch of scumbag fuckers are gonna get the best of us? We had them beat before they hit the city limits. But warning, Whitman isn’t happy with you in my arms.”
A little giggle escapes, and I tilt to peer into his eyes, which are now dancing with amusement. “He will survive. I absolutely adore you, Talon Simms.”
His grin spreads wide and he lifts me, twirling in a circle. “Knew you loved me, Hollywood.”
“Want to put her down?” Ford grumbles.
“Nope.” Talon steps back, but strong arms circle my waist, yanking me away.
I flounder in the air until Ford easily swings me around and I’m wrapped around him. “Don’t encourage him.”
“He’s your best friend.”
He doesn’t respond, walking us into the house, his gaze over my shoulder. “What the hell?”
“Mama cooked all day.”
“Can we please eat now?” Jewls hollers.
“I’ll start reheating.” Mom rushes by, stopping to place her hand on Ford’s shoulder. “Glad today went well.”
“Me too, Cassie.”
“You boys want to brief us on the situation?” Major’s dad, Jim, asks.
“Only so much we can say. There will be a press conference soon.” Major recaps their day and their specific roles in the operation. When he’s done, Jewls looks at him cynically.
“Why do I feel like you just gave the watered-down version?”
He shrugs but I catch the glint in his eyes.
