“You know we can’t actually use it, right?”
“We can’t, no. But what Icando is send an anonymous email to the FBI.”
I knew I kept this guy around for a reason. “Shit. Looks like I’m gonna owe you now, huh?”
“Meh. We’ll see. Have a good one, man.”
“Yeah, you too. Thanks. Take care.”
After Dylan hangs up, Noia moves around the island to Sasha’s other side and wraps an arm around her. “Come on, let’s go sit down on the couch. Jax, get her some water, please.”
I move over to the sink, the sound of running water the only thing grounding me as I fill a glass. Leaning a hip against the counter, I watch Sasha huddled on the sofa with Noia who’s murmuring softly.
It’s wild to think about the road that led us here—from a casual hookup at an anniversary party, to becoming FWB and awkward roommates, to ‘bouncing around’ an inflatable castle, and watching a tactical takedown on a laptop.
A few weeks ago, Dylan had cracked a joke about me being “down bad” for my next-door neighbor—the same woman I couldn’t get outta my head after a crazy one night stand. I’d brushed it off, thinking it was just lust mixed with a heavy dose of protective instinct.
But as I watch her take in a shaky breath, the heavy, undeniable truth settles deep in my chest. I’m not just down bad for Sasha—I’m completely, totally, hopelessly in love with her.
The realization doesn’t scare me like I thought it would. Instead, it anchors me. It clarifies everything: The desperate way I always want to be near her. The way my world revolves around her smile and how every waking moment I’m not with her, all I can do is wish I was buried deep inside her.
I move into the living room to crouch in front of her, offering the glass. “Here you go, sweet cheeks.”
Sasha takes it with trembling fingers, eyes latching onto mine. “Thanks.”
I glance up at Noia. Giving me a small smile, she gets upfrom the couch and I take her place. “We’re going back to bed. Shout if you need anything.”
“We’re good,” I say, watching as she and Ryder head back upstairs, his hand gently grasping the back of her neck.
“You okay?” I ask softly once they’re gone.
Her expression firms and she nods, that stubborn chin of hers lifting just a fraction as she sets the glass of water on the coffee table. “I’m just tired.”
“Come on,” I murmur as I stand. Pulling her into my arms we head down the hall to the guest room.
We step inside, and I close the door behind us with a soft click as Sasha strips off her leggings and gets back into bed.
Taking off my sweats, I slide into bed beside her and turn onto my side to face her.
She shifts to mirror my position, leaving only inches between us, tucking a hand under her cheek. Her eyes, huge pools of shimmering green in the faint moonlight filtering through the window, reflect not only her tears, but what looks like all the emotions I’m feeling—relief, exhaustion, and lingering sparks of fear.
Needing to touch her, so I can prove to myself she’s really okay, I brush a stray lock of red hair behind her ear. “Sasha, I?—”
My words die in my throat as her free hand moves to cup my face. Thumb brushing across my bottom lip, she leans in. When her mouth takes mine, the tender kiss sends sparks skittering along my spine.
The salty taste of her tears mingles with the sweet scent of her skin, and when she pulls away, her eyes are shining with so much emotion, it makes my heart stutter.
“I need to tell you something and you can’t freak out, okay?” she whispers, thumb stroking my cheek.
Pulse racing, I swallow hard. “Okay.”
“I love you.”
My world stops. Everything—the chaos, the worry, the fear—all of it fades away until there’s nothing but Sasha’s eyes focused on mine as those three words echo in my head.
For a heartbeat, I can’t speak. Can’t breathe. I can’t do anything but stare at her beautiful face as a brilliant warmth spreads throughout my chest.
“Say something,” she pleads, her voice trembling slightly.
