Page 146 of Trapped Truth

“For now.” Axel frowns.

The growling engine rumbles to a stop, causing us to sway on the spot as Warner expertly parks up then kills the ignition. I take the chance to unbuckle and rise, checking over my stowed weaponry one last time.

The back doors fly open, revealing Blaine’s stony expression. He nods to Axel then gifts me an attempt at a smirk. His anxiety is painfully obvious. I’m still not used to seeing him on edge, but given the peril ahead, I’d say the man is permitted to be a little nervous.

“Any signs of trouble?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Not a damn car on the roads, let alone a tail. I don’t think we were followed out of the capital.”

“That’s good. Are the others far out?”

“About seven minutes.” Warner appears in the doorway.

“Then let’s be ready for them.”

Blaine helps me down from the rear of the van, even taking the time to offer Axel a helping hand for his descent. We’re already loaded with thick Kevlar and multiple holsters. I stand by, ready to help Warner into his final layers, ensuring all the straps are sufficiently tightened.

“Is your leg alright?” I murmur to him.

“It’ll hold up. This prosthetic is nearly shot to pieces.”

“You’ve probably abused it a few too many times. Not sure the manufacturer intended for it to be worn while raiding criminal lairs or engaging in hand-to-hand combat.”

“Probably not.” He chuckles.

“Please be careful. Tom will kill us both if either of us don’t come home.”

“Not gonna happen, love. I owe you a date when this is through.”

“A date, huh?”

His baby blues twinkle, deliciously skating over me. “Just me and you. None of these jackasses stealing your attention. I’m gonna wine and dine my girl then take her home.”

“Hm, a girl could get used to that. But what home would that be?” I smile back.

“The one we’re going to buy as soon as this is through. All five of us. This time, it’ll be a joint decision. We’ll design it, if you want, even build from scratch. I want it to be perfect for our future.”

Sealing the last strap on his bulletproof underlay, I stretch onto tiptoes to coast our lips together. “I like the sound of this plan.”

“Yeah?”

“Hell yeah.”

“Do we get a say in this?” Axel pouts from the gravel road.

“No,” Warner snaps at him. “You signed on already, Ax. Them’s the rules.”

“Well, shit. Here I was hoping for an easy escape.”

“I’d kill you in your tracks if you even attempted it.” Blaine shoves him playfully.

“Thank you.” I blow him a kiss.

To my pleasure, he winks back. “I’ve got your back, sweetheart.”

“Dickheads,” Axel groans.

A glance around our circle reveals we’re all set. Now we wait for backup to arrive. This spot was chosen for its proximity to Madden’s new estate, though for privacy and to keep our equipment secure, it’s still a couple of miles’ trek through winding farmland.