Page 63 of Broken By Her Mate
Tolliver’s smile slowly blossomed as he held her gaze. They stared at each other with the love they tried to hide before. Even when the doctor came in, they didn’t break eye contact for a while. For the first time in a long time, Laila felt like everything would be okay. Things would fall into place perfectly as long as they loved each other.
Chapter 23 - Tolliver
Ten months later
Tolliver sat with his arms folded as he listened to Zach’s update. The growing irritation he felt, reflected on the others’ faces. Ryder, Francisco, and Benny weren’t pleased with the news of other potential trafficking rings either.
“Unbelievable,” Tolliver muttered as he rubbed his forehead. “We cut off one head and multiple grow in its place.
As much as Zach tried to hide it, he brimmed with frustration. “That’s usually the reality of these things. It’s like a spiderweb of corruption, which is why the Black Ops will always be in business.”
Ryder and Tolliver exchanged weary glances. They had been doing the job for years and they weren’t afraid to admit they were exhausted.
“I think it’s time for another batch of new recruits,” Ryder grumbled. “The problems are growing, so we need to increase our numbers too.”
“I’m sure you and Tolliver will find the most promising talents,” Zach replied. He glanced at Benny and Francisco. “You always do.”
Benny and Francisco beamed at that.
“Yeah, let’s keep Mr. Reckless over there on recruitment duty,” Ryder said, pointing at Tolliver. “We don’t want him getting any ideas to run off into danger like a one-man army and nearly getting killed again.”
A hum of agreement and chuckles came from Benny and Francisco.
Tolliver heaved a sigh. “For the love of the gods. It was ten months ago!"
“But it’s still worth a lecture,” Ryder said, wearing a smirk.
Tolliver glowered at him. His best friend was enjoying their role reversal too much. Gone were the days when he lectured Ryder about being reckless. He made one mistake by going after Jonas Mercer alone, and the gang refused to let him live it down. He’d been getting at least one reprimand a month for the past ten months, and it was getting to be a bit comical.
When Benny and Francisco nodded solemnly in agreement with Ryder, Tolliver
didn’t know whether to be pissed about being lectured like an errant child or laugh at the fact that Benny and Francisco, of all people, were criticizing him for being reckless. In the end, a chuckle escaped him.
“He’s laughing,” Ryder scoffed. “The fool almost got killed, and he’s laughing.” He turned to Zach in disbelief. “Can you believe this shit?”
“It was almost a year ago,” Tolliver reasoned. “You guys refusing to let it go is hilariousl,” he added between chuckles.
“He’s still laughing,” Ryder growled.
“As if you take anything seriously, Ryder,” Tolliver challenged.
“That’s different. Everyone knows I’m the class clown. You’re supposed to be the serious andlogicalone.”
“Well, logic tends to flee the building when it involves one’s mate,” Zach said. “I understand Tolliver’s actions.”
“This coming from our leader?” Ryder threw his arms up. “We must be living in the upside down because suddenly,I’mthe responsible one.”
Tolliver and Zach laughed at that.
“I’m with Ryder,” Benny said. “I don’t get how any of this is funny.”
“It’s hilarious, actually,” Tolliver said. “The day you and Francisco lecture me about safety is a comical time indeed.”
Benny rolled his eyes. “You were in a coma for days, boss. I almost lost my shit. It was almost like losing my father again.”
The room went quiet as all eyes shifted to Benny.
“Benny? Have you been using me as a substitute for your father this entire time?” Tolliver asked suspiciously. He wasn’t much older than Benny, but he noticed the recruit stuck to him. He hadn’t really thought much about it until now.