Page 134 of No Regrets

Dex snapped his head to Sam. “You want to offer her a job?”

“Yes. I’ve seen for myself how good she is. Your team know and trust her. I’m sure Nyx will too.”

“And it doesn’t concern you that we’re together? Isn’t that breaking the rules or something.”

Sam laughed out loud. “You’re worried about breaking rules?”

Dex grinned. Yeah, that was ironic.

“You’re both professionals,” Sam continued. “Onyx doesn’t have the same rules. I don’t see it being a problem. The question is, do you? If you’re uncomfortable with this, I won’t ask.”

Dex looked back at Kelly. Uncomfortable? More like ecstatic. Selfish as it was, the fact that he would know where she was, what she was doing and could protect her, keep her safe, would be a dream come true.

“I think it’s a great idea.” He tried but failed to keep the smile off his face.

“Good. I’ll make her the offer tomorrow. Try and keep your mouth shut in the meantime.”

“You got it.” Dex turned to face him. “Thanks, Sam, for asking me to lead a team. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.” He meant it. Working for Sam gave him a job he loved and the time to really have a life with Kelly, possibly even a family one day.

“You’re welcome. Even if you can be a fucking pain in my ass.” Sam took a swig of beer. “You guys, both teams, I’m not sure any of you realize just how good you are.”

“Yeah, we do.” Dex didn’t miss a beat, and Sam laughed as they headed back up the beach.

Dex sought out Kelly. “I need to talk to you a minute.” He whispered in her ear, taking her hand, and leading her into the house, to the privacy of the living room.

“What’s up?” She smiled at him.

He pulled her into his arms, covering her mouth with his. Sighing, she melted against him, kissing him back. God, he would never get tired of kissing her.

“So, I take it you didn’t want to talk to me?” she teased.

“Nope. Just wanted to do this.” He kissed her again, losing himself in her warm softness. Groaning, he pulled away. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

“Yes. As much as I love you.” She squeezed him tight. When he told her about Lazir’s capture, she’d collapsed. All the pent-up anger, frustration, and despair had come out. Then when she realized he’d stepped aside to stay with her and let Ryan lead the team, she’d been so overwhelmed there’d been more tears. Eventually the news sank in and the change he’d seen in her since had been nothing short of amazing. She was relaxed, happy, social, and had a very healthy sexual appetite. Yes, there’d been nightmares. He knew they would be there for a while, but she was free from constantly looking over her shoulder, waiting for her captor to raise his head.

“We should get back to our guests,” she said, bringing him back to the present.

He shook his head slowly. “No, we should get back to our family.”

Kelly smiled at him, her whole face alight with love. “Yes. Our family. Matt would be so proud of you.”

Dex swallowed. “I’m just sorry he won’t be here for what’s to come.”

She looked at him quizzically.

“To see me marry you, to see our children, to be a grandfather.”

Kelly’s mouth dropped open. “Are you trying to ask me something?”

Dex smiled. “I will ask, but not today. It will be when you least expect it.” He winked. “But we are getting married and there will be babies.”

“And throw cushions.”

He laughed out loud. “Yeah, and throw cushions.”

RYAN SAW SOPHIE HEADING out front. He followed, catching up as she reached her car.

“Leaving already?”