Page 141 of No Fear

“So, do you really think Reborn is done?” He looked at Sam. He wanted to believe it, but that snake had a way of reinventing itself.

“Yes. Lazir and Khalini are locked up. The brothers dead. There’s no leader, no money. Maybe someone tries to resurrect it, but I don’t see how they would be coming after you guys personally anymore. It’s over.”

Sam held up his bottle, and they all clinked.

“Tracer really came through for us.”

“Mmm.” Sam glanced at Dex. Kelly had made that call without consulting him. There really hadn’t been another option. Dex stayed quiet. Wise man. Donnie hid a grin.

“Does that mean you and Kelly will set a date now? She must be feeling better about everything,” Donnie asked Dex, changing the subject.

“She is. I’m not sure even I realized just how much of a weight this had been for her. But she’s good, and yes, we are going to look at setting a date.”

“Congrats, man. Can’t wait. I also want to thank you both for everything over the past few weeks. I know I’ve thanked everyone already, but I was at a low point for while there and a real ass. You two could have kicked me off the team and I wouldn’t have blamed you.”

“This is what we do, brother,” Dex said. “Get each other through the rough times. We’ve all had them.”

“But you were a moody fucker,” Sam added dryly, “so I am thankful you got your sight back in full as I’m not sure I could have tolerated you under my feet at the farm every day doing paperwork.”

No Kidding. The thought was enough to give him hives.

“So, what’s next?” Donnie asked. “Is anything brewing?”

“There’s always something brewing, but you got a few days. So go make the most of them.” Sam nodded toward the beach and Donnie smiled seeing Charlie was walking in their direction.

Donnie grinned. “Yes, boss.”

***

DEX AND KELLY’S HOUSE was beautiful. This was her first of many barbecues, so she’d been told. Charlie had been in Coronado for two weeks now and she could not be happier. While it might have been more appropriate to look for a place of her own, she had moved in with Donnie. She wanted to spend every moment they could together, so it seemed pointless living apart. The ladies had welcomed her back excitedly and were already planning “Maddie girl trips” as they called them. Charlie had also now met the rest of Onyx. Man, there was a lot of good looking, fit guys. Not that she was eyeing up anyone else, but damn it was a nice view.

Her smile widened as Donnie walked toward her.

“Hey, beautiful. Are you doing, OK?” He put an arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head. His affection was addictive.

“I’ve never been happier,” she said honestly. “Can we walk a minute?”

“Of course.”

She slipped her hand in his and they walked down to the water’s edge. “It really is beautiful here. This house is amazing, and so close to Steve and Diane.”

“That used to be Kelly’s home. Where she grew up. When she moved in with Dex, she couldn’t sell it to strangers. Then Steve and Diane needed a place. They’re family, so she let them move in.”

“Oh. That’s so lovely. These people. Your other family. You’re so lucky to have them.”

“Babe. You have them too now. You are a part of this family. It’s our family.”

She smiled at him. “I guess I’m still getting used to that.”

“Get used to it.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I love you, and so does everyone here. You can call on any one of these people at any time, and they would drop everything to help.”

It was a little overwhelming. She had never had this. Been a part of something like this.

“I have a surprise for you.” She stopped walking and turned to face him.

“Mmm. Please tell me you’re naked under that dress.” He went to grab her ass, and she swatted his hand away.

“That is not it. Behave.”