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Chelsey nodded, watching as he continued shoveling food into his mouth.

“Yes, I’m ready for us to go public. As for us moving in together, I can’t right now. I did a year lease on this place withthe intent of saving to buy a house next year.” That was planned with her thinking that she’d be single for the foreseeable future.

Sure, she could break the lease, but not yet. They needed to be on solid ground before she considered moving in with him. Though, in her heart, Chelsey wanted more than anything to wake up to Parker lying next to her every single morning for the rest of her life. If that made her gullible or even a fool, she didn’t care. Deep down, she knew the two of them belonged together.

“Okay,” he said, understanding in his eyes. “I’m thinking we can tell everyone next Saturday at Mase’s barbecue. Most of my…I meanourAtlanta’s Finest team will be there.”

Chelsey grinned at him. It was great that he was including her when mentioning Atlanta’s Finest. But Supreme had grown so much in the last few years, they had more than one team of security specialists. She didn’t want to assume that she’d be on the Atlanta’s Finest team with Parker and her brother. Right now, she’d just be glad to be assigned to either team. That would mean that she wouldn’t be stuck in the office doing the administrative job she was hired to do.

“That’s a good idea. London mentioned that the wives will be hanging out separate from you guys,” Chelsey said, referring to Mason’s wife. “I’ll be with them in the guest house.”

How weird would it be for her to be around the wives when she was just a girlfriend?

Who knows…if all went well, maybe one day she’d be a wife.

Anything was possible.

Chapter Sixteen

On their way to Mason’s house for the cookout, Parker couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening. Especially when cruising the streets on his Suzuki V-Strom 1000. The motorcycle had been one of his splurges a couple of years ago, and he loved the exhilaration he felt and the power beneath him as he flew down an open road. He didn’t get to do that often in the city, but the streets surrounding Mason’s huge property gave him that rare opportunity.

What made the ride even more enjoyable was having Chelsey on the back again, just like old times. She enjoyed his bike as much as he did, and often talked about getting her own. Parker selfishly hoped she never did, though. He preferred her soft breasts pressed against his back and her firm thighs hugging his.

Yeah, having her wrapped around him like she was now added to the thrill of the ride.

He slowed as he approached the guardhouse in front of Mason’s estate. It didn’t matter if the guard on duty knew who you were, they were required to stop you before letting you onto the property. To say security was tight was an understatement.London insisted on it, and there was nothing Mason wouldn’t do for his wife.

When London was a child, her parents were killed during a home invasion. The only way she survived was because she had hidden in a closet. Unfortunately, the traumatic experience mentally crippled her from living in a house. She always lived in a condo or an apartment, but after marrying Mason and their family started growing, they had to get a larger place. Mason had to promise to have around-the-clock security for their home before London finally conceded.

After checking in at the guardhouse, Parker cruised up the long and wide driveway. It didn’t matter how often he visited, he marveled at the size of the house. Mason called this place home, but the structure was as grand as a castle, surrounded by a lush yard that could easily be featured inBetter Homes and Gardenmagazine. Behind the main house was a guest house, and beyond that were oak and pine trees for as far as the eye could see. The property was spectacular.

Parker slowed; glad they were some of the first to arrive. He was hoping that Kenton would also show up early like he usually did. That would give Parker a chance to talk to him before everyone else arrived. The conversation was past due, and to be honest, he should’ve respected Kenton enough to already have talked to him. Parker would’ve wanted that same courtesy if one of his friends was dating his sister…if he had a sister.

But hey, better late than never.

He pulled around to the other side of the house near the four-car garage and parked. After shutting off the engine, he extended his hand to help Chelsey off the bike before climbing off himself.

“Are you okay?” he asked as he stored their helmets in the hard-shell saddlebag.

She’d been quieter than usual today. They’d stayed the night at his place, and Chelsey had seemed fine until this afternoonwhen he mentioned some of his plans regarding Wolf. She admitted to being worried about him despite his assurance that he’d be careful and that he wasn’t going after his father alone.

“Come here.” He pulled her into his arms and placed a lingering kiss on the side of her head. “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours? Are you having second thoughts about us being here together?”

With her arms around him, she met his gaze, and the corners of her tempting mouth tilted up into a smile. “Of course not. I’m not ashamed of you, Parker. It’s past time our friends know that we’re together. I guess I’m more concerned about the conversation you’re planning to have with the guys. What if they don’t agree to help you?”

“Chels, they will,” he said confidently.

Even if everyone wasn’t on board with him going after Wolf, he already knew a few of his guys would stand by him. Not only that, but they’d also do whatever necessary to help him gain the freedom he needed. Otherwise, he’d have to remain in hiding.

“Keep in mind, with modern technology, I don’t have to be anywhere near Wolf to destroy his organization. I’m bringing in the guys because, one, I want them to know about my past. And two, because they’re all brilliant in their own way, and I want to make sure I’ve thought of everything. I have no doubt that they’ll have some good ideas to offer.”

He had reiterated his reasons for wanting to go after Wolf now. Yes, Parker still blamed the man for his mother’s death, but it was more than that. He’d been looking over his shoulder for the past fifteen years, and he was tired of it. There was no reasoning with Wolf. So showing up on his father’s doorstep and apologizing about how everything went down years ago was out of the question.

No, this was the only way Parker would ever have a normal life, and since he planned on Chelsey being a part of his future, this had to be done. He wanted her safe.

Chelsey nodded. “I’m sorry. I know you have to do this, and I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

Parker brushed his lips across hers. “Thank you, sweetheart. I promise I’ll be careful.”