As I swallowed the last bite of my bagel, my fear gave way to anger. “And just what the hell did he mean by ‘my erratic behavior’?”Ian just looked at me. Yasha and Calvin stared straight ahead and didn’t say a word.I glared at all of them.

I stand guard,” Yasha said. He got out of the SUV and pulled a sawed-off shotgun out from under his seat.“And keep our exit open,” Ian told him.Yasha grinned crookedly. “Don’t I always?” He looked at me and his grin broadened. “Scream if something jumps at you.”I tried for a grin; it felt more like a grimace. “Don’t I always?

Ian took a good look in my eyes and sighed in resignation. "Dammit, the boss didn't tell me you were part elf.""I'm not.""Are you feeling good?""Quite.""Confident?""You know it.""Absurdly relaxed to the point of doing something stupid?"I scooted my tuffet toward my delectable partner. If Ian wanted to ensure every man here knew I was taken, I was more than willing to help spread the word. "Why don't you come over here and try me.

Ian stood. “I’m taking a short walk in the park. Stay here.”I stood. “Like hell.”“Then stay behind me.”“Could you at least say ‘cover my six’? Give me a little dignity here.”“Okay. Cover my six—just don’t shoot me in the ass.”“How about I kick it?” Sykes wasn’t the only one asking for it.I heard the grin in his voice. “You’re always welcome to try.