Page 121 of Striker

Havoc rapped his knuckles on the wooden tabletop. “So, boys, one month. You going to tell us where we’re heading next, Rogue?”

Rogue crossed his arms over his chest. “I promised Laine I wouldn’t talk shop tonight. Sorry.”

Reaper groaned. “He’s going to wait until the last minute. Atlas,” he said, nodding in his direction. “Get him to talk.”

Atlas leaned back in his chair and shook his head. In truth, he didn’t want to discuss work either. All he cared about was this moment—Molly at his side, his friends around his table, and more laughter than he could ask for in a lifetime. “Lots of time for details, Reaper. Hold your panties.”

Rogue let out a hoot and Molly rolled her eyes and laughed. While the guys continued to poke Rogue, Atlas brought Molly’s left hand to his lips. One finger, slim and bare, called to him in a way he’d never been called before . . .

To put a ring on it.

“What are you thinking?” she asked, a gleam in her eyes. She wore her hair down and in loose waves. A soft, buttery-yellow sundress flowed around her slight frame, accentuating her golden tan and bright eyes.

She was an angel. And he wanted her to be his wife.

“I just love you so damn much,” he murmured.

Molly’s eyes widened. She blinked.

It was the first time he’d said the words—but hell, they’d been hovering on his lips since they got home.

Her supple bottom lip trembled, and tears dotted her lashes. “I love you too,” she said, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

Havoc went inside and returned with one of the desserts and a stack of plates. Emmy let out a shriek of excitement and came barreling toward the deck, her eyes lit with delight and her baby-blue dress already full of grass stains.

The table filled with chatter—mostly from Emmy, and from Laine, who was trying to shush her squeals—while he stared into the eyes that’d captured his heart.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For everything. For sharing your home and friends, for starting a future with me, and, more than anything, for loving me. This might have been the first time we said it, but it’s the millionth time I’ve felt it.”

He stroked her perfectly shaped cheek. “Good. Cause you’re going to feel it forever. Especially tonight,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.

Molly’s laugh burst over the din, and he leaned in with a kiss.

And damn if it took everything in him not to carry her from the party and back to his bed.

Later.

For now, he had everything he could ever want. And it all started and ended with golden hair and eyes. His Molly.

* * *

He’s the alpha who doesn’t say no.

Covert mission? High-stakes targets? He’s here for it.

* * *

But his best friend’s sister Paige . . . that’s one thing he won’t touch.