Page 37 of Protecting Talia

Cheryl didn’t move, instead she looked her up and down. “I finally figured out how to get rid of you.”

“You can’t get rid of me.”

“Too bad. I’ve already arranged it. I was just looking for the right time.”

Cheryl looked and sounded too confident. Something was going down, and Talia wanted no part of it.

“Just leave. I have friends who will be here soon.”

Cheryl threw her head back, laughter spilling out. “No, you don’t. You have no friends, and no one is coming to save you.”

Cheryl stepped closer, causing Talia’s throat to close with fear.

“Walk out and leave me alone. I’m warning you.” Though Talia’s words were fierce, her voice shook.

Her sister threw back her head and laughed more. “You are too funny.”

The door opened behind Cheryl and Talia watched in disbelief as two men stepped in. These guys were much bigger than her and even if she fought hard, she couldn’t overpower both of them. No question, her future with Zip was over.

25

Zip stood in the shower, washing the grime from their mission off his body. He couldn’t wait to get home to Talia. It would take them a few days to make it home, but at least they were headed that way. He wanted nothing more than to pull her close and hold her. He hoped they returned home on a day she didn’t have to work.

“You in here, Zip?” Rider called out.

“Yeah. Just finishing.”

He turned off the water and grabbed a towel. “What’s up?”

“Nothing much. Just checking on you. We’re leaving in about an hour. Got a ride out for us.”

“Awesome. I’m ready to get home.”

“Oh yeah, Talia. How is that working out?”

“Excellent.”

Rider laughed. “That’s too funny. You were one of the ones who wasn’t going to fall. But I could almost hear the slam of you hitting the ground.”

He snapped his towel. Almost hitting Rider, who laughed even more. “Yeah, she’s got me. No question, I’ve fallen for her. I’m happily joining the crowd of happily paired off. What about you?”

Rider shrugged. “I’m fine alone. But if I find someone, that would be great, too.”

“Look at you, all in touch with your inner self.”

Rider chuckled. “Keep it up, buddy, and I’ll make sure Talia knows you’re mooning over her.”

“Tell her. I’m fine with that.”

“Oh, how the mighty fall,” Q said as he entered the room.

Zip smiled, happy to take their joking. They were right. He had fallen hard for Talia. “You ready?” he asked as he pulled on his shirt.

“Yeah. We’re ready,” Q said as he followed Zip out the door.

After a mission, the pressure was off. He liked this feeling. Success was nice. He’d never been on a total failure of a mission. They’d made mistakes before, but nothing had ever been a failure. He wasn’t sure how his buddy Sharp had dealt with the mission he’d been on that had failed. That had to have been terrible. Losing friends like he had must have been a real mind fuck. They didn’t talk about it, but he knew from the few things Sharp had said it had screwed him up. He wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

Going home felt good. Much more special knowing Talia would be there for him. He never wanted to forget this feeling.

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