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Ronan sighed. “Look, I don’t want to push my advice on you.”
“Good! Hey, see, we’re on the same page.”
Ronan snorted, “Your sarcasm is not lost on me.”
“Damn, that’s too bad.” Jug laughed, but it was bitter and forced.
Ronan stopped and put a hand on Jug’s arm. He would try one more time. “What’s going on, man? You know you can talk to me.”
Jug stopped and crossed his arms over his chest. “She deserves better.”
“Excuse me? Didn’t we have this conversation? She isn’t settling, asshole. You’re an elite warfighter with exceptional skills. You make more money than most people I know. True, you have your faults. I mean, you can’t run worth a shit.” Jug busted out a laugh, and they started walking again. “You need to stop tearing yourself down, Colt. You aren’t what they said you were. I wouldn’t have you on my team if you were.” Colt’s life growing up had been one tragedy after another. He joined the Marines to escape and then joined Guardian to have a better career, and he was exceptional. The bastards who’d torn him down had done a fucking job on his self-esteem, though. Most of the time, it wasn’t an issue, but when it came to relationships, the man’s self-esteem was in a deep pit.
“Wraith said that, too.”
Ronan elbowed him. “What? That you can’t run?”
Jug laughed. “It’s just hard to believe.”
“Have I ever led you down the wrong path?”
Jug shook his head. “No, Skipper, you haven’t.”
“And I never will. Shelly’s special. Don’t let this slip past you, my man. You might not have another chance at the real thing.”
“Are you taking that step with Fleur?” Jug asked.
“I am. I haven’t told anyone else yet, but I’m considering taking a desk at headquarters.”
Jug stopped. “What?”
“It was supposed to happen soon anyway, but to be with her, I think I could do it.”
“Wraith would take us on, right?”
“Hell, yeah. He’s ready.” They started walking again.
“He gets me.” Jug nodded. “I don’t want to see you go, Skipper, but I get it.”
“And let me tell you this: when you, Wraith, Stryker, and Wolf are ready to quit the field, I’ll have a place for each of you. Guardian will always be your home.”
Jug nodded. “That helps. I’ll admit, I worry about what will happen when I can’t do this anymore.”
“You’ll work for me. End of statement. Period. And that’s because you’re too fucking valuable to this organization to lose.”
“Thanks, Skipper.”
“For what? Telling the truth?” He nodded to the camp entrance. “I’ll finish the round. Go find that woman and let her know you’re all in.”
Jug looked at the gate and then back at him. “Probably should.”
“Ya think?” Ronan shook his head when Jug didn’t move. “Do you need my size twelve up your ass?”
“I’m going, I’m going. Fucking bossy.”
“That’s because Iamyour boss!” Ronan lifted his hands in the air.
“Oh, right.” Jug laughed and started to run toward the gate. Holy hell, the mancouldrun. He’d have to remember to tell Wraith that.