Page 107 of Rupture

Luca’s low chuckle held no humor. “This is gonna bite us in the ass.” His grin turned feral. “Can’t fucking wait.”

“She’ll find a way to profit from this.” Nik rotated his blade, his eyes dark. “Always does.”

The three men exchanged glances.

Luca hooked his thumbs in his belt. “She’s going to be even happier once Duke sends her the bill for the neurological rehab he’s organized for the Io crew.”

Ethan’s eyes hadn’t left the SUV’s retreating form. “Let’s get MARV unloaded.”

Rose turned back to MARV as warm fingers brushed her skin.Finn’s knuckles skimmed her cheek.

“Ignore her. She’s pissed not everything went her way, and she’s not getting anywhere near MARV or Remy.” His gentle touch pulled her back from the edge of anger.

She squared her shoulders. “We should help the others with MARV. I need to get it back to the lab. Figure out a solution for Remy.”

“You’re going back to the lab?” Something in his voice made her heart stutter.

“At some point, I have to. Even if it’s just to tie up loose ends.”

“Of course.” He stepped back, but she followed him.

Her fingers found purchase on his tactical vest. “I have leave owing.”

His eyes flicked to hers. The intensity in his gaze sent an electric pulse through her veins. “You have plans?”

“It’ll be a while before I can think about a beach holiday.So. London. My apartment is there.”

A muscle twitched in his jaw, but his voice was casual. “London?” He glanced at MARV, then to her. “How long were you thinking?”

“How much leave doyouhave?”

“Enough.” The blue of his eyes deepened. “And if not? Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve played hooky for the right reason.”

Her grip hardened on his vest as she stepped closer. “And this is the right reason?”

He cradled her face in his hands, his voice dropping low, so only she could hear. “Rose, right now, all I want is to be with you. No missions, no Widow, no complications. Just us.” His thumb brushed across her lower lip with slow deliberation. “Let me take care of you.”

Warmth bloomed in her chest at the undisguised honesty in his voice. She stretched up on her toes and pressed her lips to his, not caring when a sharp wolf whistle cut through the air.

Let them see. Let them see how much I care for this man.

“That’s the most romantic thing anyone’s ever said to me while wearing tactical gear.”

“I aim to please,” he murmured, his voice husky, his smile meant only for her. “So. London?”

“Yes.” She exhaled, the weight of the past few days finally easing from her shoulders. “Let’s take some time. Just us. Work out what this is.”

She couldn’t imagine wanting anything more.

He ran his fingers along her jaw. “I know what this is.” His hand slid to the back of her neck, fingers threading intoher hair. Tingles ran down her spine at the possessive edge of his grip. “This is me and you.” His lips ghosted over her ear. “London’s just the start.”

She kissed him again, deeper this time, her universe narrowing to him, her fingers lost in the softness of his hair, the scruff of his cheek against her skin.

For the first time in years, she wasn’t just running away from her life—she was running toward something.

Toward Finn.

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