Page 76 of Wade’s Wrath

“Nothing,” he said.

“You're doing the thing,” she said.

“What thing?” he asked.

“Thinking too loudly,” she breathed.

He snorted. “Didn't know that was possible.”

“With you, apparently, it is,” she said. Harlow rested her chin against his chest. “What are you thinking about?”

Wade considered lying, but he didn't. “I’m thinking about tomorrow.”

Her expression changed. “Me too.”

“I need you to do something for me,” he said.

“That sounds suspiciously like you're about to get bossy,” she chided.

“Probably.” She sighed dramatically. “Fine. What?”

“Stay at the clubhouse,” he ordered. Her eyes narrowed at him, and he knew that she was thinking over his request. “Harlow.”

“I heard you,” she assured.

“No following us,” he insisted.

“I wasn't planning to,” she said.

“No sneaking out,” he continued.

She looked offended. “I don't sneak.”

“You climbed out a bathroom window in a wedding dress. I’m pretty sure that counts as sneaking,” he insisted.

“That was escaping. It’s completely different,” she said. Wade laughed, and she smiled.

Then he grew serious. “Promise me.”

Her smile faded. “Wade⁠—”

“I need to know you're safe,” he said.

“You can't know that,” she insisted.

“All right, I need to know that you’re safer than if you're with us,” he said. She stared at him, and Wade brushed his thumb over her cheek. “I can't be worrying about you when we go into that warehouse.”

Understanding flickered in her eyes. “You'd be distracted.”

“Yeah,” he breathed, “I would be.”

“And that could get you hurt,” she finished for him. “Or somebody else.” Harlow was quiet, and then she nodded. “I'll stay at the clubhouse. I promise.”

Relief moved through him. “Thank you.”

“But you have to do something for me,” she said.

“What?” he asked.