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“Okay, first question,” Journey said, and everyone laughed, including Chelsey. “Why did you and Parker keep your relationship a secret? Though Laz wasn’t forthcoming,” she said of her husband, “I assume you two have been together for a while.”
The night before, Chelsey and Parker had decided that she’d share whatever she wanted with the wives, especially since Parker would be talking to their husbands. He was even okay with her telling them a little about his relationship with Wolf as long as they understood the importance of keeping it quiet.
Chelsey wasn’t sure what all she’d share, but she did talk about her and Parker’s relationship. She explained that they’d dated for months before breaking up and then getting backtogether. She also told them about her horrible track record with men, which was why she’d wanted to keep the relationship quiet until she knew for sure they’d make it.
“I can’t believe Kenton didn’t know,” Zenobia said, then turned to Egypt. “Did you?”
Egypt smiled. “I had a feeling, but I didn’t know for sure until last week.”
That surprised Chelsey. Her sister-in-law never said anything.
“What happened last weekend?” Dakota asked, and they all looked at Egypt, including Chelsey. She had no idea what she’d say.
“I saw Parker on video Saturday night storming out of the kitchen at Supreme. That was after he disapproved of the dress Chelsey wore on their assignment and after he said it would kill him if anything ever happened to her.”
Those damn cameras.
Chelsey was going to have to remember they were practically everywhere in the building at Supreme.
“But what else is going on with Parker?” Egypt asked. “He’s been out of sorts, and I have a feeling it was more than just him having a broken heart.”
Without sharing every detail, Chelsey told them about Parker’s mother, as well as his attempt to make his father pay for her death. She also gave them an abbreviated version of the beating Parker had taken.
“Oh, my God. I had no idea,” London said, her expression horrified, and the others in the room held similar expressions. “Thank God Mason found him.”
“My heart goes out to him. I know what it’s like to walk through life constantly looking over your shoulder, unsure if your biggest secret might blow up in your face,” Egypt said, and Journey squeezed her hand.
That had been exactly how Egypt had to live after leaving the witness protection program. She was truly a survivor, and thanks to the Kenton and the Atlanta’s Finest team, she no longer had to live in fear.
“That’s an awful way to live,” Dakota agreed. “And I don’t blame Parker for wanting to end Wolf once and for all. Though Hamilton would have a fit if I inserted myself into Parker’s plans in any way, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
The others said the same thing, and Chelsey’s heart squeezed.
She had already known that these women were amazing. By them offering to help in any way they could only made her love and respect them that much more.
Parker would never involve the wives. He didn’t even want to involve their husbands, but he couldn’t go after Wolf alone.
The women talked a few minutes longer on the subject, and Chelsey wondered if Parker knew how loved he was by everyone. He wasn’t just their husbands’ coworker. He was like a brother to them. He wasfamily.
A knock sounded at the door before it opened, and Aunt Carolyn strolled in with a birthday cake. “I heard someone is celebrating a birthday.” Considering it was decorated with salon equipment on it— scissors, a blow dryer, a comb and brush—there was no doubt who it was for.
“Oh, my goodness!” Geneva shrieked. “That is too cute to eat.”
London stood and started them all singing happy birthday to Geneva. Never one to shy away from attention, Gen climbed back on the table and started dancing.
As everyone laughed and the evening progressed, Chelsey marveled at how much fun she was having. She also felt like she was truly one of them.
Hopefully, Parker was experiencing the same love from the guys.
Chapter Eighteen
Parker released a slow breath as the guys of Atlanta’s Finest stared at him as if seeing him for the first time.
They were spread out around Mason’s home office. Kenton and Angelo lounged on the long sofa, while Laz, Myles, and Hamilton sat at the round table near the desk. Mason sat behind his desk while Parker perched on the corner of it. The only people on the team who weren’t in attendance was Ashton, Nelson, and Connor.
“Damn, man. Why didn’t you ever say anything?” Angelo asked.
There was no doubt the former DEA undercover officer had heard of Wolf. Criminals like Parker’s father were one of many reasons why Angelo had left the agency. No matter how many drug dealers or leaders of organized crime they got off the street, more popped up. The heartless bastards multiplied faster than the DEA could get them and their products off the street.