Me: Love U <3
Jack: Love U 2
With all the traffic, it takes Lucky forever to drive me back to Georgetown.When we finally arrive at the safe house, I bounce up the stairs and into my husband’s open arms. I kiss him about a million times, lock my arms around him, and stare into his gorgeous eyes. “Did they drop the charges?”
“Nothing so spectacular. I just made bail, sweetheart.” His lids scrunch shut creating a little wrinkle between his brows.
My finger can’t help but smooth out the worry line. “Didn’t the FBI get my footage?”
“What footage?”
I open my phone and show him Philip’s photo, taken at the door to the embassy. “While the FBI was busy charging you, I asked Ambassador Tiankaifor a favor. That’s Philip. Now, the FBI will have to let you go.”
Sitting, Jack tugs me to his lap, grabs my phone, and no doubt commits the image to his keen memory. “You still could be making the whole thing up.”
“What? Are you kidding?” Euphoria takes a deep dive into the murky waters of depression.
Jack knows to hug me tightly before sharing more bad news. “The FBI thinks it was revenge, plain and simple. They believe last night you pointed out Yan, you handed me your gun, and I killed him.”
“No, no, no. I gave my gun to Philip in the tunnel. I told the FBI a million times.” I turn in his lap and cup his cheek, as if I could will everyone to see my point of view.
“I really don’t think the footage in the embassy is going to change their minds.”
My whole day wasted?“Couldn’t we give the same video to Andy, see if he can get it admitted as evidence? Maybe he could create some doubt if this goes to trial? How about seeing if facial recognition can find Philip’s last name?”
“I’ll ask Slate but don’t get your hopes up too much. It takes a lot of processing power and more than a few days to find a guy who might not want to be found.” Jack squeezes my waist, stands, and takes out the fixings for a sandwich.
I put the bread and butter on the shelf. “Isn’t there anything else I can do to help?
His smile gets wicked. “Apply for conjugal visits?”
“That issonot funny.” I smack his arm and in retaliation, he tickles my ribs.
“Yes it is, admit it.”
“No, hee-hee, no, stop. Okay, yes. Uncle!” I’m doubled over on the floor while he laughs and despite being down for the count, I still try to find a rib to tickle him back.
While I’m working on revenge, his mouth covers mine in a mind-blowing kiss.
My hands reach behind his broad shoulders, my legs wrap around his waist, and I hold on tight when he stands with me in his arms.
After placing me on the bed, he jumps in next to me. “If something goes wrong, you need to promise to move on.”
“Seriously? We are not going to discuss this. Everything’s going to turn out fine. You got Andy Quinn for a lawyer and Grayson’s money is behind you. The Feds have only circumstantial evidence.”
Jack collapses on his back and stares at the ceiling. “People have gone to prison on a whole lot less.”
I straddle him, my weight on my heels, and cup his cheeks to force them to witness my determination. “I will never, ever, leave you, no matter what.”
“What did I do to deserve you?” He flips so he’s on top, resting with elbows near my ears.
“Follow me to Utah? Prevent some psychopathic killer from marrying me off to an Arab?” I giggle when he smiles and kisses my belly.
He must’ve showered while waiting for me because the scent of his shampoo lingers on his damp hair and soft, newly-shaved cheeks nuzzle my neck. “I let a cult preacher marry us, got you pregnant, then left without knowing. I am so glad you took me back.”
“Ditto.”
After being married for months, I figure I know every flavor of my husband but not so. Today, he’s softer, gentler, and lets my lust simmer in a slow burn. I worry he’s savoring our time together, thinking it may come to an end.
