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His arms wrap around me and I close my eyes, snuggling into his neck. He’s so warm.

“I ninja-kicked a shark.”

“Yeah, you did.”

“I saved the day.”

“You sank your own boat.”

“Same difference.” I look up at him, a soft smile on my lips. I like him so much. Even if he lied about Charlie. That was before I knew him, or about the pieces he put in place to stop Pierce fromdoing terrible things. He never lied about who he was. Charlie, on the other hand…

“TheBettydidn’t make it, but I saved you,” I say.

“Yeah, I think you probably did.”

I expected an answering grin, the cocky one I can’t resist, but his expression is serious, thoughtful, even. Dean rubs his cheek against the top of my head and I sigh, pulling myself closer to him.

Maybe I’ll get that date after all.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

DEAN

A hospital machine beeps,and the steady drip of the IV in June’s arm half lulls me to sleep. Cream walls, white bedding, a whiteboard with patient care notes on it.

Thank God the only thing wrong with June is dehydration and shock.

I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to her today. Not today, not ever. But in my line of work, that seems to be a near guarantee.

Selfish.I’m so fucking selfish for wanting to be with her. All I can give her are lonely nights while I travel, working. I’ve seen it too many times, partners left behind, scared and in the dark about where their loved ones went. What they did in the shadows.

June deserves so much more than that life.

The door to the room creaks open and I shoot up, hand on the pistol I refused to part with. The cartel still coming.

They don’t like loose ends.

I watch the door as a brunette bustles in, dressed in slacks and a button-down.

“Charlie? What happened to your hair?” My secret weapon, the most unpredictable member of my team, living up to her reputation, as always. I’d be amused if I wasn’t still pissed at the way she handled the entire situation with Pierce.

“It’s a wig. Wake her up.” Charlie expertly unhooks the IV. “You still armed?”

“Always.”

She nods, and I wipe my bleary eyes. “We need to get her out of here.”

I spring into action, collecting myself. “They’re coming?”

Another nod. A machine screeches, angry it can no longer track June’s heartbeat.

“Pierce is gone,” Charlie says.

“Fuck.”

“You should’ve left him there.” She looks at me.