Page 76 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"I can't believe you," I say, shaking my head. "Confirming Sunday dinner? Seriously?"
Kade's mouth twitches. "Your parents are good people. I like them."
"And the stories about the senator? Was that even true?"
"That's classified," he says, but his eyes crinkle at the corners.
We drive in silence for a moment before I speak again. "They liked you. A lot."
"I'm very likable when I want to be."
I snort. "Yeah, tell that to the guys you've beaten into submission."
His hand lands on my thigh again, this time sliding dangerously higher. "Speaking of submission..."
My breath hitches as his fingers trace patterns on the inside of my thigh. "Kade..."
"You were very well-behaved in there," he murmurs, his eyes never leaving the road even as his hand inches higher. "I think that deserves a reward, don't you?"
Before I can answer, his fingers press firmly against me through my jeans, right where I'm already embarrassingly wet. I bite back a moan.
"We have work to do," I manage, even as my hips shift involuntarily toward his touch.
"We'll get to it," he promises, his voice like dark velvet. "But first, I needed to remind you who's in charge."
His hand withdraws as we approach a red light, leaving me flushed and wanting. Kade's smirk tells me he knows exactly what he's doing.
"Bastard," I mutter.
"Careful," he warns, the light changing to green. "We have a long drive back to headquarters."
I grip the armrest as we speed through the streets, my heart racing. We're about to blow the lid off a massive conspiracy—and all I can think about is how badly I want his hands on me again.
twenty-two
Kade
The drive to CPG headquarters is tense. I take a circuitous route, watching for tails while Alina fidgets with a file folder, practically vibrating with questions she's dying to ask.
She's not used to being managed, I think.Too fucking bad.
The team is waiting in the command center. I step in front of Alina as we enter, my body blocking hers until I've scanned the room. She bumps into my back with a soft grunt of irritation.
"What did you find?" Asher asks.
I move to the central console, pulling up our documents. "Pattern of suspicious maritime incidents." I outline our discoveries while Alina edges closer to the screen.
Without thinking, I shift to block her path.
"Move," she hisses, eyes flashing. "I can explain the shipping company connections myself."
I give her a measured look before stepping aside—not far, just enough to let her pass while staying close enough to feel the heat of her body. She shoots me a glare that would wither a lesser man.
As she speaks, her intelligence shines. I'm torn between my respect for her skills and this raw instinct to protect her from the shitstorm heading our way.
"Good work," Jax says when we finish. "But this Steele character sounds like bad news."
"Agreed. We need his military records."
