Page 199 of The Reluctant Hero

He even added in bullshit concern to sweeten it.

“Good thing I came prepared,” Shade drops a box by my drink, halting Gabriel’s building tirade effectively.

It’s a familiar white box that looks brand new.

“Fully charged with the same number. The contacts have been transferred. The old phone is now a paperweight. You’re welcome.”

“I can’t pay you back for this,” I frown at the box like it has snakes inside. Hell, this is Shade. It might have something venomous in there.

“You already did.”

I glance up in confusion to find his left hand in my face. The ring he’s sporting on his ring finger is shiny and brand new.

“You got married already?” When would they have the time?

“No, I’m trying it on,” he smiles down at the jewelry happily. I take in the open joy, and a flash of humor hits me. He acts like a serial killer, and now he’s misty-eyed over getting married. He’s excited enough he’s already wearing the ring.

“You fucking sap,” I crack up, and his expression drops to a glare.

“Take the damn phone.”

“I’m buying you cuffs as your wedding present. So you feel moresecure,” I keep going with a sly grin. “Do you prefer fuzzy or typical cop cuffs? Does South like red fluff?”

He calmly reaches for my napkin and begins wadding it up. “Open your mouth.”

I wave the syrup-soaked knife at him with a malicious smile.

“I was going to get her one today,” Gabriel interrupts in a frosty tone.

“Now you don’t have to,” Shade tells him with a smile that doesn’t look happy. He grabs the box off the table and starts to open it. “Amanda, I need to fill you in on a few things. Walk?”

I’m just starting to stand when Mikael gets up, knocking his chair back until it wobbles on its legs and resettles without falling.

“We are all in this together, Daniels. We need to be in the loop as well.”

The way he has his fists clenched makes it obvious he’s ready to ‘insist’ on Shade sharing. Or Daniels. Or fucking Duke Alexander the Third, whatever. Ace doesn’t look any better. Jake is leaning back, watching Shade with a calculating stare. Cade is slowly spinning the knife by his plate on the table.

Shade doesn’t look impressed with any of it.

“Just spill it. The damage is done. Who gives a fuck what they hear anymore,” I grumble and toss my knife onto the table.

“No. This is regarding yourwidowstatus and has nothing to do with anyone else here,” Shade says blankly as my shoulders sag.

“Awesome,” I mutter with a sudden lack of enthusiasm and stand to walk out with him. “Am I getting arrested again?”

He leads me through the house like he’s been here a million times. We get outside and walk farther into the immaculate lawn.

“I’m surprised the grass isn’t made of rolled bills,” I grumble and kick at the greenery just in case.

“I found the account.”

I stop so fast I almost faceplant. “What? I thought you said-”

“Shut up and act sad.”

My jaw drops, and my eyes slide to the side. Cade and Mikael are at the open door, watching us with scowls.

The best I can manage is confusion, he's out of luck on the sobbing widow act.

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