Page 102 of Pretty Poison

“They were excited for you, baby,” Asher said.

“Now they know you’re married to a los—”

Asher cut him off with a fierce but short kiss. “Shut the hell up and listen to me.”

“We’re not in bed,” Rocky reminded him.

“Listen good,” Asher growled. “None of the goons hold you responsible for any of this. I won’t be able to make you see this, though. They’ll prove it to you if you give them a chance. I know it’s hard to trust, but will you try?”

Rocky nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

Asher kissed him briefly and said, “Now, what are we going to do about Duggins?”

“We let him dig himself a bigger hole,” Rocky replied.

His husband blew out a long breath. “I don’t think I can.”

“Focus on one of your other talents.”

Smiling, Asher asked, “Such as?”

“Making the fucking stew that fixes everything.”

“Be patient and make stew,” Asher said. “Got it.Anythingelse?”

Rocky winked. “We’ll discuss the options at home tonight.”

“Are you going into the office now?”

“Hell yes,” Rocky said. “I’m not running anymore.”

Asher caressed his cheek and said, “I’m proud of you.”

“I’m proud of me too.”

Asher walked him to his car. He turned on the engine and got the air-conditioning going for Fifi before facing his sexy husband. The goodbye kiss they shared was hotter than a Carolina Reaper and sweeter than his nana’s tea.

“I probably don’t have to go directly to the office,” Rocky said once they pulled apart.

Asher checked the time and frowned. “I wish. I need to get back and deliver a briefing on this afternoon’s raids.”

“Be safe.”

“Always.” Asher gave Rocky one last kiss before walking away.

Rocky took a few minutes to appreciate the cool air in the car before driving to work.

Trudy jumped out of her seat and launched herself into his arms when he and Fiona walked in. “I heard what happened. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. The world is filled with assholes.”

“And all of them stink,” Trudy said. She pulled back and studied his expression. She must’ve liked what she saw because she nodded. “Okay, then.”

“Any messages or new issues I need to address right away?”

Trudy shook her head. “No, but the day is young.”

Rocky made himself a cup of coffee and put fresh water in Fiona’s bowl in his office. He’d brought her plush dog bed here since Asher had been right about their sleeping arrangements. Fiona had barely glanced at the bed covered in pretty pink corduroy before she’d leaped onto their mattress on her first night at home. Rocky unhooked the leash from her harness and showered her with affection before sitting at his desk.