I might give them a hard time, but they were perfect for each other. I loved them together so much.

But I also was kind of starting to feel like a third wheel.

“I’ll give Raven a lift home.” Otto’s voice was easy as he issued it, and he slung an arm over my shoulders the way he always did.

A shiver rolled down my spine.

I wanted to turn and press my nose into his thick throat. Inhale him into all the secret places inside me where I wanted to keep him.

“You sure you don’t mind?” River asked.

“You know I’ve got her covered.”

River reached out and squeezed Otto’s shoulder. “Appreciate it, man. You always looking out for her.”

“Always.”

I would have argued that I could get myself home, but riding on the back of Otto’s bike was kind of my thing.

“See you in the morning then,” River said, and he stepped forward and pecked a kiss to my temple. “Be safe.”

“You don’t have to worry about her when she’s with me.”

Charleigh edged forward and hugged me. “Sorry I’m bailing. It’s just…”

She trailed off, leaving no question what theit’s justmeant.

I playfully waved her away. “Go on and be with your man. I’ll be fine. I have Otto here to keep me company.”

I hip checked him, except he was so tall that even in my heels, my hip barely made it to his upper thigh.

“That’s right,” he rumbled in his rough way, that grin perched on his distracting, delicious mouth.

“All right, then, see you later.” Then River’s expression darkened when he turned his focus on Otto. “Be safe tomorrow. Text me when the package is delivered and you’re on your way back.”

My stomach clutched.

This was the part of their lives that sent dread spiraling through the middle of me. I knew it was worth it. What they did. But that didn’t mean I didn’t worry every time one of them left on a mission. I rarely knew the details. It was a Sovereign Sanctum rule. The less someone knew, the better. The safer it was for everyone.

But sometimes I hated being left in the dark.

“You know I will.” Otto’s promise was solemn.

With a tight nod, River took Charleigh’s hand and they disappeared into the fray.

I turned to look up at Otto. I knew my worry was written in every line on my face.

Bodies writhed around us, while I just stood there, staring up at him.

Finally, I found my voice. “You have a job?”

A thousand emotions raced through Otto’s eyes, so many that I didn’t know what to make of them. His mouth hitched on one side as he reached out and traced the pad of his thumb over the edge of my lip.

I nearly came apart at the sensation.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Raven.”

“You think I don’t? You think I could stop?”