Page 56 of Rescuing Sophia

“Of course. That’s reasonable.” Relief floods Sophia’s face. “But think of all the trouble you’ll avoid when you find it.”

I can’t shake the nagging feeling that something isn’t quite right. I walk her to The Guardian Grind. It’s part of our daily routine. Her hand is uncharacteristically cool in mine. Halfway there, she stops, tugging gently on my arm.

“I can make it the rest of the way.” She stretches up to kiss me. “You’re already running late.”

“You sure?” I hesitate, torn between duty and desire.

“It’s not far. Go. I’ll see you tonight.” She kisses me again. “Try to have a good day, and don’t worry about the badge. It’ll show up.”

A genuine smile spreads across my face. “Yes, ma’am. You have a good day, too.”

“I told you not to call me that.” She playfully punches at mychest. “If you keep it up, you’ll force me to do something I don’t want to do.”

“And what is that?”

“Stop going to my knees when I call youSir.”

“Fuuuuck…Do you know what that does to me?”

Instant, fucking hard on.

“I know exactly what it does.” Her voice turns sultry and seductive. “So, if you want to keep me on my knees, you might want to let up on calling mema’am.”

I pull her close, and our bodies press together. The heat between us is undeniable.

“I guess we’ll just have to see how the rest of the day goes, won’t we?”

“Tonight is going to be… unforgettable.” She smirks, eyes glinting with mischief.

A thrill courses through me at her words, anticipation building. The promise of a night filled with fire and passion lingers between us, making it hard to think about anything else.

I’m struck by how much has changed in such a short time. Months ago, I focused solely on the mission—on bringing down Greaves and his organization. Now, I have a warm goodbye, a place to come home to, and someone to share my life with.

I wouldn’t trade this for anything. The mission remains crucial, a driving force in my daily life, but it’s no longer my only purpose. Now, I have someone to protect and come home to.

Sophia makes me not just a better Guardian but a better man. The missing badge is a minor setback, nothing more.

As I stride into work, the bullpen buzzes with activity, the familiar hum of muted conversations washing over me.

Gabe spots me first. “Well, well, look who finally decided to join us.” He checks his watch, leaning back in his chair with a cheeky grin plastered all over his face. “Over an hour late? What do you get up to in the mornings?”

“Can it, Gabe.” I roll my eyes, already bracing for the inevitable ribbing.

“Oh, I bet something wasup.”Walt chuckles, shaking his head. “The great Blake Jackson… Never thought I’d see the day you’d be pussy-whipped.”

“Maybe he’s getting soft,” Rigel chimes in, his usually serious expression cracking with amusement. “Too much domestic bliss clouding that razor-sharp mind.”

“Soft?” Gabe laughs. “I think you meant to say somethinghardis clouding that razor-sharp mind of his.”

A flush creeps up my neck, equal parts embarrassment and something else I can’t quite name. “Are you three done? We have actual work to do, you know.”

“Oh, we’re just getting started.” Gabe laughs, winking at Walt. “How’s Sophia? Keeping you busy, I assume?”

“Busy? More like hard and exhausted,” Walt adds, grinning. “You look like you barely survived the night.”

“And morning.” Gabe taps his watch. “Bet that’s why he’s over an hour late to muster.”

“Cut the guy some slack,” Rigel says, smirking. “Sophia might be able to handle your... stamina, but we’re starting to wonder if you have any energy left for actual training. Or did you forget you’re a Guardian?”

---