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“I missed you,” I whispered into the silence. “I know Craig and Leighton took care of me, and I’m grateful for them. But I missedyou.”

He exhaled hard, burying his face against the side of my throat. “I know. I hated being away from you. Hated not having the time. Not having the fuckingspaceto be with you like this.”

“I understand,” I murmured, fingers curling over his forearm where it wrapped around me. “You’ve had the weight of everything on your shoulders since…” His arms tensed briefly before he softened again, pulling me tighter.

“I’m trying to carry it,” he said after a long pause. “But fuck, it gets heavy sometimes. And I forget I don’t have to do it alone.”

“You don’t,” I whispered, turning my head just enough to kiss his bicep. “You never do.”

He didn’t answer, not with words. He wrapped his arms around me tighter, his whole body curved around mine like a fortress. I felt the tension bleed from him bit by bit, replaced by something quieter and safe. I reached for his hand beneath the covers and threaded my fingers through his.

“Sleep,” he said. “Just for a little while. We’re okay.”

This time, I didn’t fight it. Az tucked his face into the curve of my neck, his breath warm and steady against my skin. Together, we drifted off, tangled in each other, anchored in the quiet. The storm settled, and for a little while, we had peace.

Chapter Thirty Two

Leighton

We fell into a routine over the next few weeks. Az and I would start Victoria’s day with a run and then time working on breaking holds, attacking, and takedowns at the gym. Afterward, we’d have lunch, and Craig would take her to the range before dropping her with me to continue practicing spotting targets without being noticed. When we weren’t training her, one of us ran interference to keep Joey away. I was still debating whether or not to beat him into oblivion whenever I wasn’t withMa Petit.So far, I’d managed to keep my hands to myself.

“Would you sit down, Leighton?” Az snapped as I bounced around Ian’s office.

“Fine.” I sighed dramatically, flopping down next to Victoria.

“After the last few weeks, I’ve come to the conclusion that Victoria is ready to go out on a hunt. Craig got word that some low level Jackals are hanging around just shy of Uptown.”

“That’s near Golden Devil’s territory.” I mock whispered to Victoria, earning a scowl from Az.

“Tiffany of all people sent over photos to Craig. They aren’tinDevils’ territory so they’re not stepping in, but they are close enough they thought we might like the heads up.”

“Tiffany?” Victoria asked, clearly surprised.

“She’s been surprisingly helpful, Bunny. Between the flash drive she gave you and the intel she’s been sending over about this Jackals crew. It’s obvious she has an ulterior motive, but I suspect that motive is getting back in your good graces.”

“That’s a lot of words to say she’s sucking your dick to win back our girl.” I laughed. Victoria elbowed me in the side, and I frowned at her. “What? I didn’t meanliterallysucking his dick. Obviously she’s not doing that.”

“Can we focus please.” Az groaned. “If you can’t pay attention, Leighton, then I’ll be taking Victoria out to deal with this crew.”

I mimed zipping my lips and tossing away the key. Victoria’s first hunting trip was mine, and there was no way in hell I was letting Az take over.

“What exactlyisa hunt?” Victoria asked. “Because it kind of sounds like I should dress in camo, take a shotgun and shoot these guys on sight before taking some cheesy ass picture with their bodies.”

“Eh, not far off.” I chuckled. “We scope them out, kill as many as it takes to get at least one subdued and back to J– er that fucknugget’s torture chamber.”

“Craig will be doing the interrogation,” Az said. “I know Victoria has witnessed two of our interrogations at this point, but this time will be ahands-offlearning experience.” Az’s gaze flitted to Victoria. “You won’t be anywhere near the tools until I’m sure you can control your impulse to stab first, question later.”

“Yeah,Ma Petit.That’smy job.” I mimed, stabbing the air with a grin.

“It happened once.” She pouted.

“And look at where it got you. Running several miles before dawn and getting your ass kicked on the mats.” Az smirked.

She raised her hand and slowly flipped him off. “I managed to take Craig down this morning.”

‘To be fair, Bunny, I’m only about eighty percent.” Craig replied.

“Oh, fuck you too, Craig.” She huffed, her lips poking out in a pout as she crossed her arms over her chest.