Cam climbed out of the car. She looked good enough to eat. She wore fitted, dark jeans, and a white shirt, covered by a dark-gray fitted jacket with buttons that made it look vaguely military. Her black hair was loose.
“Hey.” She went up on her toes and kissed him.
“Hey.” He looked at the building. “I thought we were having lunch?”
“We are.” She took his hand and pulled him inside.
It smelled musty. The large space had likely been a store in a previous life. Now it needed paint, urgently. In the center, a picnic blanket was laid out with the basket resting on top.
“What is this?” he asked.
“I grabbed lunch from this little delicatessen that Gia recommended. And this—” she paused dramatically and threw her arms wide “—is my new ballet school.”
She was beaming. Cam looked away and eyed the place dubiously.
“Okay, okay, I can see that you aren’t that impressed. The owner’s promised to do work to it, and the rent is just right.” She did a little wiggle. “You just need a little vision.” Her nose wrinkled. “And imagination.”
He listened as she went on and on, outlining her vision for the school.
“In the change rooms, I want some kiddy-size sinks. Out here, mirrors all along this wall, and on that wall—” she thrust out an arm “—I’ll get Savannah to paint a series of dancers in different poses. I’ll need an office in the back.”
And instantly he could see it. He could also see her passion and excitement.
Saskia really wanted this. He walked over to her. “Sweetheart, it sounds amazing.”
Her smile was as bright as the sun. “Then I’ll sign the lease today.” With a squeal, she jumped on him.
As always, the kiss turned hot, and a little out of control.
When they broke apart, she was a bit dazed.
“Come and have lunch.” She licked her lips. “Plus, I have another surprise.”
He let her tow him to the picnic blanket.
When she whirled, she fiddled with her hair, looking nervous.
He frowned. “What is it, sweetheart?”
Whatever was wrong, he’d make it right.
“Camden, will you marry me?”
He blinked at her.
She grabbed his hands. “I love you and you love me. I’m so excited for our life together. I know we haven’t been together long—”
He growled and yanked her against his chest. “No.”
Her face went blank. “What?”
“I’m going to propose to you.” He was annoyed now. “I’m already planning it. I haven’t found the right ring, but I will.”
Her smile came back. “Did I ruin your plans, soldier?”
He nipped her lips. “Yes. I think that deserves some punishment.” He ran his mouth down her neck.
She moaned, clinging to him. “We can’t have sex right now. We only have just enough time to eat, then I have to go to the rehearsal for the dance tonight.”
His hands clenched on her, and he groaned. Sofie had talked Saskia into yet another last-minute dance performance at another charity thing tonight. That meant Cam had to drag his tux out again.
Still, he’d get to see Saskia dance.
He kissed her nose. “I can’t wait to watch you dance.” Another kiss, right on her mouth. “But I’ll be more excited to get my gorgeous ballerina home and naked in our bed.”
She smiled up at him, love shining in her eyes. “I love you, Camden.”
He knew she did. It was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to him.
His broken pieces were all back together. They were still cracked, and didn’t all fit the same way, but he knew Saskia didn’t care.
“I love you too, sweetheart. Now let’s eat.”
I hope you enjoyed Cam and Saskia’s story!
Want to see a little more of Cam, Saskia, the Norcross gang, and perhaps a wedding? Read The Protector Bonus Epilogue: GET MY EPILOGUE
It isn’t a complete goodbye to Norcross Security (we’ll see the Norcross gang again in the future) but for now, we’ll be heading across to New York to get to know Killian Hawke and Sentinel Security team.
Look for the first Sentinel Security book, Wolf, starring Nick “Wolf” Garrick as he finds himself protecting his little sister’s tempting best friend, coming in August 2022.
For more action romance (and some more cameos by Killian Hawke and Vander Norcross), check out the first book in the Billionaire Heists trilogy, Stealing from Mr. Rich (Zane Roth’s story). Read on for a preview of the first chapter.
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Preview: Stealing from Mr. Rich
Monroe
The old-fashioned Rosengrens safe was a beauty.
I carefully turned the combination dial, then pressed closer to the safe. The metal was cool under my fingertips. The safe wasn’t pretty, but stout and secure. There was something to be said for solid security.
Rosengrens had started making safes in Sweden over a hundred years ago. They were good at it. I listened to the pins, waiting for contact. Newer safes had internals made from lightweight materials to reduce sensory feedback, so I didn’t get to use these skills very often.
Some people could play the piano, I could play a safe. The tiny vibration I was waiting for reached my fingertips, followed by the faintest click.
“I’ve gotcha, old girl.” The Rosengrens had quite a few quirks, but my blood sang as I moved the dial again.
I heard a louder click and spun the handle.
The safe door swung open. Inside, I saw stacks of jewelry cases and wads of hundred-dollar bills. Nice.
Standing, I dusted my hands off on my jeans. “There you go, Mr. Goldstein.”
“You are a doll, Monroe O’Connor. Thank you.”
The older man, dressed neatly in pressed chinos and a blue shirt, grinned at me. He had coke-bottle glasses, wispy, white hair, and a wrinkled face.
I smiled at him. Mr. Goldstein was one of my favorite people. “I’ll send you my bill.”
His grin widened. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I raised a brow. “You could stop forgetting your safe combination.”
The wealthy old man called me every month or so to open his safe. Right now, we were standing in the home office of his expensive Park Avenue penthouse.
It was decorated in what I thought of as “rich, old man.” There were heavy drapes, gold-framed artwork, lots of dark wood—including the built-in shelves around the safe—and a huge desk.
“Then I wouldn’t get to see your pretty face,” he said.
I smiled and patted his shoulder. “I’ll see you next month, Mr. Goldstein.” The poor man was lonely. His wife had died the year before, and his only son lived in Europe.