“Looks like everyone has what they need,” Holmes says, gesturing at the empty highway. “Let’s wrap this up and head out.”
The dads join us. “We’re returning to Wimberley with Dexter and Edison for an emergency meeting,” Omar says, then turns to H and H. “Holmes, Honoré, you’ll return with the security detail and debrief with Rae, yes?”
Ah. Uncle Eddie isEdison. Hedy’s Edison. She mentioned him during our conversation.
Based on what she said—and the fact that even Omar’s calling him Edison—I’m guessing only the Wildlings are allowed to call him Eddie.
“Yes, sir,” the cousins respond, bringing my focus back to… whatever the hell you’d call all of this.
Omar thins his lips and sends them a curt nod. “Good work out here.”
“Thank you, sir,” Holmes says, and I can’t help but imagine Mav trying—and failing—to pull off his crisp salute.
Holmes and Honoré take off toward the helos and I pull Rami into a tight hug. “Thanks for coming after me and for murdering my kidnappers.”
“Anytime, boyfriend.” His soft kisses spin me up so quick I’m dizzy again. He grins, surreptitiously palming my crotch. “Mm. Serum boner for the win.”
“Shit, sorry,” I say, grinning. “Mind helping me take care of that when we get back to your place?”
“I’d love to.”
29
ANDERS AND OMAR
“I thinkit’s safe to say that anyone who goes after our kids, even through an acquaintance, is dead upon arrival, right?”
“Habibi, you know there are limits to that.”
“There damn well shouldn’t be,” Anders says, prowling the conference room like an irritated predator, frustrated by his inability to do the thing he was born to do.
“Look.” Everett, the silver fox, holds up his heavily tattooed hands. “I don’t wanna be the asshole here. I don’t wanna have to say it’s fine that this guy keeps getting away with murder and kidnapping. But there’s a lot of good we do, and for whatever reason, we can’t do it without Preston Whitaker.”
“Does our boss know that Preston called out the hit on his son?” Anders asks. “And if so, is his stupid rule still in effect?”
They all look at Hedy, who works closely with Seth Wakefield and his daughter. She nods. “I told Seth personally, and yes, the rule is still in effect.”
To her credit, she looks regretful of the fact.
Rafi, the sharpshooter, leans forward. “What is the deal with Preston and Wakefield?” His brows furrow. “Are they lovers?”
“Nobody’s ass is that good,” Hedy tosses back, grinning.
Omar and Anders look at each other, then back at Hedy.
“Current company excepting,” she allows. Turning serious, she continues, “I don’t know what Preston has on Seth, but if he thinks that taking Preston off the board is enough to destroy everything we’ve built together, then we can’t ignore it.”
“Exactly,” Anders says, throwing his hands up in frustration. “We can’t ignore it, especially now that he’s gone after someone in our inner circle.”
“I hear you, and I’ll bring it up with Seth,” Hedy says diplomatically. “But I would like to talk about Rami for a moment, if possible.”
Omar nods. “Go ahead.”
“He’s…impressive. Still has a ways to go on operational fitness, but everything you’ve shared indicates that we can start bringing him in, if he’s willing.”
Anders sits up, proud. Omar is more hesitant. The room gives him time to ponder.
“I just don’t want to lose my sweet, silly boy,” Omar admits after a few moments. “Yes, he’s an adult, but I don’t want this to change him.”
