“Saw you had a long night. Figured you could use some pampering.” She leans forward, leaving her back exposed so that I can join her in the tub.
“How’d I look on TV?” I ask as I shed my jeans and step into the water with her.
“Like you’d been to war.” She twists slightly as I sit behind her.
He runs her hand through my hair and nods.
“I thought your edges looked singed. You didn’t by chance happen to be across the way with Aero’s crew tonight?” I close my eyes and let myself sink into the water as far as I can.
“We saw the fucking explosion and had to go help,” I grumble with my eyes closed.
Her naked back leans into my chest, and I sigh.
“Thank you,” I say as I start to drift off.
“For caring that my man almost blew up tonight, and I didn’t even get a phone call. Sure. It was the least I could do to come check that my newly claimed status was still accurate.” Oh shit balls.
“Should I be apologizing?” I crack open one eyeball to make sure she doesn’t have a gun or knife on me.
“That’s a good start.” I sit up and wrap my arms around her.
“I’m sorry I worried you. Next time my ass almost blows up, I’ll make sure Twister calls you.” She slaps water at my face, and I tickle her right where I know she hates it.
“STOP! I’ll fucking knee you, I swear.” I kiss her and drag her down into the water with me.
“I’ve loved you for longer than I remember, Haven.” She shuts up and stops moving.
“Prove it. Stay alive.” I nod and kiss her head.
“Yes, ma’am.”
11
HAVEN
Isneak downstairs to start coffee and breakfast, leaving Joel upstairs fast asleep in bed. I shrugged into a button-down shirt to cook in and play music softly from my phone as I hum so I don’t wake him.
I’m flipping bacon when I hear the doorknob jiggles on the front door.
Who the hell is trying to get inside this house at six in the morning?
I tiptoe to my purse and take out my gun as the front door opens.
“Who the fuck are you?” I point the gun at the man juggling three grocery bags, a coffee carrier in between his teeth so he can’t actually answer me, and a look of complete bewilderment.
A loud bang shakes the ceiling, followed by cursing and yelling.
“HAVEN!” I roll my eyes, knowing his dumb ass just fell out of the bed in a panic to get to me.
It’s sweet, and I wish I had it on camera to watch later.
“MMMhhmmmHH,” I raise an eyebrow at the man in a Royal Bastard cut.
I lower my weapon as Joel comes rushing down the stairs.
“Fuck, don’t shoot my VP.” I place my gun on the counter and glance at the stove.
“Great, the bacon burned.” As soon as I say the words, the fire alarm goes off.
