Page 95 of Shockproof

“And yet something tells me you’re gonna be cutting off a whole lot more than that,” Blu playfully pokes.

Probably not.

This isn’t a capture torture mission even if for the first time in my life I wish it were.

No.

It’s simply R&R.

And R&R is what I do best.

“Helo’s almost ready,” Seventeen informs, receiving a hand gesture from the pilot. Afterward, we lock eyes again. “And you’resureyou know exactly where she is?”

“Affirmative.”

“Absolutely fucking sure, Wahl?”

“Affirmative.”

“How?” He huffs in obvious irritation. “Explain to me now what you wouldn’t earlier because you needed to gear up.” His gaze narrows in nervousness. “Howdo you know where Arley is without Rosenkrantz providing you the location?”

Adjusting my gear bag is done on a blunt, “She’s got a tracker.”

Blu moves around to stand beside our boss to be in my direct line of sight. “Say that shit again.”

“She’s got a tracker on her.”

“Does sheknowshe has a tracker on her?” Seventeen cautiously questions.

“No.”

“You put a tracker on your fucking girlfriend?!” Outrage and mirth alike mix in my best friend’s laughter.

“Is this another romantic sentiment between the two of you I don’t understand?”

There isn’t time to respond due to Blu cackling, “Brah, you know she’s a person not a puppy, right?”

“It was a tactical decision.”

Two sets of eyebrows dart down, yet it’s my partner for the mission that points out, “You know when she finds out you’re gonna be indeep. Shit.”

“Yup.” I lean slightly forward to reinforce my proclamation. “But she’s gonna bealiveto put me in that deep shit.”

He pauses.

Nods in agreement.

Swings his stare back to the man, who for the first time in his life, didn’t hesitate to put my woman’s life before his own. I banged on his door, told him we needed to rescue Arley, and was immediately followed out of his office for him to make whatever necessary arrangements he could.

Not sure who he was on a call with, but they’ll understand.

Or they won’t.

Either way, I don’t care.

The only thing I care about is getting my woman home safe and sound and ending this bullshit once and for all.

“Call when you’re ready for extraction.” Seventeen slides one hand into his pocket. “In the meantime, I’ll see if there are any updates regarding Reynolds critical condition as well as what other information our indisposed guests are willing to part with prior to their demises. I’m sure by now Consuelos has retrievedsomethingelse. She is highly skilled.”

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