Page 98 of Stand: Part One

One had been so close that Scott and I decided to infiltrate it ourselves, capturing two of Miguel’s men and killing the other four. What was left of their disfigured bodies after we’d tortured enough info out of them had been burned to a crisp with the others after we’d set their little outpost on fire. Plans were then put in place to attack the rest of the locations at the same time within the next two hours.

The phones and computers we confiscated also listed the contacts of their suppliers and dealers, but the text messages found were the most damning part. Conversations between Miguel and his men revealed just enough info to ensure a successful attack when the time was right.

At this point, he was just a dead sitting duck and didn’t even know it. Hopefully, the attacks would drain him enough to get him to do something desperate and stupid. At least then I’d finally be able to knock one war off my list.

Stepping into the elevator of my favorite warehouse, I pushed for the first floor, deciding to take a little walk down memory lane. Making my way through the halls, I stopped just before the door that opened to the supply hall, my eyes peering through the window cutout for observation. Ten perfect girls slept soundly in their cages, awaiting their turn for the monthly auction that would change their lives entirely.

I thought back to how Jaden had changed my life. How I never knew of such a burning passion that could punish so vigorously until I met her. My world was not the same as it was so many years ago.

Jaden had taken up so much space in my head, there were days it was difficult to see past her. And those were the days I hated her the most. The control she had over me—the power. It was too much for me to ever admit to her, but she was the only thing that consumed me now.

Goddamn her.

By the time I made it back to the estate, it was nearly four in the morning. Jaden was actually asleep in our bed for once, her lush red hair cascading over the pillows. I stripped off my clothes and joined her in bed, not giving a shit about showering at this point.

Clutching her small frame, I pulled her into me, the warmth of her skin against mine bringing me back to earth—where I was needed as more than just a killing machine.

With her, I would always be so much more.

A protector.

A tormentor.

A provider.

A jailer.

A teacher.

A husband.

A father to our children.

The picture of Jaden’s belly swelling with my child brought on such a strong feeling of pride, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could contain it.

Her body wasn’t ready yet, but mine sure as hell was. It had been six months since she’d been shot, and I really couldn’t deny that she’d fully recovered months ago. She wasn’t quite back in fighting shape yet, but she’d get there in time if I actually allowed her to.

After tonight, she’d shown me she could still handle herself in dangerous situations, that she was actually capable of following orders. And I was pleasantly surprised that she could overcome a little psychological torture when she was feeling spiteful enough.

While I enjoyed my time with her, I was livid over the fact that the first time I finally let her out of the house, we were attacked. And on our own damn wedding anniversary. And while she was the one driving, no less!

But that was the law of my universe—anything that could go wrong typically did. Which was why I always planned shit accordingly. You’d think the universe would have figured that out by now and stopped bothering.

But even in the face of an impromptu assault, I was actually a little relieved at how efficient Jaden and I were as a team. I hadn’t expected that, but we had no choice but to adapt to the situation.

It gave me confidence that the next time we faced another inevitable attack, we could successfully do it together if we had no other choice.

Trusting Jaden’s competence as a decent getaway driver had proven to be well worth the risk, considering it allowed me time to easily handle our assailants without minding the road.

It would have been a hell of a lot more difficult trying to open fire on tails behind us from the driver’s seat. And no way in hell was I letting Jaden stick her hand out the window, let alone her entire arm, just so she could be useful.

Her safety was always my main priority, and I allowed her to risk it all tonight because she was bored. I was fucking furious over the whole thing, furious with myself for giving in, especially after the attitude she’d given me earlier in the week.

But after seeing that gorgeous victory smile light up her face like that, the urge to recreate it was too damn strong to continue fighting.

I ended up spending several hours with Scott mapping out the entire route, making sure all the roads were clear or safe before I even thought about tossing Jaden the keys.

But the smile she rewarded me with made my chest burst with warmth and pride as she drove my car with such adorable confidence, exhibiting a rare and intoxicating display of pure joy.