Page 31 of Centurion

“Score!” Con yelled and fist-pumped the air. “Our first official date.”

She was quiet momentarily and then said, “If you’re counting this as our first date, that means you only get a kiss at the door when we’re done.”

Con sat up straight. “Second, no, it’s ourthird. I made breakfast for us this morning. That has to count, right? What do I get at the end of our third date?”

She made a sound that sent all the blood in his body straight to his cock, and then she said the one word that blew his fucking mind. “Me.”

The connection ended, and he stared at the phone. “Fuck.” He looked around the room and said the word again. Like a lightning bolt had jabbed his ass, he jumped out of the chair and headed to the front door. “Please don’t let Mr. Asshat need us. Pa-lease.” He checked for his wallet and then his phone, which he couldn’t find until he realized he was holding it. Con shut the door behind him and glanced down the street in the direction his ride should be coming from. “Come on, Uber dude. I have a lady waiting.”

CHAPTER 12

Anna reached over and laid her hand on her husband’s. “What are you thinking about so hard?” They were driving through the streets of London. She loved the city, and her husband indulged her whenever they visited. The security team knew the route and was already set up.

David Xavier blinked and turned to her. “Sorry, I was just lost in my thoughts. Worried about Deacon and Ronan’s training.”

“Joseph and Jacob said they were doing fantastic.” Anna patted his thigh. “You just need something to worry about.”

“Probably,” he admitted. The driver pulled over at the Tate Gallery, and they got out. “It’s a gorgeous day.” She took a deep breath of air. “I love this city.”

He put his arm around her waist, and they started to stroll. “I know you do. We should visit more often.”

“Maybe now that things have settled down a bit.” She nodded. “The last time we were here was right after the Siege.”

He made a sound of agreement. “A lot has changed since then.” He looked up at the sky. “And a lot has stayed the same. There are always those who try to hurt the innocents.”

“Always.” She leaned into him a bit. “That’s why our children work so hard.”

“They shouldn’t. You’d think after all these years we would have made a dent in the horror this world holds.”

“You have. How many thousands of people would be dead or dying if you hadn’t formed the company? If you hadn’t joined the Council? How many deaths would have tallied around the world if your people hadn’t been sent into harm’s way?”

He glanced over at her. “You’re still my rock and sanity. I love you.” He stopped and cupped her face in his hands. “You amaze me, Anna. Every day with you is a gift.”

She stood on her toes, and he kissed her passionately. He lifted away, and his eyes were darkened with lust. “Can we cut the walk short and go home?”

She laughed at him and adjusted his suit jacket. “Let’s just go past the palace. They can pick us up at the Mall.”

“Deal.” He wrapped her hand through his arm and kept his hand over hers.

She loved this city. “Gabby is supposed to be here.”

He sighed. “She is. I don’t understand her.”

“You never have, and I think that’s because she’s so much like you.”

His brow creased. “What do you mean?”

“She’s outraged by what happens in the world. She can’t form a security company, but she can participate in taking down monsters.”

“She doesn’t have to do it.”

“Neither did you.”

“How could I not?” He turned and looked at her.

She smiled up at him. “How could she not?”

He sighed. “I want her to find a good man and raise a family. Charley …” He sighed. “She’s more settled than I ever believed.Smoke is a good man. He keeps her as centered as anyone could.”

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