Page 135 of Relentless

“Anyway,” he continues when all she does is raise a brow in question. “Reid’s thrown a tantrum and stormed out.”

“Why?” Alana asks.

JD chuckles. “I think we all know why, Dove. Our fearless leader is feeling a bit left out.”

“He got to come,” she states flatly.

“Not sure he had quite the same experience we did,” JD says, his eyes tracing Alana’s curves as if she’s still standing there naked.

“Good, he doesn’t deserve to. He should be relieved he got to come at all after what he did to me.”

JD’s eyes flash with understanding.

“What did he do?”

“You know,” JD muses. “I could tell you. It was hot. I’m sure you’d appreciate it.”

“JD,” Alana snaps.

“Or one day, maybe I should show you. Give you the full experience.”

“Julian,” she tries again.

“What, Dove? I think it would drive your husband here crazy. And we all know you want that, don’t you?”

“You’re a nightmare,” she states.

“Maybe so, but you wouldn’t have me any other way. Now, let me see those nipples up close. I want to make sure your man has done a proper job.”

“Nice try,” she says, holding the towel tighter.

“There’s always later.”

“What’s the plan?” I ask.

JD shrugs. “Don’t have one. But with Reid gone, it looks like we’re going to have to fend for ourselves.”

“He means we’re going to have to cook because JD can burn air,” Alana explains.

“Shouldn’t be too challenging, there’s enough food in the fridge to feed an army.”

“Let’s just hope he’s out building us one as well. Something tells me that we’re going to need it.”

A ripple of unease goes around the room as the weight of the situation we’re in the middle of presses down on us.

“He’s got this all under control, right? He knows what he’s doing?” Alana asks, looking unsure of herself for the first time since she walked into my cell yesterday.

“Uh… yeah, sure. Totally got it all wrapped up.”

“Gee, could you sound any less convincing?” I mutter. “What exactly is his plan here?”

“You good, little dove?”

When she nods, JD walks toward me and throws his arm around my shoulder.

“You serious?” I bark, trying to throw him off.

“Dude, we practically shared a blowy. We’re BFFs for life now,” he muses, dragging me out of the bathroom as Alana laughs behind us.