Page 70 of Asher

Alex took a deep breath. “Zorah and Kamisha were in Jamah’s bedroom, if that’s what you want to call that shithole.”

“I’d call it a torture chamber,” Asher said.

“Yeah, well…” Alex ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m damned thankful we took him out before he hurt my family. Bastard. Just sorry it happened in Kelsey’s kitchen.”

“I’m glad it did, Alex,” she murmured. “Wasn’t too long ago Beau flatlined on my kitchen floor, after he nearly bled out, remember? Your people took care of everything that time, too. Trust me, I’m not squeamish. I’m proud. Your agents brought down a brutal terrorist.” She waved her hand over her head. “I might just have a plaque mounted over my stove that says:Don’t Mess With Mom.”

A real smile finally tweaked the corners of Alex’s stern mouth. “I’m building you a new house, woman. We’re moving.”

Asher signaled Herk to rollover. No sooner given than done. Flicking his fingers, he then signaled Herk to go to Marlowe. The little guy went straight to her and Darling, sat beside her, but kept his eyes on Asher.

Kelsey laughed in Alex’s face. “We are not moving. You proved it, sweetheart. Our homeisour castle, and your men defended the keep. We won, so shush.”

Watching Kelsey stand up to her badass husband was comical. Alex was as whipped as Asher. He took a seat on the couch nearest Marlowe. “So, Boss, who did you think you were texting if Marlowe never revealed her true identity?”

Alex glared at the woman in question.

Man, if looks could kill, he would’ve been dead on the spot, as lethally as she glared back at him. “I told him I was John Wayne Smithson,” Marlowe muttered. “Don’t laugh, Asher. It was the first name that popped into my mind.”

Asher didn’t dare laugh, but he did grin like a lunatic. “And you fell for that, Boss?”

“Even set up a holding account for her, in my name, at my bank.” Alex turned to Marlowe. “Plus a bonus. You went above and beyond every son of a bitching order I sent, and you saved scores of endangered women and children in just two months. I’m damned proud of you. No one could’ve done better. That money is all yours. Let me know when you’re ready to collect it and I’ll sign it over.”

The glow suffusing her pretty face was telling. Alex’s praise meant a lot.

“And another thing—”

“What do you want to know now, Asher?” she snapped, her head bobbing like she was ready to fight.

Man, he loved this feisty woman. Marlowe met everything she did head-on with a do-or-die intensity that might be off-putting to others. Not Asher. Her defensive streak was part of her charm. “Just asking questions, that’s all. Why didn’t you leave on one of the helicopters Alex sent? You could have, you know.”

“Already told you. Those women needed me.” She turned on Alex next. “And what about the ones I didn’t save? Who’s doing my job now, huh?”

Ah, that great big attitude of this tiny woman was impressive. She was the female version of a cocky, bantam rooster, ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Just as ready to attack when a guy least expected. Marlowe was small but she led with her spurs, every time. A featherweight in comparison, yet she’d taken him down swiftly and without remorse at their first meeting. He was pretty sure she’d f-bombed the hell out of him then, too, but hisears had been ringing and he hadn’t heard much after that lethal kick.

“My senior agents are handling those retrievals now, Marlowe. Thanks for asking.” Alex was enjoying her spunk. Wasn’t often he smiled like he was. “Agents Mark Houston and Murphy Finnegan are in charge, as well as two private companies I contract with. Would you like their names and numbers?”

She shook her head, biting her bottom lip, cowed for the moment. “No, I just… I want to make sure we don’t forget. They trusted me and…” Her shoulders lifted. “I want to do the right thing.”

Alex beamed with pride. “You should’ve been a Marine. With fighters like you, that son of a bitching war would’ve been over long ago.”

“Uh-uh. I don’t like guns, and I’m not a good shot.”

“Practice,” Alex bit out.

“Here, Marlowe, this is for you.” Kelsey interrupted, handing over a small paper bag. “A little something in case, well, you know. Don’t open it until we’re gone.”

“I brought more puppy chow if you need it,” Alex offered.

“We’re stocked up,” Asher replied, “but thanks.”

“Time to go,” Alex said. “Say goodbye, Kelsey.”

Marlowe obeyed. “Goodbye, Kelsey.”

Damned if Alex didn’t grin. Jerking his head at his wife, he said, “Not you. Her.”

Clamping a hand over her mouth, Marlowe cringed. “Oops, sorry.”

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