Page 120 of Mistletoe Mischief

Anthony took his hand and pulled him in for a hard hug. “Always.”

“Someone get these assholes out of here before I lose my cookies?” Trip hollered, with Brodie and the rest of their friends shouting in agreement.

Wren appeared through the hallway again, jingling a set of keys. “Your wish is my command.” Wren unlocked Anthony and Pike’s cell. “It’s your lucky day, boys. You’ve been sprung.”

“What about us?” Brodie asked.

“Can I call my father again?” Trip bellowed.

“I’m sure it will be any minute now,” Wren said, smirking. Anthony and Pike picked their jackets up off the bench and followed her. Once they passed through the hall, she whispered, “You’ve got a ten-minute head start before I release the goon squad.”

“Thanks, Wren,” Anthony said.

Wren pointed at each of them in turn. “You can thank me by staying out of trouble. You’re lucky no one wanted to press charges.”

Pike’s laughter died when he saw Anthony’s expression fall and followed his line of sight to Delilah and Ryler standing next to Officer Wren’s desk, wearing identical frowns. Pike wanted to rush Ryler and wrap his arms around her, grateful that she’d shown up after watching him throw down in a brawl, but he couldn’t blow their ruse with anyone else.

“Hey, you don’t get to give me that look,” Pike said, pointing at Ryler. “You ain’t my girlfriend.”

“Thank God for that.” She laughed, but her eyes scanned his face, worry heavy in those beautiful brown orbs. “No man of mine would get into a fight wearing snow pants.” Ryler shot Delilah an apologetic smile. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Delilah took a step closer to Anthony and reached up, her hand hovering over his cheek; it was bruised and swollen. Pike could only imagine what a mess he looked like to Ryler.

“You look terrible,” Delilah said.

Anthony tried to smile, but it split his swollen lip open. “I know, but really, you should see the other guys.”

Delilah shook her head, but Pike saw her small smile, and relief flooded him. After all that Delilah and Anthony had been through, he’d hate to see this be a wrench between them.

“I have your truck outside,” Delilah said.

“You’re all good to go,” Wren said. “And I wouldn’t worry too much about those idiots changing their minds about pressing charges. I think they’re too ashamed that the two of you kicked all six of their asses.”

“You’re good people, Wren,” Anthony said with a wink. “Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

Wren’s cheeks flushed unexpectedly, and she scoffed. “Get them out of here.”

Anthony and Delilah walked ahead of them out of the police station, conversing quietly.

Pike took a step closer to Ryler, his hand brushing hers.

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly, and Pike could have sworn her voice trembled.

“Yeah, Kitten. Just a little banged up.”

Delilah called over her shoulder to Ryler, “Do you have Pike?”

“Yeah, I’ll take him home,” Ryler said, rolling her eyes. “He’s so tore back, I’m afraid he might pass out if I made him walk.”

Pike snorted, rounding to the passenger side of the rental car. “Don’t act like I’m a chore to be around, when we both know I’m a fucking delight.”

“You’re more like a de-blegh,” she said, making a gagging sound.

“That’s mature,” Pike deadpanned.

“Says the man who looks like he went five rounds with a badger.” Ryler waved at Delilah and Anthony before climbing into the driver’s side, hitting the unlock button.

Pike got in, watching her buckle up. “This is the second time you’ve rescued me after having a spot of bad luck.”