Page 98 of Silver Secrets

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Gunner growled so fiercely that Sloane pulled her legs up into her chest and wrapped her arms around her knees for stability. “You are going to make it out of this just fine. There is no scenario in the world where we all don’t protect you with everything we’ve got.” He stood, letting his hand rest on her shoulder. She didn’t flinch or try to move away from his touch. “I protect my family, Sloane. And you’re our family now, too.”

“Do you think…” she hesitated.

“Do I think… what?”

Sloane pushed off the mat, standing up while forcing her body to stay relaxed.

“Would I be able to cash in on that offer for a hug?”

Sloane would have laughed at how comically wide Gunner’s eyes went, but before she could even open her mouth, his arms were wrapped around her. He didn’t squeeze her tightly, leaving plenty of room for her to escape if she wanted to.

But she didn’t.

His hug felt like she was hugging her brother again. It felt safe. Hugging Stone. Hugging Gunner. She felt safe with these men.

“You remind me of him,” she said.

“Who?” Gunner still had his arms wrapped around her. Apparently he was going to let her decide when the hug was done. She didn’t want to take too much, but the similarities were so overwhelming.

“My brother.”

Sloane stepped back and wiped a tear from her eye before it could fall. She jolted at the sound of something hitting the floor. Turning, she saw Gage storming over towards them, his work bag laying on its side by the wall.

“What the fuck happened? Are you okay?” Gage’s eyes bounced between her and Gunner as they stepped apart. “I swear to god, Reap, if you said something to upset her?—”

Sloane’s hand landing on his arm seemed to work. She stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips against Gage’s jaw.

“Easy, handsome. I asked Gunner to hug me. Not because something was wrong. But because he made me feel safe.”

“Oh.” Gage wrapped his arm around Sloane, tucking her into his side. “Look, Reap?—”

“No.” Gunner held his hand up to stop Gage. “You’re looking after your girl. Just like I do with Lily. I get it. No hard feelings.”

“I’m ready to go home if you are. I need to take a shower.” She leaned in to whisper in his ear, knowing full well that Gunner could still hear her, but hoping he wouldn’t acknowledge it. “Maybe you can take one with me?”

“Bye, Gunner.” Gage slipped his hand around hers, spinning the both of them so fast she felt dizzy.

“Gage! Slow down.”

“No way, Red. You just invited me to shower with you. Let’s go.” He stopped to scoop up his backpack, and then turned back to her. “Ready?”

“Of course,” she replied, thinking he only meant to ask if she was ready to go upstairs, so it was the biggest surprise when the next second, she was being hoisted over his shoulder.

“Hey! Let me down,” Sloane laughed. One of Gage’s hands came up to rest against her bottom.

“Hey, you two. Don’t do anything Lily and I wouldn’t.” Gunner’s booming laugh filled the gym as they made their way into the hall.

“Don’t worry, Red. We won’t ever be doing half the stuff theywoulddo.”

Gage must have called the elevator as she laughed, because before she knew it, he was carrying her onto the lift.

“You have to put me down,” Sloane kicked her feet until Gage shifted her and she got the most glorious view of his ass. Even covered in his jeans, the sight was delicious. “Never mind. The view back here is incredible. Thanks for carrying your computer bag instead of slinging it across your back and cutting off this incredible sight from me.”

She fidgeted against his shoulder until they were standing right outside his apartment. He opened the door and she waited for him to set her down. Instead, he marched with her still over his shoulder through the apartment.

Gage’s fingers came up to dig into her side. “I love this playful side of you, Red.”

“Put me down, Gage. I’m going to pee if you keep tickling me like that.”

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