Page 61 of Cocky Secrets

We all turn our focus toward her.

“See what?” Jett asks.

Looking resigned, Sage takes a deep breath. “He would make an excellent Cipher.”

Jett and Honey Badger stare at her for a couple of seconds, a wordless conversation occurring between the three.

Sage waves the roses, “That’s what you’re all thinking. That’s why everyone’s listening. You all want to offer it to him. And you should.” She holds up her forefinger. “On one condition. That I join The Ciphers too. If he’s out with you on missions, I’m going to be right beside him.”

Margaret gasps.

Luna grins.

Jett casts a sidelong look to Sage’s father and Honey Badger shouts, “Did you hear your sister?!”

Atlas and Luke stroll in, Luke muttering, “I owe you ten bucks.”

Atlas laughs, “I told you, the way she was training, it was just the beginning.”

The foyer quickly fills up with the Ciphers I met and fought alongside of, and with some I didn’t and have never met, everyone in suspense as Sage reminds them, “He hasn’t said yes yet.”

I frown, “Let me get this straight. You’re offering me a spot in your club?” They collectively stare at me, some nodding. “You want me to be a member of The Ciphers?”

With gravity, Jett warns, “You’d have to quit the force.”

Luna crosses her arms, standing beside her husband. “You can’t do both. You can’tbeboth.”

Jett continues, “You’d train here in everything we do. You’d help save people who call for our help.”

Honey Badger grunts, “You’d vow to uphold our secrets.”

“This is a big decision. I’ve spent years dedicating myself to the force.”

“Take time to make it.”

Sage has been staring at me, and she smiles, “You look very handsome in that suit. Should we go to dinner and you can clear your head? Make the decision later, when you’re ready?”

I take her hand, “That’s a good idea. And did I tell you already that you’re stunning?”

She beams at me, cheeks flushed, and we head for the door with everyone watching us.

“Have a good time,” Margaret calls after her daughter and I.

Sage hands her roses to Sofia Sol, who’s holding a little boy on her hip. “Would you put these in some water?”

“You got it. Have fun.” Sofia Sol murmurs, “No, Malakai, don’t bruise them.”

I open the door for Sage and she starts to walk out, but I take hold of her arm. “Wait.” She stops, and to my woman I confess, “Ever since I graduated from the Academy I’ve been more and more disappointed. Yes, there have been times when I’ve been able to help people, to serve our community. But the system is twisted with so many loopholes that set bad men free. I’ve been wanting a way to change things for years. I don’t need time. I feel it in my bones. I’m supposed to be here with you. I’msupposedto be a Cipher.”

Sage cups my face with both of her hands. “I’ve been having nightmares ever since they took me, where I’m helpless as people are being hurt.” She’s holding my gaze as if we’re the only ones here. “My brother was right, I’ve been training with a sense of purpose that I didn’t even know I had, until tonight when I heard you saying you would thank The Ciphers. And congratulate them for the good work they do. I know now, I’m supposed to help the helpless.” She drops her hands and turns to the group. “I’m supposed to be a Cipher.”

The foyer goes wild with cheering, everyone coming forward to hug us, welcome me, and some to meet me for the first time. With my chest feeling like it might explode, I laugh and kiss Sage, lifting her off the ground as The Ciphers applaud.

Thisisjust the beginning.

There’s work to be done.

Life changes to be made.

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