Page 72 of Running Out of Moonlight

“That’s only partially true, Gabriel,” Mother Estelle winked at Vaughan, who leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

“Can I ask if Lucas is okay?” Shawn said.

Lucas shook his head and didn’t say a word so Ramsey answered for him. “He’s okay, Shawn.”

“So tell us what makes my brother an asshole,” Vaughan said, changing the subject. Lucas reached out and squeezed his hand. He mouthed the wordthanksand Vaughan winked.

“Well, for starters, he’s bossy.”

“That’s true. Continue.”

“Also, he likes to stick his tongue down my throat and then tell me it was a mistake. He’s done that more than once.”

“Yeah, that’s not surprising. He does have commitment issues.”

“Shut up, Vaughan.” That comment came from Gabriel.

“I could, Gabe, but we both know I’m not going to.”

Gabriel chuckled. “I never thought I’d say this, but I really miss every single one of you.”

“Are you finding any captives?” Garridan asked.

“No and I think we’ve been through most of the house.”

Sage really hoped they didn’t either. What Garridan had gone through was awful and Sage wouldn’t have wished that on anyone.

Garridan met his gaze.

Then again, finding Garridan was the best event of Sage’s life and it wouldn’t have happened if Garridan hadn’t been held captive. The kidnapping also had to take place otherwise they would have never rescued Garridan. Everything happened for a reason.

“If it’s feasible, talk to the blood whores then make sure none of them are there against their will. But do it right before you come home,” Garridan said. He looked at Ramsey, who nodded at Garridan’s command.

“Yes, sir.”

“Gabe.”

“Yeah.”

“Only go if it’s not too dangerous. We want you back here in one piece,” Garridan said.

“Yes, sir.”

The rest of the family took over the conversation. Sage tuned them all out, kissing Garridan. “What do you say we read our book for the rest of the day? I don’t have to go to work and you’re not building anything, so the day is ours,” Sage whispered in his ear, trying to make Garridan relax. Something made Garridan tense up.

I have somewhere to go with Bennett later today. I should be gone for about an hour.Garridan said through their bond link. Suddenly the reason for Garridan’s nervousness became clear.

Sage didn’t say anything for a few minutes.

It’s not dangerous.Garridan tried to explain, waiting for Sage to freak out as he always did.

Finally, Sage said, “Maybe I’ll get all domestic on you and bake cookies while you’re gone or something.”

Garridan sighed in relief. “I love cookies.”

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