Page 19 of Fugitive Flirtation

As we sit here, surrounded by the familiar faces of my Tornadoes brothers, I feel a sense of belonging that I had searched for in vain when I was police.

Later that night, as we lie in bed, Alicia curled up against my side, I marvel at how far we’ve come. From that first tense encounter in her rental, to the wild chase through the streets that had my heart racing, to the moment I realized I was falling for this strong, resilient woman—it’s been quite a journey. But looking at her now, her face peaceful in sleep, I know I wouldn’t change a single moment of it. This is where we’re meant to be, together, building a life and a future with the Iron Tornadoes—my brothers—standing by our side.

I marvel at how quickly she’s wormed her way into my heart. Alicia found a way of surprising me, of challenging my preconceptions and pushing me to see the world in a different light. Not rose-tinted glasses, but thanks to her, I’m starting to see colors instead of black and white.

14

Istride into Alicia’s new office, feeling the familiar weight of my sidearm resting against my hip. Old habits die hard, even after leaving the force. Bounty hunting may not come with a badge, but it sure as hell requires the same level of vigilance.

The scent of fresh paint and new furniture fills my nostrils. The space is bright and airy, sunlight streaming through the large windows. My gaze sweeps over the modern decor, a far cry from the offices we’re used to at the Iron Tornadoes’ offices. Ice and Whizz went for the série noire decoration handbook. A wry smile tugs at the corner of my mouth as I take in the modern minimalist furnishings Alicia picked. Not exactly the kind of place you’d expect to find a wanted fugitive hiding out. But then again, Alicia’s always been one to keep us on our toes.

After we selected this place together, she refused to let me come and help her set it up. She wanted to surprise me.

Alicia stands in the center of the room, radiant in a crisp white blouse and tailored slacks. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and her eyes sparkle with excitement. She catches my eye and grins, her smile lighting up her face.

“Well, look at you,” I tease, crossing the room to pull her into a tight embrace. “All fancy and official.”

She laughs, the sound warm and familiar, as she returns my hug. “Like it? I wanted something fresh and modern.”

“It’s perfect,” I assure her, planting a quick kiss on her forehead. “Just like you.”

The door swings open, and the rest of the crew piles in, carrying boxes and bags filled with celebratory treats and decorations. Blaze and Glory whistles appreciatively as they survey the space.

“Damn, darlin’, you did good,” Blaze says, setting down a case of beer on the large glass conference table. “This place is nicer than our house.”

Glory mock growls in Blaze’s direction. I hear the woman has many qualities but keeping a clean house is not one of them. That’s not really a problem since they live in the clubhouse, where mess is an art form.

Alicia beams with pride as Falcon pulls in with Angel to offer their congratulations and compliments.

As the crew settles in for the small celebration, I hang back, basking in the energy that fills the room. A year ago, I never could have imagined a scene like this—Alicia standing tall as a respected businesswoman, embraced by the Iron Tornadoes as one of our own. One who is almost as well educated as Lisa now. She just finished all the classes she needed and became a CPA. I’m so proud of her.

Today, we’re here to celebrate her success and the start of a new chapter. I catch her eye from across the room, and she flashes me a brilliant smile that warms me from the inside out.

The door opens once again, and a few more members of the bounty-hunting team start filing in. Their boisterous laughter and backslapping fill the space. They come bearing gifts: a rare orchid, which Alicia will promptly kill by watering it too much, and a few bottles of fine Bourbon, which I will confiscate, as well as the box of Cuban cigars.

As the party kicks into full swing, I make my way over to Alicia, pulling her close. “Congratulations, baby,” I murmur, my lips brushing against her ear. “You’ve come so far, and I’m so proud of you.”

Her eyes shine with emotion as she gazes up at me. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” she whispers, her voice thick with gratitude. “Without all of you.”

She comes closer to me and whispers in my ear, “I think I haven’t thanked you properly.”

That gets a large smile out of me. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I was thinking we could let them party in the conference room and go hide in my office for a bit.”

Why not indeed? The party is in full swing, every soul in the room is letting loose with laughter and rowdy cheers. They won’t even notice our absence. Alicia, she’s a sight to behold tonight, stunning in a way that makes my heart race. Nothing would make me happier than messing up her perfectly coifed hair while peeling off her business attire, layer by layer.

The playful smirk that curves her lips, it’s a telltale sign. She’s not bluffing. She really wants to do this. I nod subtly, a silent agreement passing between us. I take her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine, and lead her through the room. We weave between our friends, their laughter and cheers fading as we slip into her private office.

The moment the door clicks shut, sealing us in her private office, the air around us crackles with an undeniable charge. Alicia’s eyes, those sharp, intelligent orbs that usually hold a world of caution, darken with hunger. She catches her lower lip between her teeth, a subtle tell that I’ve come to recognize as a precursor to her more daring thoughts.

I can’t resist the pull any longer. I close the distance between us, my hands instinctively seeking the curve of her hips. I draw her toward me, our bodies fitting together as if they were designed for this very moment. It’s a perfect puzzle, and she’s the piece I never knew I was missing.

My lips meet hers in a fervent kiss, and passion sizzles between us. Our tongues dance in a rhythm that’s as natural as breathing, a passionate tango that speaks volumes about our shared desires.

Alicia’s hands explore my chest, her fingers tracing the contours of my muscles through the fabric of my shirt. A soft moan escapes her lips, the vibrations reverberating through our kiss, sending a jolt of desire straight to my core. I reach behind her, deftly pulling the shirt over her head and letting it fall to the floor. I unfasten her belt, the sound of the leather sliding through the loops echoing in the room, and she steps out of her pants. She stands before me now, clad in nothing but a lacy black bra and matching string.

I take a moment to drink in the sight of her, my eyes devouring every inch of her perfect form. She’s a vision, a marvel, and I can’t believe she’s here with me. I trace my fingers along the edge of her bra, teasing her, making her wait before I finally unclasp it. The garment falls, landing softly on her desk, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.

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