By the time I got to Archer, he had already subdued the bodyguard and was face-to-face with Atilio, both holding their guns pointed at one another.
“I’m a fucking fantastic shot,” Archer told him.
“Who the fuck are you?” Atilio spat out angrily. “You’re messing with the wrong man.”
I snuck up on the two of them. Archer knew I was there and held his stance. I put my gun to the back of Atilio’s head. “Drop the gun.”
That was six hours ago, and since then, Wire’s been sending photos to Vito’s email of his murdered son and ex-mistress. Vito responded immediately and put a hit out on Atilio. An anonymous email was sent from an untraceable IP address telling him where he can find the man who murdered his son. Archer and I hide in the shadows as we watch Vito’s men pull up and riddle Atilio’s office with bullets. After they drive away, Archer and I go inside to make sure that Maria’s threat is eliminated for good.
Archer and I get back into the car and go to meet the others at the private airport where a plane is waiting to take us home.
“Well, that was fun,” Archer says with a chuckle.
I laugh too. “Christ, brother, you sure know how to make an entrance.”
“Got my papers and got the hell out of there. When I called to tell you, Kailyn told me what you were up to. I came to join my brothers.” Archer lightly punches my shoulder with his fist.
“It’s great to have you home for good,” I say, glancing over at him as I drive. “Are you ready to take your place with Storm Enterprises? We need you, man.”
“Yeah.” He sighs. “I’m out of the military for good.”
I know it’s taken Archer a long time to come home. He joined the army to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. He believes in fighting for freedom, and he wants to make a difference.
“You belong here, Archer. Storm is what you’re looking for. Phoenix, Bull, Rebel, Wire, and me, we all made it work. We take on the hard tasks that nobody wants, and we help good people,” I tell him.
“Storm rights the wrongs, eh?”
“Yeah, brother, we do.” I can feel Archer’s eyes on me while I drive.
“I’m in. All in,” he says.
That brings a smile to my lips. The last brother is finally home.
Chapter 22
Wire, Wolfie, and Me
Remmi
From the moment Wire entered the house, Wolfie hasn’t left his master’s side. Jackson and Cindy stayed long enough to reassure themselves that their son is healthy and in one piece, but decided to make their way home, promising to come back very soon.
Maya, Sadie, and Kailyn were gone the minute their men came for them. Leaving Wire and me alone. He looks so tired.
“Honey, why don’t you go take a nap?” I caress his face, looking into his weary eyes. I’m still on his lap where he put me.
“I want you in my arms,” he insists, tightening his grip.
“I’ll come with you. We can lie down together,” I suggest. He lifts me in his arms and whistles for Wolfie to come. He places me gently on the bed, takes off his boots and clothes, and snuggles in beside me, spooning me with his arm around me. Wolfie settles on the floor next to Wire with a giant doggie yawn and puts his head down. I guess we’re all taking a nap.
“Archer can’t wait to meet you,” Wire mumbles, already closing his eyes.
“It’ll be nice to meet the man you’ve all talked so much about.”
“God, you feel good,” he says, burying his face in my neck. “I love you, Remmi.”
“Love you forever, honey,” I whisper. Wire’s breathing evens out, and I feel the rise and fall of his chest. He’s home and safe.
Wire is usually the first one up, but he’s still asleep, so I remain in bed with him because I can’t bear to move away. He looks so peaceful. I run my fingertips over his soft lips, then over his shoulder to the art displayed over his body. It’s beautiful, just like Wire.
