by Aliyah Burke
Mario was lucky James respected Leo or he’d be in a world of hurt. James was an ex-Navy SEAL and until recently, Shannon knew Leonardo hadn’t known. Since he’d found out, James had told her they met often for some hand to hand. People saw James’ open nature and mistook it for him being easy going. Shannon strode inside and slowed as she heard a familiar voice.
“Deputy Reed, why, after you’ve been informed not to arrest Mister Conner, did you?” Leo raised his hand, stopping Mario before he spoke. “Before you answer, be careful how you respond. Because I am already inclined to fire you.”
“What…? I’m a good cop. You can’t fire me over him,” Mario sputtered.
“Not him. Over your lack of listening to commands, laziness and accosting a fellow deputy even though they have told you no to your unwanted advances more than once.” Leo glared at Mario then shifted his gaze to Shannon.
She hadn’t even thought he’d known what was going on. Leo focused back on Mario.
“Get out of my sight before I do fire you. One more thing and you are gone,” Leo stated in a deadly voice.
Mario turned. He spotted her and glowered, fury on his face. Mario passed her and butted into her shoulder. Shannon controlled her reaction to pivot and knock him out.
Can’t do that, Shannon.
Leo strode over then halted before her. His hands were behind his back. Shannon didn’t need to see it to know the palms were over each other. She stifled a sigh. It was his lecture pose. Shannon didn’t see him do it to anyone but her, his family and friends. She knew it was because he saw her as a friend since hanging out at the ranch with her and James. Although she was glad for his friendship, she could do without the lectures.
“How’s Deyon?” She tried to forestall the lecture.
Leo scowled then said, “That reminds me, I need to talk with her.”
“Lecture, you mean,” Shannon muttered.
Leo frowned at her. “You’ve been spending too much time with Deyon.”
Shannon smiled. She did enjoy the vivacious woman and her snappy attitude. The best part was that Deyon understood Shannon enjoyed her solitude and preferred staying in to going out, so Deyon often came over and they cooked, ate and chilled out together. Deyon had even made her a few outfits that fit her personality and wouldn’t take payment for it. In turn, Shannon had taught her to kick-box. Leo was still peeved at that one, saying Deyon was enough trouble with her weapons. After seeing Deyon’s weapons’ room, Shannon actually liked her even more.
“I promise you can talk”—she made quotes with her fingers—“another time. This time I might even listen. But let me get James out of jail before he decides to let himself out.”
“Too late.” The cheerful voice of her cousin came just before he strode into the room. “You all really need better cells. The locks are useless.”
“You broke out—” Leo turned to him. “Oh, for Christ’s sake, he didn’t even let you get pants at least.”
“Nope. He had an axe to grind. You better handle it or I will.” James strolled closer, seemingly unconcerned with his nakedness.
“I don’t need either of you to handle it. I’ll deal with it,” Shannon stated.
Leo and James exchanged a look then focused on her. She didn’t like it at all. Shannon crossed her arms over her chest, staring down James.
He smirked then said, “Uh-oh. The look. Come on, cuz, I need to get home.” James headed for the door.
“Wait for some pants.” Leo hurried to his office before returning and throwing him a pair.
James donned them, keeping a tight hold on the waistband so the pants didn’t fall off his lean frame. He then left.
“Shannon. I know you can handle it, but I’m your boss. If you have any more trouble with Mario at work, come to me,” Leo said firmly.
She nodded although she didn’t plan to do any such thing. She followed James outside then stopped, putting her hands on her hips and watching him where he sat in the passenger seat of her black Wrangler Rubicon. Shannon got in the driver’s side and poked him in the shoulder, pushing her thumb in.
“Quit it. You know I hate that.” James swatted at her hand.
“Stop breaking into my jeep.” She did it again.
“Spoilsport. It’s my fun. You don’t want to take it away from me.” James crossed his arms over his bare chest.
“That face isn’t going to work on me.” Shannon started the jeep and drove out of the parking area, heading home.
James turned on the radio, tuning into the soft classic station they both enjoyed for the drive.
* * * *
Shannon frowned at the pot bubbling on her stove. James nudged her out of his way with his hip. Shannon took the hint and moved back to sit at the table by the window. She put her one leg under her and sat.
“I’m not in the mood for chilli,” Shannon said.
“I asked you what you wanted for dinner and you said chilli. So we’re having chilli.” James glared.
Shannon put her hand under her chin and her elbow on the table. He was right. She had stated it earlier this morning after he’d asked what she wanted. Although they lived in different houses, since it was just the two of them, they shared the cooking duties. At the times it was her turn to cook she went to James’ place and made the meal then took some for herself if there was any left. And vice versa. A knock on the door made her glance up. Shannon frowned—they weren’t expecting anyone. She put her hand on the table to rise.
“I’ve got it.” James went to the door.
Shannon resettled, watching as James opened the door. From where she sat, she couldn’t see who was there.
“Hello. I’m looking for Shannon.”
She recognized the speaker. Curious, Shannon wondered what he was doing here.
“I’m James, her cousin. And from the look of you, you’re a Wright. Hmmm…if I go by what Leo told me, you don’t look neat as Jonathon would so you must be Dimitri, the oldest brother. Why are you looking for Shannon?”
“James,” Shannon said warningly.
“The tone. Come on in then.” James stepped back.
Dimitri entered the kitchen and paused by the door. “And you’re Conner, the one who chases the rooster naked.”
“Stick around long enough and you might see me do it.” James chuckled and went back to his pot.
Dimitri focused on her then moved toward the table.
“What are you doing here?” Shannon asked.
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About the Author
Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is married to a career military man, and they have a German Shepherd, two Borzois, and a DSH cat. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training.
Email: [email protected]
Aliyah loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.totallybound.com.
Also by Aliyah Burke
Through The Fire
Seducing Damian
Code of Honour: A Marriage Of Convenience
Code of Honour: The Lieutenant’s Ex-Wife
Code of Honour: A Man Like No Other
Code of Honour: When Stars Collide
In Aeternum: Casanova in Training
In Aeternum: Harbour of Refuge
Interludes: Temporary Home
With Taige Crenshaw
Kemet Uncovered: Talios
Kemet Uncovered: Devi
Kemet Uncovered: Linc
Kemet Uncovered: Saffron
Kemet Uncovered: Taber
Kemet Uncovered: Ashia
With McKenna Jeffries
All the Wright Moves
The Best Thing Yet
Risky Pleasures
Pure Harmony
Irresistible Forces
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