Page 106 of Stealth Mission

That does not help my guilt.

Marianna waves a finger at him. “Technically he didn’t destroy the truck. Whoever made the bomb did.”

Scout walks around the Jeep. Drops to the ground and scoots underneath. He takes the back and I take the front, doing the same while Marianna watches us.

Dusting off his hands, Scout walks to the driver’s door. “All clear.”

“Wish I had some of that tech that Vik and his boys have. I’m going to have to ask about a hook-up.”

Scout clicks the button to unlock the Jeep as he turns to Marianna. “I still want to give him shit about the other truck. You should too.”

She glances at me. “I think he’s already feeling bad enough about it.”

I lift her up into the Jeep. “Yeah. I don’t even want to talk about it right now. I’m still kicking my ass and will be until I hit the grave.”

Marianna’s hand catches mine as I pull back to close the door. “Don’t feel like that. I’m not mad.”

I squeeze her hand, lacing my fingers with her. “I’m mad enough for both of us.”

“Come on, let’s roll!”

Scout can be as impatient as he wants. I’m not done. After I kiss the back of Marianna’s hand and her forehead, I close her into the rear passenger area.

He’s muttering when I climb in the passenger seat and drives like he usually acts—angry at the world.

As we rail around a curve, there’s a loud pop.

“Dude, really?” I stare at the oh-shit handle that’s now broken off the Jeep and sitting in my hand.

Scout doesn’t even slow down. “Maybe you really are a chicken.”

“This Jeep is not made for cornering like that.”

He cuts me a side-eye as Marianna laughs in the back seat.

I look for something else to hold onto. “You two are ganging up on me now.”

I turn to look at her. The glass is down a few inches and the wind is catching her hair. Her pretty eyes are tired, but softly studying me.

My physical reaction is immediate.

She presses her lips flat to hide her smile.

Is that smile for me, or because Scout’s being a dick?

“You think it’s funny to watch me get thrown all around.”

Her composure falters. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m still laughing at the expression on your face when you saw the cell key dangling from my finger.”

The tension is leaving all of us, making the vibe in the Jeep almost fun. Except Scout. He still looks like his face would crack if he had a good time.

I groan dramatically and settle into my seat again. “I won’t be forgetting that any time soon. What other tricks have you got up your sleeve?”

Scout grumbles something.

“What was that?”

He keeps his eyes on the road.

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