She faced Monty head-on, and Jethro had never been more impressed. His body heated and hisheart thumped.
“You’re lying,” Monty spat.
“No,” she said, her voice deadly soft. “I’m not. He was just upset enough about your heading across the country to come for me that he confessed all without being as careful as he used to be. Who knows? Maybe his guilt weighs heavily on him these days.”
Monty’s skin flushed an ugly red.
His lawyer read him correctly and intervened before he could threaten her. “It sounds like you recorded somebody without their knowledge—I could keep thatout of court.”
Scott chuckled. “I could definitely get the video admitted in court, citing the best interest of thechild. Try me.”
Yeah, their lawyer was a warrior. His Marine training came through in his clipped, confident words.Jethro nodded.
Gemma continued. “Monty, you dick, you need to understand that I am more than prepared to file a complaint against both of you to the medical board. I will also immediately press charges against both of you, in addition to screaming to the press as loudly as I can.” She turned toward the lawyer. “Tell your client he won’t win this. Iwon’t let him.”
“Well, then.” Jethro shoved back his chair and stood. “I guess she doesn’t really need our help, Scott.” He looked down at Monty and let the killer inside him show. “She kicked your ass, pal. Must suck to be you.” Then he moved aside and let Gemma lead themfrom the room.
She was fucking amazing.
Chapter Thirty-Five
The house was peaceful when they returned to find Dana and Wolfe watching television in the living room. Well, Wolfe watched the TV while Dana was sound asleep against his chest.
He grinned as they discarded their coats and boots. “Trudy and the injured Brits are asleep and all is well.” Then he smoothly stood and lifted Dana against his chest, cuddling her close. “See you tomorrow.” The woman snuggled into his neck and remained sleeping.
Man, Gemma wanted that. That trust and protection and love.
She mouthed a thank-you, patted Jethro’s arm, and went to check on a peacefully sleeping Trudy. The toddler had kicked off her covers, so Gemma gently lifted them back up, making sure Trudy’s blanket was close to her hand. Love and a fierce protectiveness washed through her as she brushed back her daughter’s hair.
As far as Gemma was concerned, she had one important job in this world that trumped all others. Keeping that girl safe. She leaned over and kissed her tiny forehead and then stood, stretching and backing out into the hallway.
The master bedroom door was open, so shepeeked inside.
Oliver was sprawled across the bed, his covers also kicked off.
Ian lay on an air mattress on the floor, one arm beneath his head, his muscled chest visible above the blanket. “Everything okay?” he whispered, looking up.
“No. You need a bed,” she whispered back. The guy had been blown up, forgoodness’ sake.
“Oliver has flashbacks and I’d hate to have to beat his ass in the middle of the night,” Ian said smoothly. “This is more comfortable than I sleep most nights, so don’t worry about it.”
Oliver rolled over and groaned. “Flashbacks? Youkick, dumbass.”
Gemma shut the door on their argument, nearly running into Jethro.
He shook his head. “They might be some of the deadliest operators in the world, but they still argue like ten-year-old twins.” He shrugged. “If it gets too bad, we’ll dump water on them. They hate that.”
Her mind was tired but her body wide awake.
“You were amazing earlier,” Jethro said, an indefinable light in his eyes.
Desire shot right to her core. “I had phenomenal backup,” she whispered, her throat going dry.
He moved, then. Quickly and gracefully, lifting her against him, his mouth taking hers.
She gasped in and then was taken over. Completely. His kiss was fierce and deep, and his hands settled at her butt. Somehow he navigated the hallway and managed to get them into his room, where he nudged the door closed quietly. Still holding her aloft with one hand, still destroying her mouth with his, he reached behind himself and engaged the lock.
The sound ripped through the silence.
