Page 132 of Javier

Dash frowned. “And this attack happened…when?”

“Twenty minutes before you Rambo-ed your way in here making all kinds of assumptions,” I spat before Javier could answer. “Javier rescued me from the snakes. He went in there, barefooted.”

Thena stared at Javier, wearing a knowing smile that puzzled me. Finn whistled aloud. Micah’s hyperactive eyebrow jumped over his right eye, and Kai just kept smiling. Even Dash had the decency to look impressed.

“That took some guts, dude.” Matt pounded his fist on his chest twice. “Respect.”

“Guzman. Debrief. Now,” Dash ordered. “Bozeman, interface with Allen to get the snakes out of here.”

“Yes, boss.” Micah moved outside to get better reception.

“Ferranti, King,” Dash continued. “Secure the suite and clear the perimeter. We need to make sure the threat is contained. We don’t want to endanger any civilians. Cooper, youand Bozeman will escort the ladies to our staging villa at the bottom of the hill.”

“Sure thing, boss.” Finn shouldered his weapon.

“I need to get dressed.” I moved toward the closet.

“Just in case, hold on.” Javier retrieved my clothes himself. “You’re a go, Angel. Let me grab your shoes.”

“Angel?”Cooper and Ferranti chimed up in unison.

“I don’t wanna hear it,” Dash rumbled.

Javier checked my sneakers again then handed them to me. While I put them on, he grabbed a dry T-shirt from the closet and slid it over his head. After rechecking his duffle once more, he zipped it up and locked it. He slid the mesh doors open and settled the bag outside on the deck.

“Missy, Thena,” Dash ordered. “Get going.”

I could tell that Dash wanted Thena as far away from the snakes as was humanly possible. I recognized the adoring looks he sent Thena’s way. The lovebirds were back together. I was ecstatic for them.

Dash had always been an important part of my life. Now that I’d calmed down, I was glad to see him. I loved him like a brother. He’d always been there for me, the pillar upon which Thena stood. He and Nix had been my idols when I was growing up. They still were.

“Hey, Dash?” I walked over to him and surprised him with a hug. “I’m glad to see you. I missed you, too.”

“Same here, kiddo.” His arms closed around me, and I could sense the emotions radiating from the usually stoic man. “I’m so relieved Guzman found you, and so very grateful you’re okay. Sorry about, you know.” He knocked his head toward Javier.

“Apologies accepted, but next time use your mouth to talk, not your fists.”

“You got it, kiddo.”

“Love ya.” I planted a kiss on his chin and reached out for Thena’s hand.

“This way.” Micah gestured toward the front door as Finn took the lead.

“Good luck,” I mouthed to Javier as I left the treehouse.

“I’ll be all right.”

He winked at me, the hero who’d risked it all to keep me alive, the man I loved.

Still dressed in my unlikely attire, I tramped down the hill, holding hands with Thena, my heart full with the sight of her. I paused at the landing and took a last glance at the treehouse that had sheltered us for a week. I’d shaken off my labels and freed myself there. I’d gotten to know Javier and learned unimaginable pleasure in his arms. What would happen to Javier and I now was anyone’s guess, but two things I knew for sure: the danger wasn’t over, and much of it remained ahead of us.

Chapter Thirty-two

Javier

“Holy fuck.” Dagger let go of the shower enclosure’s upper ledge and landed on the grass next to me. “Those snakes. Did you say a drone dropped them on top of Missy?”

“Affirmative.”

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