Page 75 of Not Ready

Holt tilts his head, watching me carefully.

“He’s not coming back tonight,” I whisper, trying to keep from bursting into tears. “I don’t know how I know, but I can feel it.”

Holt nods, like he already knew that. “There was no chatter about the mission going down last night.” We’re sitting in a curved booth, and he stretches an arm out, pulling me close to his chest. “You know he’s coming back soon. Please don’t cry.”

My head shakes against his T-shirt. One night feels like an eternity when we were already apart all day yesterday. Two nights is nothing in the grand scheme of things. I’m acting like a spoiled omega.

“He’s going to want to talk to you,” Holt says, tipping my chin up to face him. “You need to convince him that you’ll be fine with me and Mercy. If he’s worried about you, he can make mistakes. Do you know what I’m saying?” His scratchy fingers brush against my cheek as I nod.

“Yeah. Your jobs are dangerous. He needs to be focused, or he could get hurt,” I say, trying to keep my voice low enough that the phone won’t pick it up.

“No, well, yes. He’s pretty safe on this one, but if he’s not focused, he could miss something that could get someone else hurt.” His bluish-gray eyes stare into mine, despite the awkward angle. “That would be harder on him than him getting himself hurt.”

My teeth dig into my lower lip as he brings his other hand over to palm my stomach.

Bishop is loyal and honorable. It’s easy to understand what Holt is saying. He would be devastated to know he got someone injured because he was distracted.

“Yes, she’s right here and quite ready to speak to you,” Mercy says, patting my thigh.

I grab the phone, pulling it to my ear. “Hey, how are you?”

Bishop grunts. “Missing you like crazy. How’s Aurora?”

My hand falls to run over my stomach. Holt’s beachy scent is everywhere, and it does help settle some of my anxiety. “She’s good. She’ll probably be up anytime, considering we just got done eating.”

“Did you have fun with Mercy last night?” he asks in a sultry tone that makes my entire body pulse with heat.

My line of sight moves to Mercy, and he grins. “I did, but?—”

“Nah, you don’t need to explain. I told you both, and I meant it. I’m happy he’s there to look after you while I can’t be.”

“Do you know how much longer it’ll be?” I ask.

“We’re giving it one more night. It’s difficult to balance, because we know who the big players are. They’re the primary targets, but if they don’t show themselves soon, then we can’t wait forever. It gives too many of the mid-level guys the chance to escape. Sorry, I know that probably doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.”

“No, it does. I get it. So, you’ll come back tomorrow?”

“That’s my plan.”

“Okay, please be safe and actually get some sleep before driving back. Mercy and Holt are taking good care of me.”

“Really? Holt too?” Bishop chuckles.

“Not like that, but yeah. He’s giving me a cuddle as we speak.”

“Damn.” He laughs. “Good. Be safe getting back home. I love you, gorgeous.”

“I love you. I’m good. Please focus on work and get back to me in one piece.”

We hang around the restaurant long enough for me to use the restroom twice. It’s a curse. I’m so thirsty all the time, but every drink feels like it sends me to the bathroom two or three times. I’m honestly in awe of the women who manage pregnancies with multiples. They’re the hardcore badasses of the procreation world.

I’m not the only one confused when Holt tosses Mercy his truck keys.

“I’m going to camp out with Vale. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” Holt shrugs and comes around to help lift me into the truck. I turn to tell him thank you and end up kissing his cheek. He was apparently going to help me into my seat belt, which put his face right next to mine.

“Sorry, thanks,” I say as my cheeks heat.

His bluish-gray eyes sparkle as he clips it in. “For you, sweetheart, I’ll take kisses as payment anytime.”

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