Page 184 of Shattered Silence Duet

“They’ll be here soon. Atlas will secure the house after the guys leave, and Max will probably run around making sure we have drinks, snacks, and charged phones.”

I can’t help but smile at the thought of them all knowing their assigned tasks. “I guess this isn’t the first time you’ve done something like this, huh?”

He chuckles, a sound that makes my heart feel lighter. “Nope,” he says, tapping my nose with his finger like I’m a kid.

He turns to his computer and starts typing.

“Ben?”

“Hmm?” he answers, his fingers typing away.

“Do you think, in the future, that I will be able to be a part of the team, too?”

He immediately stops typing to look at me. “Mina, you’re already the most important part of the team.”

“But, like, will I have my own job? Like you do tech stuff, and Atlas does security, something like that?”

“I’m sure with your memory, we’re all gonna need your help. But you’re also the one that is going to be able to help calm us down and keep us centered.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I don’t think you have any idea how much we all care about you.” He tilts my chin up and kisses me deeply, setting my body aflame.

For the first time in a while, his energy feels different—lighter, happier. I think it’s because we finally have a lead, but deep down, I like to think it’s because we’re in this together.

Stakeouts are boring. I sigh heavily as I lay on the floor in Ben’s room, moving my arms and legs back and forth on the carpet.

“Malishka, what are you doing?” Atlas frowns down at me as he comes in.

“Making carpet angels,” I tell him like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. He narrows his eyes at me as Max laughs from where he lounges on the couch.

“Atlas?” I ask more seriously, as I sit up and look at him properly.

“What is it, Malishka?” he asks, bending on one knee to bring his face closer to mine.

“What did one flag say to the other?” He just blinks at me, so I finish for him. “Nothing, it just waved.”

He stares at me, so I bring my hand up in a slow wave, then hetackles me onto my back, making me squeal, and starts to tickle my ribs and stomach. I cry out, “stop, stop! Mercy!”

“No, no, baby girl, you asked for this by telling that terrible joke. No mercy to be had for you!”

I squirm and kick, trying to get away, but he’s just so big.

“Max! Max, save me!” I yell out to him.

“Hmm, I don’t know, Sweetheart. That was a pretty bad joke.”

“Pleeeease!” I beg. “I’ll do anything!”

“Anything?” he asks, sounding intrigued.

“Yes! You name it, and it’s done—Eeeee!” I squeal as Atlas finds my armpit.

“Deal!”

I notice Atlas struggling a little and see Max clinging to his back. Max doesn’t seem to be having much effect, though, and Atlas continues his assault, giving me his mischievous grin.

“Ahh, Malishka, it’s me you should’ve made the deal with.”