Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
She wasn’t morally bankrupt, but Matt didn’t reassure her. Madison wouldn’t hear him, and holding back was good practice for the next three months.
“In the DC swamp, scruples are a weakness. Thinking with yours is like wielding a butter knife to take down a firing squad,” Deke warned Madison. “Todd knows you. He’ll use every bit of that knowledge to twist you until you capitulate.”
“I know.”
“Ethan and I should go,” Deke said. “You two figure how you’ll communicate without words or your usual…um, nonverbal strategy. While you’re at it, strengthen your connection so you function as one unit. Your lives may depend on it.”
Fuck. He was right.
Matt nodded Deke’s way. “Anything else?”
“Jack will be in touch when it’s time to go. For now, Ethan, bring in the cooler of groceries.”
Garrison grumbled but headed out to grab a giant red container from the boat.
“Thank you for everything,” Madison murmured. “You didn’t have to help me—any of you.”
“None of us like bullies, and after seeing that video of your husband straight-up murdering his own cousin, he deserves to go down. Besides, my badass brothers-in-law value Matt more than they’re willing to let on. Keeping you safe keeps him happy.” Deke shrugged and his gravelly voice turned rueful. “Not to mention the fact both Hunter and Logan are married to ladies who would skin their balls if they threw an innocent woman to the wolves.”
Despite the grim situation, Matt smirked. “I don’t know Bailey well since she’s quieter than Kata and Tara, but she’s no less likely to string Joaquin up for not helping a lady in need.” He turned to Madison. “The bosses are protective like that.”
“Everyone at EM and Oracle is.” Deke’s expression said he had zero fucks to give anyone who called them overbearing or sexist. Then he glanced out the window at Ethan wrangling the cooler from the boat. “Well, the verdict is out on the kid.”
Knowing the little bastard would be his backup on this mission chapped Matt’s ass. “And there’s no one else available? From what I’ve seen, he’s only interested in getting laid and isn’t above trying to poach.”
“I was a punk at twenty-one, too. But you and Ethan need to hash out your shit and bury whatever hatchet is butchering your cohesion. Or Todd will cleave a wedge between you. And Madison will be the one to suffer.”
“Then Ethan needs to stop being an asshole and leave her the fuck alone.”
“It takes two to tango,” Deke reminded as he headed to the front door to hold it open as Ethan stumbled in with the cooler. “Figure out whether you’re leading or following, then fix it.”
Once Garrison plopped the insulated container on the counter with a grunt, Deke clapped him on the back. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” He turned to Madison. “You good, sweet pea? Need anything?”
“I’m fine. Thanks.”
“Positive? A hug, maybe? A shoulder to cry on? A full-body massage?” He grinned. “A real man?”
“Shut the fuck up.” Matt batted the backward ball cap off his head.
The kid caught it, sputtering.
Madison sent him a quelling glance, but she didn’t hand him his ass and tell him to shut the fuck up. Matt wished she would, but she seemed to think Ethan’s hardcore flirting was harmless. He needed his ass kicked, and Matt itched to do the job.
“What I need is some time to figure out how I’ll deal with Todd.” She sighed.
“You married a real tool.” Ethan shoved his ball cap on again and slanted an annoyed glance at Matt. “Maybe you should reconsider your taste in men.”
Deke pivoted to Ethan, wagging his finger like a parent would a child. “If you can’t shut your trap, I’ll talk Hunter and Logan out of sending you on this mission.”
Matt doubted Deke had that kind of sway, but if Ethan believed he did…that might be enough to shut the jerk-off’s big mouth. “Is your dick really that hard for my woman or do you just get your jollies by pissing me off?”
Ethan’s expression soured. “You’re EM Security’s golden boy. You figure it out.” He turned back to Deke. “I’m ready.”
Deke gestured him toward the door. “Let’s leave before the swamp gets hotter or you say something stupider.”
Then the former CIA agent all but shoved the mafia killer’s kid in the boat and sped off with a wave.
Trying to turn off his temper, Matt lifted the lid on the cooler and peeked inside, glad to see enough food for another few days. But the boxes of condoms nearly made him weak-kneed with relief. If these were truly his last days alone with Madison, he needed to make her feel closer to him while proving that she could rely on him. To Deke’s point, he needed to strengthen their connection and make sure their trust was as close to unbreakable as possible.
Then he cast a glance at Madison. Given their messy-ass history, he couldn’t help but wonder if it would be enough.