Page 46 of Shadow Strike
After a moment, they found a rhythm together, building toward something she could feel gathering at the base of her spine.She dug her nails into his shoulders and let herself be carried by it, trusting him to catch her when she fell.
“Let go,” he murmured against her ear.“I’ve got you.”
She did.
The release crashed through her in waves, and she heard herself cry out, felt him follow her over the edge moments later.He shuddered against her, his face buried in her neck, her name on his lips.
Afterward, they lay tangled together in the dark, her head on his chest, his hand tracing lazy patterns on her back.The house was still quiet, but it didn’t feel empty anymore.
“Partners,” she said softly.
She felt his chest move with a quiet laugh.“You already agreed to that.”
“I know.I just—” She propped herself up on one elbow to look at him.“I’m not good at letting people help me.I’ve been doing everything on my own for so long that I forgot how to share the load.”
“I noticed.”
“But I want to try.With you.”She hesitated, then added, “This thing with Ryder—we handle it together.I won’t go off on my own, and you won’t shut me out again.Deal?”
CB reached up and rubbed a thumb over her cheek.“Deal.”
She settled back against his chest, listening to his heartbeat slow.Tomorrow, they’d take the recording to Claire.CB would visit his father.The cease and desist would be delivered, and Ryder would know they weren’t backing down.
The fight was just beginning.But for the first time since this all started, Regan didn’t feel like she was facing it alone.
CB’s hand stilled on her back.“Get some sleep.Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
She closed her eyes, her body heavy with exhaustion and release and something that felt dangerously close to hope.
CHAPTERTWELVE
CB pulled into the driveway of his childhood home and sat for a moment, hands on the wheel.
Last night played through his mind—Regan in his arms, the way she'd finally let go and trusted him to catch her.He could still feel the warmth of her skin, hear the soft sound she'd made when he'd kissed the curve of her neck.Traced his tongue over her tatt.
She'd given him something rare, and he knew it.But that gift came tangled with complications he couldn't ignore.Her investigation threatened to bring down the only family he had left.His protection of her had put a target on his father's back.
And somewhere in the middle of all of it, he'd fallen for her—the woman who might destroy the Briggs name for good.
He didn't regret it.He just wished the path forward wasn't so damn unclear.
The house looked the same as it always had.Two stories, white clapboard, a wraparound porch his mother had loved.She’d spent summer evenings out there with a glass of sweet tea, watching the sun drop behind the mountains.He could still picture her in the rocking chair, her hair loose around her shoulders, humming.
That chair was gone now.Someone had gotten rid of it after she died.
CB climbed out of the truck and headed for the front door.He didn’t knock.The key turned in the lock the way it always had, and he stepped into the foyer.
Maria appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel.She was in her fifties, sturdy and calm.“Mr.Briggs.”She smiled.“Didn’t expect you today.Is everything okay?”
Not in the least.“I didn’t get to stop by yesterday because of the assignment I’m working.”He glanced around.“How is he?”
“He’s having a good day.You’ll find him in the study.”
“Thanks, Maria.”
Wade was in his leather chair by the window, a book open in his lap.His father looked up when CB entered, and for a moment his expression was unguarded—surprise, maybe even pleasure, flickering across his weathered face.
Then the walls went up.
