Page 57 of Tabitha

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TABITHA

By the time I lock the bomb away in the bunker, the rest of the guys have returned. I know, because there is another bouquet of unmentionables on my bed, the fabrics a rainbow of colors. The underwear is more practical this time—still skimpy but no longer looking like they would try to slip up my ass in a sneak attack or give my more intimate spot a wedgie when I least expect it.

No matter how much you might try to act like a lady, that all fails when you have to retrieve said wayward underwear.

No one can do that with their dignity still intact.

Though I should be exasperated by the man, I find myself smiling as I tuck the items in the top drawer. As I rub the soft materials between my fingers, I imagine what it would feel like to model the items for River. I quickly slam the drawer shut to banish those foolish thoughts and scurry out of my room like the hounds of hell are chasing me.

It appears the men have made themselves at home while I was distracted. River, of course, claimed the room across from mine. Pierce is on one side, while Bast commandeered the other side. Normally, the idea of being caged would make me want to climb the walls, but it feels different knowing it’s the guys.

Almost comforting.

Which is absolutely ridiculous. I don’t even trust them completely, so how can their presence offer comfort?

The guys are talking quietly in the kitchen, and I pause at the top of the stairs, weirdly nervous to join them. After the confrontation with Gage, I’m not sure how to act around them.

I’ve gotten too comfortable.

Maybe it’s time to put some distance between us, focus more on the mission. The sooner we finish the assignment, the sooner I can put this nonsense behind me.

Like he has some sort of radar, River is the first to notice me. He stops mid-sentence and turns toward me, a breathtaking smile lighting up his face, and he bounds forward. Rocky barks and dances around his feet, then both of them come to a halt at the bottom of the stairs and gaze up at me with sparkling eyes. “Finally! We were just about to send out a rescue party.”

I scan the room, my attention landing on Pierce as I take a step down the stairs. “Did we find McNeil? I can get suited up and be ready to go in five minutes.”

“Uh…” River glances between Pierce and me, looking like he’s not sure where he lost the thread of the conversation.

Gage clears his throat, coughing into his palm, and studiously avoids looking at me when he turns away to fuss with something sizzling over the stove. I narrow my gaze, suddenly convinced he’s laughing at me and alternatively hurt that he started cooking without me.

Feeling flustered, I look away from all of them, uncertain how to act around them with my emotions so out of whack.

“No news yet.” Bast comes around the counter, picking up a glass of wine and holding it out for me. “River was just being impatient waiting for you. Come and join us, and we can discuss plans.”

Appeased only slightly, I trail down the stairs. I accept the glass, lifting it to my lips, and mutter, “You could’ve just said that.”

“You’re right. I’m an idiot.” River easily falls into step next to me, nudging me farther into the kitchen.

I glance once more at the stove, not realizing I’m pouting until River goes over to the stove and punches Gage in the arm.

Hard.

“Ow!” Gage glares and rubs his abused arm. “What the fuck?!”

“You’re a dick,” River mutters, then turns toward me. “I can teach you how to cook.” He begins to randomly open cupboards and take out pots and pans.

“You burn water.” Gage slams the cabinets shut, barely missing River’s fingers, and shoves the other man out of the kitchen. “The last thing we need is for you to burn down the house.”

When River resists, Gage places his hands on his hips and bellows, “Get out of my kitchen. You are hereby banned.”

River whirls and turns his big, pleading brown eyes my way. “It’s your kitchen. You’re not really going to let him exile me, are you?”

Gage is standing behind him, his eyes wide, shaking his head frantically.

I quickly look away, feeling slightly panicked at the thought of having to choose between them. “Ummmm…if you burn down the house, then you’ll destroy all the evidence in my secret bunker.”

I grin, feeling triumphant at avoiding the awkward situation.

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