Page 65 of Bound By Valor

Sebastian eyed me with a slight squint and got up, “That…is a story for another time. And also, not my story to tell. Another round people?”

He looked around the group and their empty flutes. When we all nodded, he stalked off to find another champagne bottle.

“Thanks, Zane. I owe you,” I heard Zarek as he walked towards us smiling.

“I’m going to steal my woman for a bit, folks,” he said and held his hand out to me. I put my flute onthe table next to me and slid my hand in his.

He walked us towards the lounge exit and then took us to an elevator.

“Where are we going?” I whispered, as though we were doing something questionable.

He gave me his most handsome smile, “Shopping.”

He swiped a watch near the biometrics screen and the elevators opened up. My eyes widened, “Didn’t this have like an ultra pro super uber security?”

He laughed, “I have my ways. Or rather Zane does. This is his watch.”

My jaw dropped as he pressed ‘-4’.

I was trailing close behind Zarek as we veered off the path to the command center, taking a left where I expected a right. A bulky man blocked a nondescript door, eyeing us with clear suspicion.

As Zarek stepped forward to pass, the guard extended a firm hand, stopping him in his tracks. Zarek’s glare was met with an equally stern look from the guard.

“Your business?” the man’s voice was gruff, a stark contrast to his youthful face. Despite his shorter stature, his broad shoulders gave him a formidable presence.

They sized each other up in silence, the tension thick—then, unexpectedly, both their faces broke into wide grins.

What the hell?

The guard yanked Zarek into a rough, brotherly hug, slapping his back with a booming laugh. “Zarek Rivera! Heard you were back in town.”

Zarek clapped him on the shoulder, the irritation melted away by genuine warmth. “Ronan, too long,man,” he responded, his voice filled with a mix of joy and relief.

They separated, and Ronan’s curious eyes landed on me. “And this must be the famous Dr. Leora Mateez. Never thought I’d see the day Zarek take the fall.”

I offered a polite smile, correcting him gently, “Just Leora, please. Nice to meet you… Ronan?”

“Ronan Hayden,” he extended his hand, which I shook. “Was in the CIA with Zarek, though we ran in different circles.”

I nodded, taking in the connection. Zarek’s expression suddenly shifted to something more somber. “Ronan, about your sister, Riley—I should’ve reached out sooner…”

Ronan’s easy demeanor tightened for a moment, a shadow passing over his features. I realized what a small world this was. Riley Hayden was part of Alpha squad 2 and passed away during a mission almost two months ago.

“It’s okay, man. You know? It’s still very fresh. Dad has been a mess. I told Riley not to join the bloody Bridgewood experimental teams,” Ronan paused, “How’s uh…Dylan?”

“He’s okay,” Zarek flattened his lips and nodded.

“Anyway,” Ronan shook his head, “What can I help with?”

“Here for some shopping,” Zarek gave him a small smile.

“Shop away, my friend,” Ronan stepped aside and opened the door for us.

As soon as I entered I gasped. All the walls were lined with backlit shelves, containing guns, rifles and tactical gear that I didn’t even have the names for.

“Zane will take care of your licensing. Let’s shop, baby.”

His hand found the small of my back and he guided me through the massive armory.

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