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B alor left right after getting the truck, and one of my stand-in drivers took his place. I had other jobs for my genius hacker cousin to attend to. He didn’t need to play my chauffeur.

After shooting off a few more texts, I made sure to close the file I had on Clementine and rolled my shoulders. I was all wound up. Eager to finally get her into my car, closer to me.

My head whipped up as she stepped through the door and just like that all my anxiety fled like hounds chasing after a fox.

“Beautiful,” I whispered, awestruck by the picture she made.

I was staring so hard I thought my eyes would fall out of my head, but just as I thought I was about to explode, I heard the strangest thing.

“Oh! Don’t forget protection!”

My eyes flashed to Clementine’s, and I saw horror followed by acceptance before her face flushed adorably with embarrassment.

My lips quirked up, the expression felt stranger, and I realized I was smiling as she approached with caution. Like she thought I might run away.

Fat fucking chance, Darlin’. You’re mine now.