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"Stop that, Blake." I snap. He does it again. "I'm serious. Keep it up and we're going to be late . . . very late."
"Why are you in such a hurry?" he asks, gazing into my eyes.
My answering grin is mischievous. "I have a surprise for you . . . and the girls. Mostly the girls, but I think you'll appreciate it."
His eyes widen. Pushing away from him, I take his hand and pull him from the bedroom. Teresa, Dresden, and Shannon sit around the island talking and laughing. The apartment has been in an odd normalcy, the last few days. I don't know if I should feel relieved or worried nothing has happened since the last threat.
"Time to head out," I say walking past them.
They stand as Vlad joins us from Sammi's office.
"We taking one vehicle?" he says, sliding into his jacket.
"Yeah. Jameson is already in the car waiting," I say, pulling my shoulder holsters on.
Usually I wear a jacket over them, but today I'm letting them show. If there is any Taurus following, knowing we’re heavily armed might derail them from trying something stupid. I notice Vlad has his shoulder holsters on, and Dresden's guns are hooked to his hips in plain view.
We ride the elevator in silence, transitioning into what Blake calls "agent mode”. Moving to the car, we form a blockade around Blake and Shannon. They both tense. Shannon clings to Blake's arm, her eyes scanning the street wildly as if something might jump out of the shadows. Dresden ushers them quickly into the backseat of the SUV. Vlad and Dresden slide in behind them. I shut the door and climb into the front with Jameson.
I lift my watch to my mouth, "We're on the move, Boa."
"Copy that. Switching to watch the halfway house cameras," Sammi says in my ear.
"So, what's this surprise, Lily?" Blake asks from behind me.
I chuckle. "You'll see when we get there, sir."
"Or you could tell me now."
"No. Sit back and relax. We'll be there in a few minutes."
†††
Jameson pulls up in front of the halfway house, throwing the SUV into park. He and I climb from the vehicle at the same time. He walks around, taking his position at the back end of the passenger's side, as I open the back door, allowing Vlad and Dresden to file out. Blake and Shannon step onto the sidewalk and we surround them until we're inside the first set of doors to the building.
Entering the main room, I walk straight to a group of nine women standing by the counter, talking happily with the nurses. Their smiles falter as they glance at my guns.
"You must be the tutors," I say holding out my hand.
A tall, older blond-haired woman comes forward. "Yes, ma'am. You must be Agent Williams." We shake hands.
"I am. Let me introduce you to your new boss," I say, turning to invite them to where Blake and the others stand.
"I beg your pardon, but you’re the one paying us, correct? Doesn't that make you our boss?"
"No. Ladies, this is Mr. Blake Mason. He owns the halfway house and he'll technically be your new boss. He and his staff at this facility. Blake, these wonderful women are a group of tutors I've acquired for the girls."
Blake's mouth hangs open. "Wait . . . you paid for this?"
I square my shoulders, knowing this might be an argument. "Yes, Mr. Mason, I did. Believe it or not, as much as I dislike rich people, I have a good amount of money I don't want or need. This is a great way to use it."
He grabs my face and presses his lips to mine. My body stiffens, taken aback by this public display of affection. In the background, many of the girls giggle, cheer, and whistle. Blake pulls back enough to look me in the eyes. I'm stunned to silence.
"You’re the most amazing, remarkable, caring woman I've ever met, and I love you more every day I'm with you."
My heart melts and I caress his face. "I love you, too." I press my lips quickly to his again, and he releases my face, allowing me to stand up straight.
"Hello, ladies," he says putting one arm around me and holding the other out.