Page 125 of Beyond the Rules

My lips twitched. “Icooked.”

“You cooked?” He stared at me as if I’d just told him I’d traveledtoMars.

“Don’t look so goddamn surprised,” I said. “And close your mouth,please.”

“Baby, I swear.” He stood up straight and rose his right hand in the air. “I’m gonna eat it even if it tastes like itstinks.”

I laughed, because he would. He’d passed his medical board eval, put in his papers, and was now in the planning stages of his wounded warrior mountain camp. His sexy grin tickled my soul and filled my days with wonder. Every girl in the world needed an Aiden, but hewasmine.

“Well?” I perched my fists on my hips and stared from Aiden to Tanner. “Whereishe?”

“The question is more likehowis he,” Aiden said. “Cranky as hell. Apparently Tanner forgot how to drive and he hates my taste in music. The old man don’t wantanyhelp.”

“Now, guys,” Tanner said in his very Tanner-like manner. “We all heal at different speeds and not all of us make for starpatients.”

He was not kidding. The long hospital stay had wreaked havoc with all of us, the endless nights, the anxiety-ridden days, the annoyed nurses and the indignant doctors. But we’d shared our tears, our fears and our courage to form a solid team and today, after almost a month and a half, we’d reached our main goal: We’d broughtZarhome.

My heart swelled and wanted to float right out of my chest when I spotted him at the door. It’d been touch and go for a while. He’d lost weight and gained some grays in the process, but he was alive, on the way to recovery and walking under his ownpower.

“Surprise!” I yelled and tried not to hug him tootightly.

He wrapped his arm around my waist and squeezed me against his chest, where I could feel his heart pulsing, the same passionate, generous, brave heart that had stopped beating on the bridge as I heldhishand.

He buried his nose in my neck and hugged me even tighter. “Are you sure you’re happy I’m back?” He kissed my ear. “Even if you know what I’m gonna want right offthebat?”

I nuzzled his earlobe and ran my fingers through the back of his muscular neck, enjoying the feel of him, solid, powerful and dominant,myDom.

“I might have some ideas,” I murmured, glancing up at him and shamelessly batting my lashes. “I was kind of hoping you’d order me to suck your cock, like you did at the hospital when I went to see youeveryday?”

“A guy has to do what he can to get by.” He cupped my ass and pressed my lower belly against his erection, looking down on me, judging myreaction.

The wicked smile on my face widened. “I see that you’re feelingbetter.”

His cock jerked against mygroin. “Much.”

“Oh, good.” I brushed my lips against his. “The ropes are underyourbed.”

Zar threw his head back and laughed, and his rumbling cackles freed me of all the worry I’d suffered since he’d been shot, all the grief and apprehension that had clouded my days. Leaning against the kitchen island, Tanner and Aiden shared a smile with me, and I knew they were happy too, relieved to have Zar home, and looking forward tobetterdays.

“Come on.” I tugged on Zar’s hand. “Let’s get you offyourfeet.”

We drifted into the living room. With a groan and a sigh, Zar eased his way down on the couch. I plopped down and cuddled against him, deliriously happy to have him home. Aiden sat down on the carpet and leaned his back against my legs. Tanner carried four beer bottles into the living room, took a seat next to me, and handed outhisloot.

“You probably shouldn’t have one of these yet,” hecautioned.

“I’ll be fine.” Zar swiped the beer from Tanner’s hand and drew a long draft. “Ah. Nice.” He wiped his mouth on his sleeve and took in the house, the decorated tree, the fire. “This jointlooksnice.”

“You like?” I said. “I’vebeenbusy.”

“What I mean to say is, this joint looks really nice with you in it.” He drew me closer and kissed me, a meeting of warm, eager lips. “Tanner and Aiden told me you made arrangements to get your things shipped from SanFrancisco?”

“It’s a great city,” I said. “But I’ve decided I want tolivehere.”

He ran his thumb over the back of my wrist, where the skin around my little tattoo pebbled at his touch. “So…” His eyes turned a brilliant cobalt. “Are youstaying?”

“I was thinking maybe I could rent outaroom.”

His eyes narrowed on my face. “You know what I’masking.”

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