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“If your sister is marrying an idiot and bringing him into your family, why have anything to do with it?”

“Because it’s family. You have to put up with all kinds of shit from blood relatives.”

“You don’t. You can pick your family.”

“Really? It’s as easy as that?”

“Yes. I don’t see my biological family, but I don’t need to. My real family is the team I’m a part of.”

“Do you consider me your family?”

“Of course.” There was no hesitation in his voice.

“Like a... sister?”

He grunted a laugh. “I definitely don’t see you like a sister.”

Warmth bloomed through Daisy’s chest. She’d never seen Rexx as the brotherly type. He was more the type you jumped on and made out with after a workout session. Oh, crap. That was still hanging over her head. What was she going to do? She couldn’t go there. They worked well together, just as they were. There was no way she’d risk what she had with him for a mind-blowing screw. And the sex with Rexx would be amazing. She just knew it would be.

Focus. Don’t think about hot sex with Rexx. “I bet Leticia will want me to bring a plus one to this stupid wedding.”

“Like a date?”

“Exactly like a date. Although she never actually asked if I was dating anyone. We talked about me for two seconds then she focused on her wedding.” Daisy nudged Rexx with her elbow. “Hey, you could be my date. Would you like to see an Earth wedding?”

“I’d be honored.”

She shook her head. “I was joking. Weddings are a boring nightmare. And this one will be crazy over the top, full of society friends, air kissing, and too much money spent on food and drink.”

“I’d be happy to accompany you. And I like food, even if it is over-priced. And if there’s a jerk at the wedding, you’ll need protecting from him.”

“I definitely need protecting from Johnny.”

Rexx inhaled sharply. “Johnny?”

“It’s a long story when it comes to him. Don’t worry. I’d never inflict a wedding on you.”

“I’d do it if it made you happy.”

Her heart warmed, and she smiled. Rexx always had her back. Even after she’d given a black eye, he didn’t flinch. He was there for her whenever she needed him.

“Less tedious wedding talk. Let’s focus on something we both enjoy. We have an emet to catch.”

***

There was something Daisy wasn’t telling him. Rexx could sense it. And that story she’d told him about her sister’s wedding was missing information. Why had her forehead wrinkled when she mentioned this Johnny guy? What was the long story?

He wanted to know more but wouldn’t push, despite his burning curiosity.

They arrived in the equipment room to grab their gear for the mission to secure this elusive emet Daisy was so excited about. Rexx always had his capture and retrieval kit ready to go. It had food and water supplies, a medical kit, scanners, animal traps and bait, and weapons.

He tugged on his specially designed all-terrain uniform. It covered almost every inch of his body, leaving only part of his face visible. Did it make him look like an intimidating son of a bitch? Yeah, and that was partly why he wore it, but it also shielded his skin. Ever since he’d escaped that fucked up prison lab, his skin had been more sensitive. Sometimes, a single touch left him dizzy.

Daisy’s head appeared around the side of the door. “You ready to go? We land in five minutes.”

“All set.” He collected his kit, strapped on his gun belt, and followed Daisy to the exit ramp that would take them to Asiram.

Daisy set down her kitbag then picked it up and checked the contents. She placed it back on the floor and paced from side to side.