“Logan’s sister brought them over this morning.”
“I was wondering who the muffin fairy was.”Ares took a coffee cup down and slid it across the counter.Xander handed Josie a plate.
“Now you know.”Xander’s acute gaze took in Josie and Ares moved closer to her, as if he could shield her from Xander’s observations.
“I like cranberry and white chocolate.It’s a classic combination.Do you have a favourite flavour, Xander?”
“Blueberry.”
“I’ll make some for you.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Ares clenched his jaw.The idea of Josie making anything for Xander made him want to punch something.
“Thanks Josie.I’m always happy to eat your food.”
Why did he feel this boiling rage?This absolute need to shield Josie?She wasn’t in any harm from Xander.But he couldn’t tone down the possessiveness that swarmed through him as he gazed at her.“Ever since you’ve said yes to my brother, he’s had a dopey grin on his face.It’s a nice change of pace.”
“From what?”Ares raised an eyebrow.
“From you annoying me.You have someone else to focus on.”Xander clapped him on the shoulder.“Some of us must go to work.I’ll see you later.Have a good one, Josie.”
Xander strode out of the kitchen, whistling.
“He’s such an asshole.”
“Because he offered me coffee and a muffin?”Josie popped a piece of muffin into her mouth and swallowed.
“Yes.Because he’s here.I don’t know.”Ares shoved his hands in his pockets.“Because I don’t want anyone else to see you.”
“You want me to hide inside?”
“Yes, I think that’s the only solution.”
She laughed and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.“I’m not doing that, just so you know.”
He captured her mouth again in a deep, long kiss that left him breathless.Whatever he had to do to make sure that he’d start his mornings kissing this woman, he’d do it.
Josie smiled.“I got to go.”
“I don’t like that plan.”
“Got a business to run.”
“I know but it can-” his phone interrupted that thought.He pressed a kiss to her lips, then strode down the hall to the dining room.
“What is it?”He growled at his team leader.
“Hey, boss.The asset wants to talk more about the conditions of the plan.”
“There is no talk.No negotiation.”
“I needed to let you know.She seems different.”
“Different how?”Ares ran his hand through his hair.He needed this loose end tied up tightly and to never see the light of day.
“Crying a lot.Not the cold bitch she was when we first kept watch.”
That wasn’t wistfulness in Mack’s tone?He was one hardened, tough sonofabitch and there was no way his team leader would be swayed by a few tears.
