Page 141 of Allegiance

“Uh, your husband…”

“Knows better,” Maura said. “Now stop being dicks to see who is a bigger one. Leave the man alone, and get focused before I kick you in your brass.”

That said it all.

The Major was done letting the soldiers act like fools. They had to work.

“Yes, Ma’am,” Zayn said, saluting her.

Maura rolled her eyes.

“Let’s go.”

Out of the vehicle, they hustled toward the house, but Dakota didn’t move as fast.

He was hovering.

As everyone else headed in, he stopped Eve. She was in body armor, all black, and he wanted to throw up. He could take the guys riding him, but he was worried.

This was going to be hell.

He was out of the frying pan and into the blazing flames of Hades.

Of course, this was his luck.

“Yes?” she asked, trying not to laugh, even though she knew what was coming. When they were suiting up to get in the vehicle, Maura had warned her.

Apparently, Dakota was a caveman.

As were Zayn, Jagger, Rogue, Boone, and Gene.

Maura had reassured her that they tried not to, but Hunters had to be themselves.

She also told her not to hold it against him, and that he just wanted to protect her.

Well, she had news for him.

She wanted to be protected.

After a life of dangerous things, she could hold her own, but there was nothing so satisfying as looking over your shoulder and not seeing the danger, but a man who had your back. That was exactly what she craved.

His protectiveness.

So now, she was waiting for him to lose it, so she could reassure him.

And she’d be calm.

Adder wasn’t riled up.

“Yes?” she asked, as he stared into her eyes, clearly conflicted. Had he not been, she would have questioned how he felt about her.

What man would be enjoying this?

“Please don’t do this,” he said. “I know I have no right to ask, but you’re pregnant.”

She let him talk.

“I’ll take your place. I’ll do the killing. I want the mother of my child safe. Go home, and take care of Violet and our unborn child. Please.”