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“Nothing right now.” It’s a half truth. If what I think is going on is true, some shit is wrong, but I don’t want to scare her. “I’m going to be out for most of the night. But the guards are here with you guys.”

“Carson, are we in danger?”

“No. You’re not in danger.” I kiss her forehead and drag my fingers down her arms to lace with hers.

“But you have to leave. Are you leaving town?”

I smile at the uncertainty in her voice. “No, Sunshine. I don’t want to be away from you either.”

“It’s just, you’re finally here, and⁠—”

“Whoa. Take a breath for me. I’m not going anywhere, Rina. I’m not leaving town without you. But there is business for me to see to tonight. I have to work, that’s all.”

“Okay.” She swallows and nods. This isn’t unusual for us. Back in the day, I had to leave for work often. “Just be careful, okay?”

“I’m always careful.” I’m never careful.

“Yeah, sure you are.” She rolls her eyes, and I tilt my head to the side.

“Did you just roll your eyes at me?”

“Yes. Because you’re a filthy liar.”

A slow smile spreads over my lips as I step into her and tilt her chin up so I can see her perfect face.

“I’m going to have to fuck the brat right out of you, aren’t I?”

“You can try,” she replies. “But apparently not tonight because you have to work.” She narrows her eyes. “If that’s code for another woman, I’ll⁠—”

“You’ll what, Sunshine?”

“I’ll fucking remove her arms and legs from her body.”

God, is it any wonder that I’m completely in love with this woman?

“It’s fucking adorable that you think that any woman in the universe could even think about catching my attention when I finally have you back. That I would even notice anyone else is laughable. You’re the beginning and the end. There is no one else for me, Rina. So no, work isn’t code for fucking another woman because you’re the only one I need. You’re not a want, you’re a fucking crave.”

“Wow. Okay.” She blinks rapidly. “I like that answer.”

“Good. Now, I wish I could stay.”

“Me, too, because I was going to invite you to sleep with me tonight.”

Mother. Fucker.

That piece of shit is going to suffer extra for keeping me out of Rina’s bed, with her pulled against me, sleeping in my arms for the first time in seven goddamn years.

“Rain check for tomorrow night?”

“Of course.”

“And every night after that.”

She laughs, but I’m not fucking kidding.

“You go work, I’m going to bed. But Carson?”

“What is it, baby?”