Page 79 of No Mistake

Ryan masked his surprise. Tyler leaned closer to her. “Is that an invitation to stay the night?”

The two no longer seemed to recall Ryan was in the room.

She grinned. “If you think you can handle it.”

Tyler chuckled. “Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea what I can handle.”

“Really? Perhaps you should show me sometime?”

Ryan coughed, covering a smirk, though he had been thoroughly enjoying this exchange. A quick glance around the table told him Ray and Kelly had also heard the conversation. Tyler and Mira looked at him, but he averted his gaze, staring at the laptop and keeping his ears open.

“Guys. We have a mockup of Vitelli’s place ready. Let’s start planning,” Dex called out from the doorway of the war room.

Raven got to their feet to follow Dex. Ryan took his sweet ass time, waiting for Tyler, who appeared to be in no hurry.

“Raincheck?” Tyler smiled at Mira and stood up.

“For intel gathering, of course.” Mira laughed, flicking her sleek black hair over her shoulder.

“I’ll intel gather with you anytime, sweetheart.”

This time Ryan scraped his chair back, standing up to cover his laugh.

“Tyler? Ryan? You joining the team anytime soon?” Dex’s dry tone came through the door.

“Coming, boss,” Tyler said, striding to the door. Ryan hung back, grinning at Mira.

“What?” Mira waved her hand dismissively, but then she snapped her head to Kelly and Ray, who were giggling. Ryan folded his arms, unable to resist staying a few minutes longer.

“We were just messing around,” Mira said defensively.

“Oh, sweetie. That was not messing around, that was hot, steamy flirting,” Ray said, fanning himself.

“It’s just harmless fun,” Mira said, looking down at her laptop.

“Yeah right. Sweetheart.” Ray mimicked Tyler’s voice. “Don’t worry, I’m just jealous that he’s straight and not gay. Because I would be all over that myself.”

“So, Tyler, huh? How long has that been going on,” Kelly asked what they all wanted to know.

Mira stopped typing. “Nothing is going on!”

Ryan leaned on the table, his smile wide. “I’m sure I can persuade Dex to let him come back and help you out a little longer if you like.”

Mira picked up the baseball and threw it at him. Ryan caught it easily, laughing.

“Ryan?” Dex’s voice echoed again from down the hall.

Ryan straightened. “We’re just messing with you, Mira. You know we all love you.” He blew her a kiss as he headed to join his team. When he got Tyler on his own, he was going to enjoy riling him on this one.

HEARING CHLOE ANSWER Sam and Kelly’s questions in the debrief had been difficult. But Chloe had been remarkably strong, wanting to give them as much information as she could.

Sam had also spoken to them both about confidentiality, especially about Onyx and making sure they understood they couldn’t talk about it to anyone except each other and members of the team. He assured them any further physical or mental care either of them needed could be provided at Westside, and Onyx would cover all costs. Chloe might need therapy, and it was reassuring to know she would get the help, if needed. Sophie didn't think she needed to talk to anyone. since she had Ryan.

Ryan. Just thinking about him made her smile. She’d never felt so alive as when she was with him. He made her feel beautiful, sexy, valued, and for the first time, respected.

They had spent yesterday afternoon at the hospital, then gone back to her place, and spent the night making love. She was tired and sore, but in the best possible way. She couldn’t wait to go back home with him and do it again. Although, they might have to actually try and get some sleep.

“Darling sister, I have never seen you smile so much.” Chloe’s comment brought Sophie back to the room. Ryan had dropped her here early that morning. He’d stayed and chatted for a bit with Chloe and then went to join his team. He hadn’t said much about what was happening with Ricardo other than they expected to get confirmation shortly any threat to her and Chloe was over.

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