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“I literally never want to imagine that,” Joan said.

He snickered and glanced behind them. “Are you coming with us, Per?”

Perry followed them inside the room. He shut the door securely. “Be careful tonight,” he murmured. “I don’t trust those two. They’re up to something.”

“We never trust them.” Joan leaned against the counter where they kept an array of ropes and grappling hooks.

“Don’t give them any information about the drop. Get in and out as quickly as possible. Change out of your gear right after it. Try not to be seen. And for god’s sake, don’t run into any of the Supers tonight.”

“Relax,” Mark said, inspecting one of his black gloves. “Joanie’s gonna sprint home to Sadie. My dance card could easily be filled, and then my?—”

“Don’t,” Joan groaned.

Perry blew a strong puff of air from his mouth, knocking the glove out of Mark’s hands. “Will you two listen for once in your lives? Be fucking careful.”

Jeez. Perry didn’t swear very often, and almost never dropped an f-bomb. He must not have had his afternoon nap. “Fine,” Joan said.

“Okay.” Mark picked his glove off the concrete floor.

“Text me when you’re home,” Perry said. “Let me know ifanythingseems off.”

“Aren’t you coming with us?”

He looked at the door. “I’m gonna stick close to those two tonight. Let Mel keep thinking I’m not with you.”

Joan nodded. “Smart. Let us know if you need us.”

Perry reached for his charcoal-gray bodysuit. “Just stay focused.”

“Focus is my middle name,” Mark said. “Ooh, a penny!”

“You be careful too, Per,” Joan said. “You’re all Mark and I have, you know.”

“Lucky me,” Perry groused.

CHAPTER15

As expected, there was no trouble with the buyer or the painting. Mark had taken the cash to divvy it up while Joan went home and waited for word from Sadie. Her blood simmered eagerly. She couldn’t wait to offer Sadie the chance to pursue her dream. To tell her they could both go for what they wanted.

She flicked sparks of excited energy (okay, horny energy) from her fingertips. Perry hadn’t reported any Melvin activity, so tonight was going to be all about celebrating.

The second she got the text confirming Sadie was home from work, Joan bounded out of her apartment.

Sadie glanced up from her phone halfway down the hall. “Were you standing by your door waiting for me to text you?”

“Yep,” Joan admitted.

She met up with Sadie and wrapped her in her arms. Joan kissed her soundly, then asked, “How was the rest of your workday?”

“Fine.”

“Cool.” She kissed Sadie again, loving the soft feel of her, the sweet taste of her. “I have so much to tell you. I can’t stand it.”

“I can tell,” Sadie giggled. “Can you at least wait until we get inside my place?”

“Barely.”

Joan picked her up and carry-dragged Sadie to her door. She was so excited, and excited in ways that would cause Mark to make all kinds of crass jokes. Her internal fire was stoked high despite the large fireball she’d conjured and extinguished in the shower.