Page 31 of Dangerous Mission

Terri:Black eye????

G-Man:Long story. I know I haven’t been around a lot, but if you need me, I’m a plane ride away.

Terri:Thanks, but I have enough alpha men trying to protect my ass. Now, go save the world with your foreign policies.

G-Man:Keep me posted, Short Stuff.

A shower would help clear her mind, so she quickly took one and pulled out a pair of Axel’s shorts and a shirt. She didn’t bother with a bra. It was probably still in the kitchen from when he’d had her spread across the counter.

Terri grabbed her phone and headed down to the kitchen to get a glass of water. She was flipping through TikTok videos as she walked into the kitchen and stopped in her tracks.

At the counter sat a woman with black hair, her arms crossed over her chest as she glared at a man who looked like he’d stepped off a Hollywood set, which was possible, since Axel’s family was in the movie industry. He stood next to another man and a blond woman she hadn’t seen the woman in years.

“Siena?” she asked.

The woman smiled as they wrapped each other in a hug. “I didn’t know if you would remember me.”

Terri crossed her arms over her breasts and took a step back. “Of course I remember you. Sorry I’m underdressed. I didn’t know we had company.”

Axel rested his hand on her back. “Terri Fugate, from left to right are Grim, Casanova, Sierra, and Casper.”

Terri’s face heated as she caught sight of her bra still on the counter. “Um, hi.” She waved weakly and inched toward the other end of the counter.

“You can call me Angel or Grim.” The black-haired woman said as she stuck out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Fugate. I’m going to be your bodyguard for the next few days.” Angel turned toward Axel. “Have to say, Axel, when I worked for the government, they never paid this well. Not going to lie—I’m going to enjoy swimming in that pool.” She nodded over her shoulder.

“If Axel isn’t back by the time of the charity event, are you going to be my date?”

The woman looked tiny, but Terri thought that was probably how she got the upper hand on men twice her size.

Grim scrunched her nose. “Xavier said something about that. I really wish you’d change your mind, but yes.” She grinned. “I think we’d make a cute couple. I like the spin.”

The man named Casanova growled. “You will not even pretend to be dating anyone. Xavier can go as her date.” He groaned as Grim punched him in the gut.

“I don’t need a babysitter.” Terri glanced at her watch.

Axel walked over and wrapped his arms around her. She should pull away, but it felt like a giant security blanket keeping everything bad away from her.

“Grim’s right. It would be safer for you not to go.”

“I’m not going to hide or let anyone cover me in bubble wrap. No matter what, the media and everyone else will always come after me. The charity event will be full of people, and Grim will be good arm candy for me. Maybe we can even do a few TikToks about our new relationship.”

“Ooh. I’m game. I bet the other girls would want to join.”

Siena smiled. “I’m down. I can ask Sidney, our neighbor, to watch Mia for the night so we can have fun. Not sure if Lucy can come. Her morning sickness is really bad.”

Grim smiled. “I bet Lucy would like to learn about TikTok to help sell her cupcakes.”

Axel ran his hand over his face and let out a frustrated sigh. “Remember not to let anyone know your location when you’re doing them outside of the event, but I should be back in time. Xavier plans to have most of the team at the event.”

“We won’t do anything to jeopardize my security.” Terri paused for a second. “I’m going to go finish getting dressed, then I’ll make breakfast.”

Casanova’s eyebrows drew together. “You know how to cook?”

That earned the good-looking man another thump to the stomach from Grim. The woman was growing on her really fast.

“Yes. Do you?”

“Sorry. I figured people cooked for you.” He winced. “Hell, I grew up on the streets, and what I know about rich people came from Richy and Cy. And normally, he has a cook here.”

---