“No problem,” Coal agrees. We may not be stealthy like our military brothers, but we excel at extracting information.
“Excellent. This is Nora. She’ll want a word with Eade. She’ll be going with you to the O’Sheas. I’ve spoken to Colm and cleared it with him and Adam. They’re expecting you.”
Coal nods, and not for the first time, I wonder if it bothers him that Cahir assumes command when he’s with us, but it doesn’t seem to.
“If you don’t need us, we’ll head out.” Coal says to Cahir.
“Thanks for the help, Coal. I appreciate you letting me take the lead,” Cahir says, pulling him into a quick hug and slapping his back.
“No problem. I know where my strengths lie and where they don’t. I want my brothers home safe and sound, which means deferring to those with more experience.”
That right there is what makes my brother an excellent President and why we’re happy to have him in charge.
“Still, I appreciate it,” Cahir says. “Can one of the brothers give Nora a ride? She came with the cleanup crew.”
“She can ride with me,” I say immediately.
Coal’s eyes widen slightly before a grin spreads over his face. Ramzi chuckles. Cahir shakes his head.
“Why would I want to ride with you?” Nora demands, hands on her hips.
“You don’t have to,” I admit. “You can ride in the vehicle, but it’s pretty full. I thought you’d like the freedom of a sled.”
I’m lying. She could go with Copper and Bee, but I want this woman wrapped around me.
She narrows her eyes as she assesses me. I assume my most innocent look, but I know she’s not fooled. So I’m surprised when she agrees.
“Okay. I’ll ride with you. But I warn you now; you mess around and you won’t like what I do.”
I raise my hands, palms facing out. “I promise you’ll be safe with me.”
And she will be. I’d never place her in jeopardy while she’s on the back of my bike.
Coal shakes his head, a smile twitching at his mouth. My brothers look up as he whistles and circles his hand, summoning them as he walks towards the destroyed gates.
“I’ll catch up with you both later so you can tell me where you need me next,” Nora says to Cahir and Ramzi.
Cahir nods. “You’ll be helping the Queens Wraiths for the next few months.”
Nora looks surprised but doesn’t argue. “Okay.”
“Cahir. Ramzi. Always good to see you,” I say before turning to Nora. I sweep my hand to the side and bow slightly. “After you, milady.”
Her lips quirk, but that’s all I get as she walks past me, head high. Cahir and Ramzi’s chuckles follow me as I take off after her.
We’re silent as we leave the property. Blue is waiting for us at the surveillance van.
He does a double-take when he sees Nora. “Good shot,” he says, extending his hand to her.
“Thanks.” She smiles. “You did pretty good yourself.”
I can’t help but feel a little disgruntled, unable to control the rumble that escapes me. Blue smirks, and I glare at him. Nora ignores us and greets Bee.
“Hey, Bee.”
“Nora.” Bee smiles as Copper helps her out of the van. She leans against him, and I wish that were Nora and me. I hope it will be one day. Maybe I’ll take a leaf out of Copper’s book and learn patience—something tells me Nora needs it.
“It’s great to have you join us. Coal says you’re catching a ride with Nickel. We’ll catch up once we’ve learned what we can from Eade. Is he the fucker you’ve been looking for?” Bee asks.
