I kiss his chin, a smile tugging at my lips. “Just going out back to let June have a little play time.”
He glances out the glass door, scanning the property.
“It’s Eden, sweetheart,” I murmur against his chest. “It’s fine.”
He squeezes me. “Make it fast.”
“I will,” I straighten his shirt, giving him a flirty smile. “Now get back to your meeting.”
His eyes are hot on me—practically a physical touch—as I push out the back door of the Agile Security & Rescue Headquarters.
When I kick off my shoes, I wiggle my toes in the cool grass.
“Break,” I tell June and she bounds across the rear lawn, crouching playfully.
“I’m coming.” I laugh at her eager expression, tossing the ball for her.
The air is warm with soft sunshine. The scent of grass and nearby trees a reminder of how good freedom feels.
How good life is.
I’m sure Ryker’s watching from inside. They’re always watching.
If it’s not him, it’s Colt or Thane. Or Ranger or Jake. My own personal security squad. Even though the threat is done.
For me at least.
Now to stop the international backers of the hunting and kidnapping. To find the other hosts and hunting arenas. The Hunt Club as the team calls it.
A little prickle returning to my skin, I turn and scan the tinted windows on the sleek building.
I even check the window by my desk—the one they gave me to satisfy Ryker’s need to keep me close.
This time the windows are empty.Hm. Usually I can spot shadows the shape of the oversized shoulders bleeding through.
Is this a new level of freedom unlocked?
No. No way. Ryker’s probably watching me on a camera. There are plenty of them all around the building.
“Come here, girl.” I snap my fingers and June bounds over with her ball hanging out one side of her mouth, her tongue lolling happily out the other side.
I toss the ball again, and meander along the edge of the field where a pasture meets the manicured lawn.
Some purple flowers draw my eyes. Swaying peacefully in the breeze their little blooms are bright flecks against the green.
I walk further, loving the grass beneath my bare feet.
June trots over as I crouch down to pick a handful of the flowers. With a soft woof, she drops the ball.
“Okay, okay. I’m falling down on my job.”
When I lob it over my shoulder, she takes off.
I move a little and reach for some more wildflowers. June’s back already. The ball drops next to my knee where it’s pressed in the grass.
No woof this time. She always woofs. When I look at her, she’s not looking at me.
A growl rumbles through her.
