Hawk comes to a stop behind the couch, and he runs his hand down the back of my head, resting it on my shoulder. From what I can pick out of the bond, he’s worried about me, but he’s also trying to block me from picking up on that concern. Outsideof that, the only thing that spills through is a whole lot of hate directed at Grigoryan and my father.
“Hey, are you okay?” Magnum asks, kissing my temple.
“I’m good. Honestly, I’m not shocked.” I pat his thigh to let him know I appreciate him checking in on me, but I’m focused on Moretti. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to cut you off.”
“If your father is involved, we’ll make him pay too,” my husband says, and I can feel the sincerity in his words. “As I was saying, a lot of what was on the flash drive will take time to sift through, but it contained log-in and password information for several sites on the dark web. That was the smoking gun. You did well, Magnum.”
Mag chuckles. “Wish I could have made it out without losing a chunk of my shoulder, but if it’ll bring that motherfucker down, I’ll take it.”
“And the other families know?” I ask. “Well, outside of mine.”
“They do,” Moretti agrees, nodding. “We’ll convene within the next few days to set a plan.”
Something about the way he says it makes me believe there might be more to the story than he’s letting on, but I don’t interrupt him as he continues, going on to explain that Grigoryan attacked one of his bars last night. He finally wraps up the conversation with details about our claiming ceremony.
Despite what I said to Moretti, I might have a twinge of anxiety about the ceremony. Maybe I should call around and see if I could find a waxing appointment.
No, I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to do those a couple of days in advance to let your skin rest afterward. I’m going to need to shave my legs, at the very least.
Hawk pulls my hair back from my face on the opposite side from where I lean against Magnum. He gets close, kissing my cheek and murmuring, “Magnum and I will be there to watch thecrowd. You don’t have to worry. We won’t let anything happen to you.”
I smile in spite of the anxiety he must feel spilling through the bond. I have a killer crush on Hawk, which is a good thing considering we’re bonded forlife. He’s so attuned to my moods, but he was slightly off this time.
I have no doubt they’ll protect me. I’m kinda just now realizing I have to fuck my husband in front of an audienceandlook sexy while doing it. I can totally do the first part, but the second might be a small problem.
Here’s hoping Moretti will cover for my novice abilities.
“You’re beautiful,” Magnum says, swallowing thickly as I come into the pack bedroom from the bathroom.
He looks delicious too.
I’m not sure where he got the suit, but it fits him like it was made for him.
“Damn, princess. I’m jealous as hell that Moretti gets to have you on his arm tonight,” he says, smiling almost dangerously.
“He won’t just have me on his arm.” My teeth dig into my lower lip as I study his face.
“That was a good one.” He chuckles.
“Are you sure you’re okay with seeing that? You can skip the ceremony and stay home and rest.”
“Nah, I wanna be there to look out for you, and I figure if I’m patient, you’ll give me a sponge bath.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I can’t help but smile.
He always lightens the mood, and I wish we had a bond so I could send him my emotions.
I settle for stretching up and kissing his cheek. “I can’t thank you enough for coming to look for me and sticking around after. I know it’s been nothing like you expected. Once you’re feeling better, I’m going to do my best to blow your mind.”
“You already do,” he says, reaching into his pants pocket and pulling out a small ring box. “I’m not gonna lie, this is from Moretti. He told me to pass it off like it was mine, but that’s not my style.”
“I really don’t need lavish gifts,” I tell him, taking the box. “I’d much rather have cuddles and spend time together.”
“I can do cheesy horror movie snuggle dates,” Magnum says, smirking. “But I’m going to buy you shit too.”
My stomach flutters as his eyes twinkle.
He hasn’t shaved the last few days, and he’s sporting a thick stubble that really works on him.
“Go on, Moretti wants you in those.” He nods to the gift.
