Page 37 of Gage

Lyon took Brutus from me, cradling him tightly. His jaw clenched as he looked at the dog, his eyes dark with anger and grief. “What the hell did they do to you?” he whispered.

“He’s going to be okay,” I said, clapping a hand on Lyon’s shoulder. “We found a great vet who set his leg and stitched him up. He’s got pain pills, so you’ll need to hide them in his food.”

Lyon nodded, his gaze never leaving Brutus. “How’d you find him?”

“Someone mentioned a mean dog being held by some cruel bastards,” I explained. “We figured it had to be Brutus. When we got there, he heard us and jumped through a damn window to get out. He’s a fighter.”

Lyon’s grip on Brutus tightened. “Let’s get the hell out of here. Hey, Bruty, how you feeling, huh?” Brutus let out a soft whimper, nuzzling into Lyon’s chest.

“Just so you know,” I said with a smirk, “you’ll have to carry him outside when he needs to go. He’s not supposed to walk on that leg for a few days. And once Brutus is back to his old self, we expect you to sign up for work again.”

Lyon finally looked at me, a faint smile breaking through his exhaustion. “You got it.” He paused, rubbing his stomach. “You got anything to eat? I’m starving.”

22

Gage

“Hello,”I said when Lori answered her phone.

“Hi, are you home?” she asked.

“Yes, only for a few days. Are you home?” I asked.

“No, I’m in Oregon, but I’ll be home in two days.”

“I have to be in Florida in two days. I have to fly with a family to Egypt. The wife’s mother passed away, and she refuses to stay in the United States. She going to her mother’s funeral even if she is killed. It will be up to Gideon, Oliver, and I to keep her and her family alive.

Her husband and child are also going with her. I think she’s putting her family at risk, but she is determined to go. She has some enemies there. The main enemy is her youngest brother. He’s angry because she received her father's medals when he passed away. She said she’s picking up those medals. Her brother is so angry she’s afraid he will try and kill her.”

“That’s crazy. Why did she receive the medals?”

“I’ll have to ask her that question. I wish I could see you before I leave,” I said.

“Me, too. I’m waiting to interview Ryker Malone and Lincoln Harper. They were still in Afghanistan and will return tomorrownight. I’m interviewing two others tonight. Please be careful when you escort that woman and her family.”

“I’m going to fly to Oregon to see you. Will that be okay?”

“I would love that. When are you leaving?”

“I’ll leave for the airport now. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

“Yes, I can’t wait to see you,” Lori said, sounding like she might cry.

“I love you, Lori.”

“I love you, too. I’ll see you soon.”

Once I got to the airport, I hired someone to fly me to Oregon, and then I rented a vehicle and drove to Lori’s hotel. She opened the door on the first knock and pulled me into the room. I laughed as I pulled her into my arms. She had a towel on, which fell to the floor when she wrapped her arms around me.

“Umm, you taste good,” Lori said, pulling my shirt over my head. “I want you to make love to me.”

I laughed and picked her up, and we fell onto the bed. “I missed you so much. How did I ever get by without you in my life?”

“I’ don’t even want to think about that,” Lori said. She looked at me and smiled. “Strip! We don’t have that much time together, and I don’t want to miss out on anything.”

I took off my boots and stripped out of my pants. Then I pulled Lori on top of me; I kissed her until we had to come up for air. I arched my body over hers. “Do you want me, sweetheart? Let me feel how much you want me. Oh, yes, you do. You are so wet for me. First, I’m going to take my time and please you.”

“I would be pleased if you pushed inside me right now. I’m ready, Gage. We can play afterward, but I need you now.”

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