Page 77 of Spies Like Us

“Well, that’s not going to go well. Come on, let’s save the idiot from my mother.” I grab Max by the hand and follow after my mother, who seems to be on a mission. We don’t need to let family drama ruin a fundraiser for an important cause.

The night is long but successful, and my mother raises a nice chunk of change for her cause.

Max tells me he has a room at the Plaza too, and he invites me to come back for a drink. We share a car back to the hotel, leaving our parents to make their way back to their own homes. Mom gave me a suggestive wink that she didn’t try to hide, and I heard Max smother a chuckle.

Katie and I part ways with a big hug. “Girl, I completely get it now,” she whispers before we pull away. “If your whole team is like him, no wonder you’re done being a ghost.”

Max leads me back to his room. I remove my jewelry and makeup, ready for a repeat of the other night, but instead, he unzips me, leaving me in just my underwear, before helping me into his huge bed. He undresses, leaving on his boxers, and climbs in behind me, pulling me into his arms. He releases a huge sigh as his body relaxes once I’m tucked neatly into his side. “I just want to hold you. I feel like we’ve done this backwards, and we have some catching up to do.”

I smile and wiggle my ass back into him. I am all for that, but I can’t help teasing him a little.

He groans, and his hand grips my hip. “Stay still, wicked wench. I have time in the morning to give you what you need, now sleep. Who knows what the next few days are going to bring us.”

I groan as he nuzzles my hair out of the way and runs his tongue over the mark he left on my neck, matching the one Miller left. Thank fuck for good makeup, or Princess Kensington would have looked like a cheap, two-dollar hooker in the press—not that they won’t speculate about my and Max’s relationship and decide we are having a torrid affair.

He places a couple of kisses on my neck, stroking his hand over my hair in a soothing manner, and I feel my eyes start to get heavy as I become putty in his hands. God, the things this man can do to me are nothing short of amazing. With a smile of genuine happiness, I feel myself drift off to sleep.

Chapter 35

Max did not deny me when we woke up the following day. We spent a leisurely morning exploring each other’s bodies and getting to know one another better while enjoying breakfast.

“What about hobbies? Do you have any?” he asks over scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.

“Does target shooting count?” I ask him, having to think really hard about what I enjoy.

He chuckles. “No, it doesn’t.”

“To be honest, I’ve never really had the time to develop any. I like reading and watching movies when I’m not on assignment, but most of the time, I’m carefully cultivating my Princess Kensington cover, so I don’t have time for hobbies.”

He takes a sip of his coffee, keeping his eyes on mine. “Well, if you decide to join our team, we’ll have to work on rectifying that.”

I contemplate what he just said, and what he seems to be offering. “And is that what you want? Is that what all of you want?” I inquire carefully, and he is very quick to nod. I can tell that he wants to get up and take me into his arms, but he’s being patient, not wanting to scare me off.

“Yes, Kenzie. We would very much like it if you would join our team. I know things are going to be different than what you’re used to, and it might take a while to work out all the kinks, but the six of us are in agreement. We want you in every capacity, as a valuable member of our team and family.”

“And would I live with you or continue living in my parents’ home?” I ask, wanting to know exactly where we stand.

His eyebrows jump in surprise at the question, but he answers without hesitation. “There is a room with your name on it, but we didn’t want you to think we were rushing you or anything.”

I nod, appreciating their restraint. “I think we should test the waters and give this a trial run, with full involvement. There’s no point if we discover we all hate living with each other.” I am secretly freaking thrilled about the prospect of moving into their house, but I’m trying to be cool.

He smiles widely and nods. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Our house is finished but mostly unfurnished. You’ll be able to have a say in how we decorate it.” I wiggle in my chair with excitement, but his frown stops me. “You know, after last night, the tabloids are going to insinuate we’re a couple,” he says slowly, and I nod, shrugging.

“Yeah, it’s par for the course for me,” I say, unperturbed. I’m regularly linked to a man if all I do is say hello to them.

“I’d like it, and the guys have agreed to us making it look like we’re more serious as opposed to just a fling. Then it won’t matter if you’re seen in public with any of us.”

“Unless I’m caught kissing your brother or one of your friends. The headlines would be scandalous,” I joke, and he rolls his eyes. “No, I think that would be a good idea.”

He finally stands and comes around to my side of the table, picking me up and taking my seat before dragging me into his lap. I snuggle into his arms and rest my head on his chest.

“This is nice,” I tell him as he presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Last night was my first sleepover,” I admit to him.

“Really?” He sounds surprised, and I shrug.

“Yeah. I’ve never been in a real relationship, ever, and staying the night was never on the cards once I killed someone,” I tease.

“Well, this will be every morning once we finish this mission,” he assures me, giving me a tight squeeze.

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