Page 33

Christ.

I want to.

The knock comes again.

"Vex. Grim sent me."

Striker.

Of fucking course.

I rest my forehead against hers.

Her lips are swollen. Freckles stand out against flushed cheeks, and she's still got both fists wrapped in my shirt.

"I'm going to kill him."

Her mouth twitches.

"I'm considering helping."

"Stay inside."

"Where would I go?"

I steal one more kiss before forcing myself to step away.

I open the door.

Striker stands on my porch with a duffel over one shoulder and the kind of grin that makes me consider leaving him outside.

He looks at me.

Looks at my mouth.

His grin gets wider.

"Well, fuck me. Grim said you were busy."

"Hand over the bag."

"Didn't say what kind of busy."

"Striker."

"Just admiring your dedication to the job, brother."

He steps inside.

Kierra clears her throat.

I turn.

She's standing near the kitchen now, straightening her blouse. Her cheeks are still pink.

Striker spots her.

"Well, hello, Counselor."