Page 113 of Death Wish

Her cheeks flamed. “Jesse told you?”

“It was the first thing he said after giving me a report on your condition. Have you set a date yet?”

“Six months,” Jesse said. “Not one day longer. I’m dating Simone, then we’re taking off on a one-month honeymoon.”

Brent chuckled. “Sounds like Logan and Poppy.”

“Where do you think I got the idea? However, I’m not going to Europe.” He glanced at Simone. “How does a beach honeymoon sound to you?”

“Like heaven.”

“Good. It’s settled. I’ll take care of the arrangements when we return home.”

“Rest, Simone, Jesse.” Brent stepped to the doorway again. “I have your backs. You’re safe with me.” He left the room and closed the door.

Simone blinked. “He thinks I did a good job.”

“The boss doesn’t give idle compliments, Simone. In fact, they’re scarce. I’ve only received two since I started working for Fortress. I’ve received plenty of dressing downs. He’s not shy about doling out reprimands. When we get them, they’re well deserved. Brent doesn’t suffer fools. If we screw up, he lets us know.”

“Six months, huh?”

He squeezed her hand. “Too soon? I can wait a little longer. Probably.”

She laughed, wincing as her side stitches pulled. “Six months is fine. I always wanted to be a June bride.”

“Good. We’ll choose a firm date after we’re home. Just so you know, I’m beefing up the security at your place. We do our best not to bring our work home with us, Simone. Sometimes, despite all our precautions, things slip through the cracks and one of our target’s families or friends get a bead on our locations. You need to lock the doors and windows and activate the alarm even when you’re home.”

“No problem.”

“Always keep your phone with you and your watch, even inside the house, in case someone breaches your security.”

She nodded. All sensible orders that Jesse was couching as suggestions. “All right. What else?”

“Wear the tracker jewelry we provide for family members of operatives.”

Simone shrugged. She had worn the jewelry on this mission. Whatever helped Jesse keep his mind on his task. The last thing she wanted was her safety to be a distraction to him. “Fine.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Nope. If you need me to wear them when we’re at home, I will.”

He leaned over and kissed her. “Thanks.”

“One of Dr. Sorenson’s assistants said we could take a dog to the play area. Do you think now is a good time to go?”

“I’ll find out.” He left the room and returned minutes later. “We’re all set. Sorenson just sent the last client and her pet home. He says he has the perfect dog for you. Did you tell him we wanted a pet?”

“No, why?”

“The smile on his face when he told me about the dog. Sorenson has something up his sleeve.” He handed Simone the IV bag, slid his arms under Simone’s back and knees, and carried her down the hall to an exit.

Sawyer was waiting for them. “All set?”

“We’re ready.”

“How are you, Simone?”

“Curious about this dog. Have you seen it?”

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