Never in her life had she figured she’d fall for a guy who stole vehicles and played around on the dark web. She wasn’t sure even how to access the dark web and only knew about it from television shows. “Malloy likes you guys and will try to help. Speaking of law enforcement, Reese called when you were making coffee.”
“Oh?” Heath said, gently playing with her hair.
“Yeah. Told me good luck and to be careful. Also said you weren’t such a bad guy.” Reese had actually sounded like he grudgingly respected Heath. “Then he told me he was going on a monthlong vacation somewhere warm. I wished him well.” Reese and Loretta would’ve made a solid couple. Anya missed her sister, and especially missed what they could’ve had through life.
Heath’s thumb swept across her jaw in a comforting touch as if he knew her thoughts. “If we have a girl someday, we could name her after your sister.”
Anya jolted. Whoa. “We’re having babies now?”
“Not now.” He leaned over and kissed her head.
Her heart rolled over.
He gently slid the ring off her finger.
She frowned. “Wh—”
“Doin’ it right.” He took her mug and placed it on the table before sliding down onto one knee. “I’ll love you forever, Anya Best. Marry me, and I promise I’ll protect you with everything I have and everything I am. No matter what, I’m yours.”
Tears pricked her eyes. “Yes.”
His face lit up in a way she’d never seen as he slipped the ring onto her finger. It felt right this time.
“I love you, Heath.”
He leaned in and kissed her, going deep and taking his time. Finally, he let her breathe. “That’s all I ever wanted to hear.” He kissed the ring on her finger. “You and me, Anya. Always.”
EPILOGUE
Denver redirected the Internet search for any new facilities built in the Pacific Northwest, concentrating on power requirements. He didn’t know when, and he wasn’t sure how, but he was gonna find Madison and Cobb’s new facility. When he did, he had a decision to make. Could he take them out on his own?
Upstairs his brothers slept with women they’d found and decided to love.
That was a good thing.
Well, it might be disastrous. But he’d do everything within his power to make sure it wasn’t.
Forces were closing in on them, and he could feel his heart rate accelerate in response. It was time to take the fight to his enemies.
But what about his brothers?
He wiped a hand across his brow, not sure what to do. If he could take care of the problem on his own, he would. Yet he’d need a good plan. Even a great plan . . . and he wouldn’t make it back. That was okay. If his brothers lived . . . that was okay.
At the thought, he breathed himself into a relaxed state. The basement computer center suited him, with its quiet hum and low light.
For years he’d belonged in quiet and darkness, and he was fine with that. Once, and only once, had he found the chance to find anything else. He’d given that up—he’d given her up. Noni Sweeten was smart, kind, and way too gentle for a life with him. He’d spent three amazing months with her, and he didn’t regret a second.
Well, until he’d ended things and left her. That . . . he regretted. But he’d had no choice. No way could he allow Noni into his life and into the danger.
He didn’t blame Ryker and Heath for making a different choice.
But they had pain ahead, and if there was a way for him to shield them from that, he’d do it in an instant.
So he had to come up with a plan.
The door to the basement opened, and heavy footsteps pounded down the stairs. Two sets.
He quickly switched screens.
