Defenseless (Salvation, #5)(51)

“I’m scared more than anything.”

He laughs. “Jackson should be too.”





Mark

I’ve thought about all the things to say to my best friends. The stories I have that would make him turn colors, but I promised his mother I would behave. Then again, behaving for me is probably a running joke for her.

“Did you write it down?” Charlie asks as we make our way to the head table.

“I got everything I need here.”

“What was he thinking, making you the best man?”

I shrug. “No clue.” The deejay calls for everyone to take a seat. “That’s my cue.”

I rush over toward Jackson and Catherine. She gives me a look. Aww, Kitty has the claws out. Jackson, of course is doing just as I expected, scowling. Yeah, be scared, Muff. I go around behind them so their faces have to remain smiling.

“Welcome, everyone. I’m so happy to be here to celebrate the marriage of two people I love dearly. Catherine and Jackson have come a long way. Most of you know that I’ve had the privilege of serving with Muffin here.” I clasp his shoulder. “We’ve worked together as civilians since then. He’s one of best guys I know, and somehow he managed to convince Catherine to marry him.” He laughs, and Catherine grits her teeth in a fake smile. “She’s the best. She’s so much smarter than he is. Clearly better looking.” I turn to Jackson. “Sorry, Muffin but let’s be real here. She beats you.” Everyone laughs. To think they were worried. “But to be serious, there are no two people in this world that deserve to be happier than these two. And I would know, because I’m ordained. So, with the power vested in me, I bless this marriage. May my holy power wrap Kitty and Muffin in its arms and hold them close. To Jackson and Catherine!”

I lean down as the clapping continues, along with a lot of laughing. I drop the mic and kiss them both on the cheek.

“You’re dead.” Jackson’s voice is barely audible.

“Your threats don’t bother me.”

Catherine stands, wraps her arms around me, and laughs. “I expected nothing less. I love you, Mark. Don’t screw up with her. This could be you in a year.”

I rear back as she smirks. She has a streak in her that people that forget about because of her little smile, but she knew it would screw with my head. “Nice one.”

Jackson wraps his arms around her and kisses her cheek. “You scared him, baby.”

“Nah . . .” She tilts back into him. “Just maybe opened his eyes a little.”

“Aww, group hug.” I laugh and pull them both into my arms. “Just because you’re married now, doesn’t mean you can’t still lust after me.”

Catherine, in true form, huffs without saying a word and heads to the dance floor.

Jackson and I stand while he watches her. “I’m happy for you, man.” He deserves it.

“Thanks.”

“I’m probably going to head back out soon. I’ve been following a lead that I think might be worth a look.”

Charlie and I found something in a new file that came in about a bid. It could be nothing, but it was enough that we both paused. Jackson was right to pencil in Neil’s name. I would’ve never had it on my radar, but the bid came across my desk with his name on it. Seems after he was fired from his job in marketing, he got hired with a firm that does contract work. They get a request from a company, source out the work, and then decide based on the offers that come in. Lo and behold, his name was on the contract for the ambassador.

“Anything I should be aware of?”

“Nope. It could be nothing, but I’m crossing every possibility off the list. Now, go dance with your wife.” I shove him forward and he stalks after her.

We spend the next hour dancing, laughing, and telling old stories. Ashton tells me very little about her fight with Quinn, but the anger is evident on her face. If he tries to talk to her, she’s gonna rip his balls off. That ginger, she’s a feisty one.

The night wears on, and I learn that Charlie is a sexy-ass dancer. I’d really like to find one damn thing that she sucks at—well, I know she’s good at sucking. I still can’t believe she beat me at shooting. I’m just going to claim it’s because I haven’t been to the range in a while.

Charlie and I slow dance, and the feel of her body against mine makes it hard to think. Her honey scent filters through the air. All I can do is think about how sweet she tastes, and how I can’t wait to get my next hit. She’s like a drug that after you’ve had it once, you’re addicted forever.

“I’m glad you agreed to come as my date.” I sway her to the music.

Her blue eyes connect with mine. “I am too. I had a really good time.”

“The night isn’t over yet.”

She presses her head against my chest and melts into me. “I had no intention of it ending.”

I rub my hands up and down her bare back, making patterns against her skin. “Charlie,” I say as she lifts her head.

“Yes?”

“Stay for a while.”

I don’t know why I said it because the idea of her going back to DC makes me want to punch holes in the wall. Having her around . . . it gives me something I didn’t know I was missing. It’s like seeing things in a different way. The shit she has thrown all over my bathroom comforts me. The fact she comes to work with me, reads through old files, and helps me has me wishing it could last longer. Plus, knowing I won’t be close and that I can’t protect her is driving me insane. I don’t want her back there alone. She has no clue what the hell could be waiting for her.