Page 40 of Stryker's Ruin

After rescuing the judge from Nico’s henchmen and the shoot out in the garage, I took my girl home, bathed her, made love to her, and then we dressed and went to my parents’ home.

My teammates and parents witness our marriage as we declare our everlasting love.

Sean stands to the side and claps his hands for attention. Smiling, he raises a glass. “A toast,” he calls out. Everyone joins, raising their own glasses.

“May you have love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you.”

Kissing my bride, I know having her is all I need.

Three weeks later:

We stayed with my parents for two weeks. I realized it had been too long and too few times that we’ve seen each other over the years. To my surprise, Sean promised they’d come visit us in the next two months, after we’ve had time to get settled.

“Babe, they’re going to love you.” I take Ruin’s hand in mine as we pull into the HARDCORE compound.

Lilith wouldn’t hear of us going to my house first. She’s already prepared a feast for everyone, had my home spit-shined and the cupboards restocked with real food.

I start naming off people as I halt the car. “That’s Jed and Steel leaning against the porch poles. Cybill, Steel’s woman, is chasing after little Elyn, who is Lilith and Merc’s daughter. The very pregnant woman on the rocker is Reggie, Jed’s wife. Most of the women are probably in the kitchen helping because Lillith is also pregnant.

“The two redheads walking with the young boy and dogs are sisters. Reba, the one with the drop leg holster, and Rachel’s the one with the shotgun. The boy is Félix. He and his mom Amélie are the dog trainers.”

“He’s still a child? He’s a trainer?”

“You’d be surprised what he can do.”

“I am never going to remember everyone.”

“Sure, you will. There’s no rush.”

After parking, we head toward the steps. Steel stands at the top of the stairs and stares down. “How many languages do you speak?”

“Five fluently, also more that I’m good at.”

“Russian?”

“Almost fluent.”

“Good, you can start work tomorrow.”

Cybill sticks her head out the screen door. “No, she won’t. This week is all about getting to know all of us and how to stay out of your way. Now get in here and play bartender and make me my coffee because you do it just how I like it, baby.”

She winks at Ruin, waves her forward and lets the door slam behind the two of them.

It dawns on me that my sweet girl is going to learn a lot from all these strong women. I’ve heard gossip from the other guys about the conversations they’ve overheard when the ladies get into their special late-night drinks.

I smile and rub my palms together. Hot damn.

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