Page 36 of Xane

“Each of us will lay down our lives protecting her, you know that, Prez,” Fawkes states.

Stellan bobs his head.“Yeah, no need to remind us in case we fail because we won’t be there to face your wrath if things go wrong.”

“What they said, Prez.Her life comes before ours.That shit goes without sayin’.We’re all more than thankful for the way you stepped up after your father was killed.It’s clear these fuckers are responsible, taking him out so they could create the crime spree and make a smoke screen for their money scam,” Neo rumbles.“The way you handle shit and gave us the opportunity to officially work law enforcement is fucking amazing.So, we’re here for it no matter what, and each task is just as important.Hell, more when it involves the president’s old lady.”

I take a deep breath and grunt, “Thanks, brothers.I know I’m overreacting...”

Fawkes smacks my arm.“Say no more.We’ve watched others take the fall when they met their old lady.It’s no longer your own ass you need to think about.Hey, imagine how Spence feels right now.The fucker just became the daddy of a little girl.He must be going insane, right?”

A string of curses flow from me and I rub a hand over my face.“I can’t imagine bringing kids into this world while there’s danger at every turn.Not to mention, a fucking girl?Horndogs swarming her when she gets older?Damn.Don’t fall in love, fuckers.”I shake my head and grin.“Scratch that.It might drive me nuts, but the woman completes me in every other way.”

Neo chuckles.“Balance of life.The good and the bad.Thank fuck you have us to keep you sane.”

All I can do is bob my head in agreement.We walk out of church and I head to my room in search of Zora.She’s sitting in a chair, reading a book when I step inside.She instantly jumps up and drops the book into the chair.

“I want to go back to work,” she states before I can say something.

I have to blink a few times to process her words.We agreed it was best if she stayed on lockdown here at the clubhouse for the time being.Her throwing at me how she wants to go back to work is a complete surprise.

“Why?”I grit, unable to keep the frustration out of my voice.

Z steps closer and gives me a smile that makes my cock twitch.“I want things to go back to normal.”A blush spreads her cheeks and she quickly adds, “I know we agreed things are still dangerous, but...”

Leaning forward, I capture her lips with mine.The blush and how she mentioned wanting everything to go back to normal?It’s because of last night, where she made me finish jerking myself off in her presence.Back.To.Fucking.Normal.It’s everything I want too.Just not yet.

“Soon,” I tell her when I end the kiss and watch her face fall.

Dammit.Reaching out, I cup the back of her neck and stare right at her so she can see the promise in my eyes when I tell her, “We’re riding out in half an hour to raid their mansion and bring them down, okay?The government wants the cartel, but we’ll get them once we have Luisa and Neron.We found out they made a huge money deal with three projects and we get the feeling they’re about to skip town.We can’t afford to lose them so we’re gonna take them down now.”

“Oh, no,” Z gasps and horror fills her eyes.

I let my thumb stroke her jaw.“We’ll get them,” I vow.“No fucking way will I allow them to slip through our fingers, okay?”

She shakes her head.“No, that’s not why I...I just don’t want you to get hurt.I...I don’t want to lose you.”

My mouth twitches, remembering how I was freaking out about leaving her to go on a mission.I guess the feeling is mutual.

“This is my job, darlin’.Something I’ve been trained to do for years.The only thing that’s changed now is my fear of leaving you behind, of not being there to protect you while I do my job.”

Understanding dawns and she presses her body closer to mine as she slides her arms around my neck.“So, we’re both freaking out?”

A bark of laughter escapes me.“Yeah, I guess we are.”

She brushes her lips against mine.“Then we both need to buckle up and ride it out.”

Damn, I love this woman.I capture her lips one more time before I get ready.Time to get this shit behind us so we can focus on the future, because when it comes to this woman?I want it all.