Chapter 628 Chapter 628
Tripp stood back and watched his fantastic, unpredictable mate shove another case under the seat. He was going to miss his ride, but he understood why they were switching it up. More seating was an encouraging thing the van offered. He leaned against the back door and crossed his arms over his chest. “How many are you taking?”
Amari glanced over her shoulder and gave him her usual slow perusal that always started a fire in his gut. “As many as I can fit.” She gave it another shove, then stepped back and looked at the totes. “I volunteered us for the island job,” she looked at him and gave him a smile that would have had him doing anything stupid she requested. “I’m not big on the water part, but,” she sighed and shut the door before turning to him. “Journee,” sympathy was pouring from her, “what she did to get back,” she nodded her head slowly, “I can put aside my dislike of water to go there for her.”
Tripp studied her face for a moment, noting the determination in her eyes. “That’s good, darlin’ because I was asked to go along and stay back on the boat as overwatch.”
“With the rifle?”
He nodded. “Yeah. The rough plan is a smaller boat to go to the island and a larger one to hang back until it’s time to load up those girls and bring them home.”
She bit her lip and then nodded. “That’s a good plan. I can hang back with you,” her brows furrowed, “who are they putting in the smaller boat?”
Tripp shrugged. “Aside from Journee, I can’t be sure. Konner and Terah will be on the bigger one and are going to do a swim by to check it out before anyone goes on.”
Amari smirked. “I guess if she can get the jump on you, then she’ll be safe enough doing that.”
Holding up his hand, he gave her a playful look, “I didn’t want to hurt her.”
“Uh-huh.” She moved closer and ran her finger down the center of his chest, “that move Journee made, that was,” she looked up at him, excitement in her eyes, “something, right?” She looked at her hand and flexed it, “how did she do that?”
Grasping her hips, he pulled her closer. “You don’t need claws popping out to be lethal, babe. You are as scary and skilled as they come.” He leaned down and kissed her mouth softly. Only wished for a second that they could just take off and get some alone time, but that would have to wait. Things were percolating at a spectacular rate right now, and he didn’t want to be missing when needed.
“You say the sexiest things, mate.” She smiled at him, and he could see the wanton look in her eyes. Damn, she tempted him like nothing else.
He kissed her again. “Mmm, no time for that right now, Raymond wants me present to help Asher brush up on some weapon handling, and then we’re going out to keep watch on Journee when she shifts.”
A look of surprise lit her face, “she’s going to shift already?” She rolled her eyes. “She’s making me look like last year’s model, Tripp.”
He chuckled. “Darlin’, if you’re last year’s model, then I don’t want to know how scary this years is.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and rubbed her body against his. His cat was feeling ‘oh yeah,’ and Tripp had to clamp down on that because there was seriously no time. Leaning down, he rubbed his face along her cheek. “You know, we could do things in the water that might help you overcome your dislike of it.”
She pulled her head back and gave him a wary look. “You better not be saying we aren’t having sex for a few weeks.”
Tripp jolted like she’d just hauled off and cuffed him. “I would never suggest such a thing.”
“Good.” She frowned. “Why are we going out with Journee, I thought Asher would want to.”
“As far as I know, he is, but with the lack of claiming, Calum is worried his head won’t be in the right place.”
She rolled her eyes again. “Yeah, I feel that BS.” She huffed out a breath, “I’m glad that Asher’s mate is Journee. He’s always been alone,” She glanced at the door on the other side of the bay to see Leyton carrying out totes. “Even before things went to shit, with lockdowns and all that, I never saw him hookup with anyone when we were on the road.”
Tripp put a few inches of space between them so his cat wouldn’t get any ideas, “maybe he keeps his dalliances private,” he smirked, “some people prefer that.”
She pinned him on the spot with a suspicious look, “And what about you, mate, did you keep your dalliances private?”
Tripp smiled and then leaned down and kissed her mouth hard. “I have to go, babe, can’t be late with the meeting with Raymond.” He released her.
“Sounds like you’re running from the truth.” She put her hands on her hips, and for a second, he was worried until he saw the playful light in her eyes.
“Not running, babe. A wise man doesn’t discuss past,” he shrugged, “encounters with the love of their life.” He took a few more steps back, “and today, I’m feeling like a wise man.”
“Is that so?” She was trying hard not to grin.
“It is indeed, babe.” He motioned to the van, “Come find me when you’re done overfilling the van.”
She glanced at it. “I’ll leave room for bodies.”
Tripp snorted. “People, babe, we try not to haul bodies around.”
“Semantics.” She gave him a killer smile and then climbed back into the van.
Tripp turned and headed for the door fast. He was one lucky s.o.b. to have her. It might get him killed someday, but it would be a wild ride until then.