Page 38 of Going Rogue

A sense of euphoria flitted through his body, heightened by the opioids already in his system. He wanted to celebrate her love, not dwell on what might’ve happened. A wild idea struck him, and he tipped her chin to look into her beautiful face.

Her eyes were dry, but he wanted to see them smile. “Marry me?”

She pushed herself upright with a snort. “I don’t know if it’s you or the pain meds talking.”

Crane grinned at her sauciness. “It’s me. Look, we’re already in Europe. We can use the hospital chapel, then hit the sights as a honeymoon.”

Her eyes widened. “I think you’re serious.”

“As a gunshot wound.”

This time, she did smack him on the shoulder before her face fell, looking instantly apologetic. “Shit, I’m sorry. Did that hurt?”

“No. I’m still waiting on an answer,Rogue.” He cocked an eyebrow and would’ve crossed his arms over his chest if not for the IV.

She chewed at her lip again, and he couldn’t help but want a taste. But first, he needed her response. Maybe it was the medication, but he didn’t worry she’d say no. They’d been through too much together; he knew her inside and out. Even the parts she liked to put barricades around.

A slow smile started at her mouth and traveled up her cheeks to her eyes. The deep, smoky brown became luminous, and he knew what she would say before the word left her lips. “Yes.”

Despite the hole in his side, he didn’t think he’d ever felt so alive. Warmth buzzed through him like a livewire, and he cupped her neck, pulling her in for a kiss that was too many days overdue.

She softened under his touch, and he reveled in how responsive she always was to him. It made his blood heat faster than a lit match. Rogue was all his and he couldn’t have asked for a better partner.

Ready to lie back and pull her on top ofhim, she must’ve sensed his move because she broke the kiss. “Not a chance, big guy. You’re on limited duty until the doc says otherwise.”

Her marked stare at his junk was unnecessary. He got her point. Still, a sly grin threatened to make his lips twitch. The tent in the blanket covering his lap said he felt more than ready for full duty.

He cleared his throat. “Well, I think we’re both due some time off.”

Rogue nodded. “Especially since we technically saved the mission.”

Her comment made him smile, but it was rueful. “Let’s hope Victor sees it that way.”

This time, Rogue’s face held the sly grin. “He does. We had a good long talk, and things are going to be different. Even if TOP headquarters disagrees, I know he has our backs.”

The gleam in her eye told Crane there was more to the story, but he doubted she’d divulge it. At least, not without a lot of convincing. He had a few ideas on how he might do that, and his blood shot south thinking about it.

Rogue’s voice broke into his fantasy. “Dafi expedited the process, but they were coming back.”

At her statement, the lingering distaste over his team’s abandonment disappeared. Knowing he could trust them again settled something in his being.

Rogue had given him that. And it was another reason he loved this woman. She could hold her own and wasn’t afraid to speak up if she sensed an injustice.

He lifted her left hand to his lips and kissed the spot where a ring would go.

First order of business.

He met her gaze with a beaming smile, full of the love he couldn’t contain. “I owe you a ring.”

“I don’t need one.” Her gaze, though soft, was filled with so many promises. She loved him. It shone in her eyes with a light that suffused him in a warmth more potent than any drug. He wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to it.

“Come here.” He pulled her into his uninjured side, and she rested her head between his collar and jaw.

Despite all the shit they’d been through in the last few days, he’d do it all again if it meant he’d get to haveher. Because Rogue was worth dying for, but even more, she was worthlivingfor.

As he held her close, his whole body relaxed. A deluge of contentment filtered through his veins. He couldn’t wait to start their life together. With Rogue at his side, it was guaranteed to be filled with laughter, frustration, and—a chuckle rumbled in his chest—the best part? Amazingly hot sex . . .