Skye’s past held many horrors, but Tia hoped Skye’s fears remained unfounded.
“How far along are you?”
“Eight weeks,” Skye said.
“You have to tell Ash.” She bounced with excitement, overjoyed for her friend.
“I will,” Skye said. “Once I know for certain.”
The door banged open, bringing their conversation to a halt. Tia stood and wiped her palms against the fabric of her pants. Her heart fluttered with anticipation and sent her pulse racing through her veins. Spike and Noodles entered first, girls draped over their arms. Bash entered next with a redhead locked to his lips. Ash bounded in behind them, pushing Bent through the door. Several other men followed, security if she guessed right, but where was Ryker?
Then, she saw his military haircut and prominent jaw. Strong and powerful, he stole her breath. He caught her staring, and his entire being lit up. Those sea-green eyes, which turned women stupid, arrowed straight for her heart with her heart-thudding, sexy-as-fuck,irresistible need to feel him skin to skin. She couldn’t believe there had once been a time when she fought the force of his charisma every day.
Ryker barreled through the men, intent on only one thing. He ran to her and scooped her up into his arms. When he lifted her off her feet, the entire room spun as he twirled them around. Then, her feet were on the ground again, and she met the full force of his gaze. He searched her face and lowered his eyes to the fullness of her lips, but instead of giving her the kiss she’d been yearning for, his brows drew together.
“I’m so sorry.” His gaze burned with regret, maybe even remorse, but a hunger lurked at the edges. “I wanted to be by your side.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “It could’ve been worse.”
“It’s not okay. You lost everything,” he said.
She ran her finger along his brow and dragged it down his temple to land on the gentle curve of his lips. “Not everything,” she admitted. “Sometimes, you have to let something go before you realize there’s something even greater waiting in the wings.”
“But your career? Your dreams? They’re all gone.”
“Not really,” she admitted, eager to tell him the news.
“If I hadn’t—”
“If it hadn’t have been for that kiss, a lot of things never would’ve happened.”
“Why aren’t you more upset?” His words whispered against her skin.
When he placed his forehead against hers, they reconnected through that fragile touch.
“I took a general discharge, and I’m on terminal leave. The Air Force is behind me.”
His breath hissed. “Tia…I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I already have another job.”
He pulled back, and his gaze darted between her eyes. “A job? How?”
Her smile could no longer be contained, and she pointed at Skye and Forest. “They offered me a job.”
They’d offered much more than that.
“Doing what?” But his eyes widened, and understanding dawned in his expression.
“A surgical black ops team,” she answered. “Basically, what we’ve been doing all along but not with the military.”
Forest approached and clapped Ryker on the back. “We’ve got a spot for you, if you want it.”
“Me?” His eyes widened, and his brows practically climbed up his forehead with surprise.
Forest nodded. “Tia’s agreed to recruit, train, and lead the members. We’d love to have you.”
“But what about Angel Fire?” Ryker asked.
