Page 93 of Break

Mina raises a brow in question. “Me moving?”

“No, the part about us deciding we won’t want to continue.”

A hysterical laugh bursts from her, but she stops almost just as quickly when she notices none of us join her. Audibly swallowing, she looks around her at all of us. “W-What am I supposed to do then? Just choose?”

I feel Vincent’s shoulders shake with restrained laughter. “You could… Or justnot.” Then he delivers a full smile with a hint of mischievousness behind it.

“O-Okay…” she trails off, sounding unsure.

Without concerning himself with anything other than her acquiescence, he slides his hand behind her neck and tilts her head back to look up at him. “Those two have gotten good kisses in.” He looks up like he’s considering what he said and then corrects himself. “Not that our first kiss wasn’t good. It was fantastic, actually. But you kissed me. I haven’t kissedyouyet.”

Her mouth drops open, then closes, then opens again. Still sounding unsure, she just repeats herself. “Okay.”

I bite my lip when Vincent’s mouth covers hers because I don’t think Mina realizes what she’s getting herself into.

Chapter 42

It’s Miss Bardot

Vincent

If I could have spent the rest of last night kissing and making out with Mina, I would die a happy man. Unfortunately, after some fantastic tongue action, we all decided the evening needed to simmer down, since most of us had a few drinks and emotions were high.

I hate Ethan for pointing it out, but he’s also right.Fuck him and his G.I. Joe ethical behavior.I also hate him along with Max for disappearing with our girl this morning to do some much-needed shopping and leaving me behind. I have a ton of paperwork to catch up on for Cooper. It was a fair trade for technically working from home, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t rather be watching Mina pick out bras.

My ringing phone interrupts my pouting.

“Mercer,” I say after recognizing the station’s number.

“Morning. Where is Max? He’s not answering his phone,” Cooper rushes out, not beating around the bush with small talk.

Looking at my watch, I figure that they’re probably still in the store, so reception is likely shitty. “He and Ethan took Mina to the store to pick up some stuff. What do you need?”

His heavy sigh rumbles into my ear, and I pull it away slightly. “We’ve got a woman here with two kids that need relocation. Do you know where they’re at? I’ll send one of the guys down to get them.”

Fuck. This shit happens way too often for my comfort. “Don’t worry about sending anyone. I’ll swing by and bring them to the station.”

“Perfect. Thank you. You’re going now?”

“Yuuuuup,” I drawl out. “Grabbing my keys as we speak. Be there soon.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

After saying goodbye, we hang up and I’m out the door within minutes. Checking Ethan’s location, I see what store they’re at and head over. It’s not long before I’ve found them in the women’s section and update the guys with what’s going on.

They’re standing back from Mina, giving her space to go through clothes and not feel like we’re hovering. She hasn’t seen me yet, so I sneak in behind her and slide my arms around her waist to pull her back into my chest.

Leaning down, I press my lips against her ear. “Morning, sweetness.”

The shudder that runs through her body has my lips curling up. “Hi, Vincent.” I love the fact that she knows it’s me without needing to verify.

Releasing her and stepping back, she uses the space to turn to me with a relaxed smile. Her relaxed mood tells me that maybe we’re doing something right, and she’s trusting us a little more each day. Rubbing my hands together, I give her a wink and laugh when she blushes before looking away. “What are we shopping for, beautiful? What’s left on the list?”

She looks amused by my antics, but more like she’s tolerating me like she would a child. “Actually, I think I’m all done.” Looking around the store quickly, she lowers her voice. “I’m also ready to get back to the house.”

My smile falls, concern overtaking the lightness of the mood. I follow where her eyes ran, but nothing stands out as suspicious. “Are you feeling uncomfortable here? Did something happen?” I’m ready to catch the guys before they leave, but her hand resting on my forearm stops me.

“No, nothing like that. It’s just been a long morning and I can’t stop the ‘what if he’s watching’ thoughts, you know?” She chews on her lip, worry etched on her features.

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