Reid: Wild Mustang Security Firm
Page 26
“Why the hell didn’t you say something?” Thom growled.
“Because at the time, it didn’t matter. I didn’t even begin to suspect that Avery might be Casey, which by the way, considering you saw her most weekends, I find inordinately amusing, until several weeks later. And since neither you nor Mister Mean Motherfucker here let me in on the fact that you have a major thing for her, I didn’t see it as germane to any conversation we might be having.”
“Now that you do know, is there anything else you’d like to contribute to Thom’s and my conversation before I paddle your butt?” grumbled Noah.
“What? I didn’t know anything about Thom’s feelings for Avery until right this second,” said Zara.
“I understand that, sweetheart, but you bit me so you getting another spanking is a given, but go back to the corner and I’ll reconsider using my belt. Now, Zara.” The steel in his friend’s voice was unmistakable. “As for you, buddy, I suggest you go get your girl and make it plain to her that she is. I also suggest you don’t take your sweet time about it.”
“Why, what’s the rush?” asked Thom, a hint of warning tickling at his senses.
“Maybe nothing, but we’re starting to hear rumbles about Christian and Fariq. Things may be heating back up over here. We’re all going to need our head in the game and you’re going to want to have Avery where you can make sure she stays safe. Honestly, if she’s on your loving leash, then it’ll be one less thing I have to worry about.”
It would be one less thing that he had to worry about too. Thom nodded. “Do tell Zara I’m sorry if I contributed to her getting into trouble and give her a break. Remember, you’re madly in love with her.”
Noah chuckled. “That, my friend, is why I’ll make sure that come morning, she’s tender in all the right spots. For what it’s worth, Zara tends to be right about these kinds of things. She’s highly observant and her instincts, except where her own safety is concerned, are usually spot on. Go get your girl, Thom.”
Noah disconnected the call, leaving Thom sitting in front of his pickup. Noah was right, Zara did have great instincts. He also knew Avery better than anyone. Did she need more looking after than she let on? More to the point, did she want it?
Thom shook his head and closed his eyes. Opening them, he realized more than anything this phone call with Noah had awakened his long-repressed feelings for Avery. That burgeoning part of him that still carried the senseless guilt of not having been able to protect his mother leapt to the fore as he considered the hell Avery had been through. He could ensure that she never had to travel that path again.
He started up his truck and headed back for Sedona. He had a lot to think about, but also a lot of windshield time to do it in. Avery… his hands tightened on the steering wheel. It was a very real possibility that he could forge a relationship with her, giving them both what they wanted, needed, ached for just to feel complete… even if it did take a little work on his part before she’d admit it. The rush that swept from his head through his heart, and then all the way down to his groin, was intoxicating. He immediately scaled it back, knowing this was something that needed to be taken one step at a time. But if Noah and Zara were right, this might very well be the best thing to ever happen, either to him or Avery.
She had open cuts on every part of her body… he shared her…
The idea that anyone would use Avery so cruelly rattled the sword of Thom’s sense of chivalry and justice. He also didn’t care how many years ago it might have happened; whoever had hurt her was going to wish he hadn’t. It was true that he wasn’t Noah or Croft, or even Mac. He wasn’t about to go all badass superhero on the sadist, but he damn well knew how to destroy someone’s life by exposing their secrets. Someone had hurt Avery; Thom was going to find out who that man was, and he was going to ruin him.
About the Author
Other books by Delta James: https://www.deltajames.com/
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Alpha heroes find real love with feisty heroines in Delta James' sinfully sultry romances. Welcome to a world where true love conquers all and good triumphs over evil! Delta's stories are filled with erotic encounters of romance and discipline.