Page 90 of Undercover Desires

She glances up at me. “I was aiming for the gun pointing at me. But sure, next time I’ll make sure to blow his head off, would that work for you?” She laughs back, knowing I need to joke. She gets me like no other, my fucked-up tendencies and all.

“I’d appreciate that.” I pull her in, kissing her lips. She melts into me, and I get lost in the moment with her, her soft lips calming my crazy, bringing me back to normal.

She pulls back slightly, not gazing at my eyes. I don’t know the horrors he’s put her though in the last twenty-four hours, but from her face alone, I know it wasn’t good. But she looks at me like I’m her hero, and I want to be. “How did you guys know where to look for me?”

“Caleb. He’s been investigating Reader for a long time.”

“He got him today.” She smiles proudly.

“He did.” Not how Jett and I would have liked to deal with him, but it was more important to get her out of there safely. “Who was the guy in the house? The one who helped you.”

She looks up at me, and I can see she’s teary about it. “My uncle Duncan, Brandon’s dad. He’s been hiding out here for years, working for Reader.”

Jett looks over his shoulder. “Are you fucking kidding me?” he snaps angrily.

“He did it to protect Brandon,” she says sadly. “I think that’s why he just helped me. He knew it would mean Reader will kill him, but he’s not a bad guy, he was just trapped by Reader.” She looks up at me. “Am I an awful person for shooting him and wanting to kill him?” Tears roll down her cheeks. “He killed my dad, Kobe. You were right, some people you can't help. They’re too evil. He was going to frame you and your brothers for everything he has done over the years. He wanted you all to go down for his crimes.

I cup her face, forcing her to look deep into my eyes. Nothing she tells me about him will surprise me. “You saved all three of us today. Your father would be very proud of you, Arabella.” I pull her into my chest and let her cry, holding her tight so she knows she’s not alone anymore. I’ve got her.

Jett drives quickly, and before we know it, we're driving back through town. “Where to, Bella?” he asks, glancing over his shoulder.

“Come home with us. I can’t spend another night without you. Let me take care of you.” I kiss her sweet lips, trying to seal the deal.

She stares up at me, and I can see she’s torn. But I know I need her, so she either comes home with me or I go home with her, either way. She closes the gap, kissing my lips.

“You two need a room,” Jett says in a mock disgusted tone.

“See? Even my brother agrees you should come home with us.” I laugh.

“I meant rather than the back seat of my car,” he calls back to us.

She stares up at me, her green eyes sad but grateful. She nods and offers me a soft smile. “Yeah, let's try that. But first, we might have to stop and grab some stuff.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “Pack everything you own, sugar.”

She tilts her head, her eyes narrowing. “I’m not moving in, Kobe.”

“I’m not letting you leave, so you might be,” I say, more hopeful.

When we arrive at Arabella's house, Hazel suddenly appears seemingly out of nowhere, rushing toward the car. “Thank God you're all okay,” she exclaims, tears welling in her eyes as she runs and leaps into Jett's waiting arms. After a kiss, she darts toward Arabella, nearly toppling her over with a warm, tightembrace. “You scared me,” Hazel says, her fingers gently playing with Arabella's hair, relief evident in her voice.

“I was pretty scared myself,” Arabella admits with a slight tremor in her voice.

“Well, you're all safe now,” Hazel reassures her, her eyes still glistening with worry. “I've got some food ready back at the mansion. You can all fill me in on the action, and I can tell you about our adorable new niece. She's the cutest.”

“Arabella's just grabbing some clothes,” I inform her.

Hazel playfully gives Arabella a sidelong glance. “You're staying the night,” she declares, wearing a sassy smirk as she turns her attention back to me. “A girl who's willing to endure your snoring,” she quips, laughing like she's the funniest person in the world. I hear Jett chuckling in agreement.

Arabella turns to me with a hint of concern. “You snore?” she inquires.

I raise an eyebrow and offer a nonchalant shrug. “Of course I don't snore,” I say, feigning confidence. “Well, I don't think so, anyway.”

“You better not,” she warns with a playful but determined tone.

As Hazel links her arm with Arabella's and they disappear into the house to pack, Jett leans against the car, his expression serious. “Are you sure about all of this?”

“All of what?” I ask, confused.

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