Page 121 of Only the Devil

The call ends, and I push up.

“I’ll bring you lunch. Sit,” Daisy screeches.

“No, ma’am. That is enough of that. If I didn’t prove to you last night that I can get up off a sofa, then I did not do something right.”

I grab her ass that’s hanging out of her short cut offs and haul her to me. Her arms loop around my shoulders, and I lift her on the table.

“So, the Big Apple, huh?” she asks.

"Maybe. He’ll confirm project requirements at a meeting next week. You sure you’re down for it?”

“Absolutely. I mean, as long as we’re in a place where I can work, I’m good. Don’t think Rhodes would take it well if I jetted again so soon.”

She kisses me, soft and sweet, and I can taste her smile against my lips.

“Good. Because I’ve got a hunch this assignment will be mindlessly boring and I’m gonna need you around to keep me sane.” I run my hands up her thighs, enjoying the way she shivers at my touch. “With Rhodes and Sydney building a place, that sounds like they’re making it permanent.”

“Makes sense. After everything that went down with ARGUS and the upcoming congressional hearings, they probably want somewhere private to regroup.” Daisy traces patterns on my chest through my shirt. “Plus, from what I heard, Sydney’s done with the CIA for good. She’s going full private sector with KOAN, and she’s got Rhodes’ full support with ARGUS.”

“Smart move. They make a hell of a team.” I think about the way Rhodes looked at Sydney when it all went down—like she was the only thing keeping him grounded after nearly losing everything. “Funny how things work out.”

“What do you mean?”

“Six months ago, Rhodes was this isolated tech mogul who trusted no one. Sydney was a burned CIA operative with nothing to lose. And now, they’re building something real together, and we’re…” I trail off, realizing what I’m about to say.

“We’re what?” Daisy’s lips are turned into not quite a smile, but maybe something slightly mischievous.

I meet her eyes, those gorgeous brown eyes that have been watching over me this past week like I’m something precious. Like I need to be doted on.

“We’re in love,” I say simply. “At least, I am. Completely, stupidly in love with you, Daisy Jonas.”

Her lips spread into the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen.

“Jake Ryder,” she whispers, framing my face with her hands. “I think I started falling in love with you when you invited me to crash in your company-provided rental and insisted on taking the sofa.”

“Hmm. And you still love me after being the worst patient on the planet?”

She laughs, pressing her forehead to mine. “Someone has to keep you alive long enough to see what happens next.”

“And what does that look like for us?”

“I think,” she says, kissing me again, “we enjoy Chicago, and if you’re needed, we go to New York, which is an inferior city to Chicago, but time there will help me prove that, and then I think we check out North Carolina and see if we like it as much as Rhodes and Sydney do. And I think we basically act like a couple who knows this isn’t temporary.”

“You sure about that? Because I come with a lot of baggage. Bad knees, high blood pressure, bum hearing, and apparently it’s conceivable I’m going to need a pacemaker. I’m going downhill at a mighty fast clip.”

“Jake.” Her voice is firm, brooking no argument. “I’ve seen you at your worst this week, and you’re still the best man I know. I’m not going anywhere.”

Something tight in my chest loosens. For the first time since I left the Navy, I can see a future that’s independent from the teams and doesn’t actually suck.

“I’ve no intention of letting you go anywhere,” I tell her. “In case that wasn’t clear. I love you too damn much.”

“It was clear,” she grins. “But I like hearing it anyway.”

Outside, the Chicago summer buzzes with life but in here, we’re in our own perfect bubble. Alvin Reed is vindicated, Rhodes and Sydney have found their happy ending, and somehow, against all odds, so have we.

“So,” I say, sliding my hands around her waist. “Chicago first, then we’ll figure out the rest?”

“With you?” Daisy’s smile could power the entire city. “I’m ready for anything. Besides, I’ve already got everything I need. Wherever we end up, as long as we’re together. I’m down with New York or wherever your job takes us.”