Page 126 of Shadowed Sins: Nitro

"You're thinking loud enough to wake the dead." Jax's uninjured hand traces lazy patterns on my arm. "Can practically hear the analytical gears turning."

"I've never had anyone willing to fight for my personal mission." The confession slips out easily. "In seven years of hunting, it's been just me."

"That's what family does—we protect each other's missions because they become our missions."

Family. He keeps using that word like it's simple, natural, inevitable.

"It doesn't make tactical sense," I shift carefully, mindful of his shoulder. "Why would they risk everything for my revenge?"

"Because it stopped being just revenge tonight." His eyes hold mine with honest clarity. "Taking down Alexei saves lives. You connected trafficking networks across three continents. This is bigger than personal vengeance now."

"Kade looked at me like he was proud. Of me. For what I've accomplished, not what I could do for them."

"You built intelligence networks that could save hundreds of lives. Of course he's proud."

The simple acceptance in his voice breaks something loose in my chest. Heat builds behind my eyes, and I press closer to his warmth.

"This is terrifying," I press even closer, careful not to jostle his injured side. "Having precious things to lose."

"Good terrifying or bad terrifying?" His lips quirk upward in that crooked smile I'm becoming addicted to.

"Both." I trace the edge of his bandage with careful fingers. "You could have died because of me."

"Could have died without you too." He catches my hand with his good one, bringing it to his lips. "I'd rather face danger with you than safety without you."

Stupid, reckless, perfect man.

"That's the most ridiculous thing you've ever said to me."

"Wait until you hear what I'm thinking right now." Heat flares in his eyes, and suddenly I'm hyperaware of our position. The way his breathing has changed despite the medication.

He wants me. Even after watching me kill.

"Tell me."

"I'm thinking about how proud I was watching them accept you tonight. Watching them see what I see." His grip tightens possessively on my hip. "You belong to us now. To me."

Mine. His. Theirs.

The claiming in his voice sends liquid heat straight through me. I shift carefully, straddling his lap while avoiding his injured shoulder, my leg draped over his thigh, needing to be closer.

"Dangerous thinking, Nitro."

"The best kind." His good hand frames my face as I lean down, my hair creating a curtain around us. "You're mine now. My deadly, beautiful, perfect killer."

The kiss starts gentle but quickly turns desperate. All the emotion from tonight pours into the connection between us.

Safe. Finally safe.

When we break apart, his pupils are dilated with more than just medication.

"I love you," he says simply.

The words should terrify me. Instead, they feel like coming home.

"I love you too." The admission comes easier than it should. "Even if you are completely insane."

"Especially because I'm completely insane." He grins. "Takes one to know one, deadly girl."