Page 41 of Bound

Blaze points at him. “This is why we keep the Scots. They make even cybercrime sound sexy with that damn accent of theirs.”

Bayne wants to hide his smile but can’t. “Enjoy me while you can.” Even though he’s more controlled, he’s desperate to be back in his bed with his own wife.

Erin looks over. “You’re leaving us?”

His humor fades at the sound of her voice. “Freya made the call,” he says. “My clan leaves in a few hours.”

The room tightens.

“I’ll leave a smaller crew through the night and two men for transport,” he continues. “But Red Shutters is compromised. I cannae keep my people stretched between Scotland and Iceland any longer.”

I do not like it. But I can’t argue. He’s stayed longer than he should have. Risked more than I wanted him to.

“Thank you,” I say.

Bayne’s brows rise. “Careful, Bachman. Gratitude makes you sound soft.”

Then he looks at Erin. “Keep him from locking you in a tower before I see you again.”

“Bayne,” I warn.

“Did you hear him?” Erin says to me. “Freya made the call. A woman.”

“Aye. She’s the head of our wee operation. And she’s damn good.” His mouth curves.

“Don’t encourage her, Scot,” I warn.

“And when the wedding happens, I expect proper notice. I’ll not be hauled over the coals because Kitt only has a week to choose an outfit when the two of you finally admit the obvious.”

The word hits the room.

Wedding.

Erin’s face colors.

Mine does not.

Isobel sinks into the walls.

Four carats. Princess cut. Platinum band.

Bachman’s finest.

Erin says quickly, “Marriage has not been discussed.”

Blaze lowers his phone. “Oh, I love this. Finally, something more interesting to talk about than Carlos.”

Erin looks at him.

“What?” He shrugs. “I mean, I’m not one to talk. I married my sister.”

“Stepsister,” I quickly correct.

He raises both hands. “Hey, family first. Am I right?”

Bayne breaks. “Yer disgusting. Will someone call that wife of his and get Cleopatra here as fast as possible, so we don’t have to listen to his gibberish any longer?”

“You’re leaving,” Erin reminds him gently. “You don’t have to put up with it anymore.”