"Tell her I said 'hi,'" Riley told him. "And now I'm going to leave you alone."
"Night, babe. Thanks for the pep talk," he said, pulling the phone away to end the call and toss it on the bed. Then he looked at the woman who'd completely turned his life around. "I figured when I started being a dick to you that I should call someone who can tune my ass in."
Zara just crawled her way up from the foot of the bed until she could lie down at his side. "Did it help?"
He shoved an arm under her and pulled her up against him. "I was informed that I'm supposed to take the night off, ask you about flowers and dresses, and then consider letting you pick a movie."
"I have my dress," Zara informed him. "I want a single red rose for my bouquet. Rhaven and Kate want to help with my hair and makeup. You have booked the gazebo, and I made sure the officiant is scheduled, and even pre-registered us for a marriage license."
"And what am I supposed to do for this gig again?" he joked.
"I need you to be there, and to say 'I do.' That's pretty much it."
He snuggled into her just a bit more. "I feel like I'm failing you somehow. Aren't I supposed to be more involved in this?"
"You are working on a case that involves our friends," she pointed out. "You're busy, I said I wanted a wedding that wouldn't be a headache, and believe it or not, I'm well aware that I'm marrying a fed. My husband will get calls in the middle of the night and be out of the house before I'm even awake. I get it. I'm ok with it because now I know you'll always come home."
"I will never figure out why you chose me," he breathed. "Of all the men who'd love a moment of your time, you picked me. The guy with the guns who scared the shit out of you."
"The man who made me realize that it's ok to be broken," she corrected. "I love you, Jason Raige. I'm sorry. It kinda happened somewhere between the panic attack and the bullets flying, but you're stuck with me now."
"Luckiest man in the world," he said, leaning in to kiss the side of her neck. "And now you get to be my sugar momma."
"Does that mean you'll do very bad things to me?" she asked, pulling him a little closer, until he had to lift up and lean over her.
Jason moved a knee between her thighs. "Right about now, I'm trying to remember if I have handcuffs, because that headboard would be perfect for it."
Zara sucked in a breath, her eyes widened, and then she laughed. "We need a new bed."
He paused. "Really?"
"You want to tie me up and have your way with me?" she asked. "Yes, please. But, you also promised me a movie. And maybe some cuddle time. I think we both know that as soon as I get your heart rate up, someone's going to get all excited, have a little mutual workout, and then fall asleep." She leaned up to kiss him.
He just pushed her back into the bed. "You trying to say I shouldn't pass out after good sex?"
"Nope. You should go for a second round." Then Zara slipped out from under him and off the side of the bed. "Movie, Jason. Riley's orders."
"Fucking bitch," he groaned, dropping onto his back so he could put his now-hard dick into a better angle. "Her, not you," he clarified.
Zara crooked a finger. "Come be social, Jason. Just for a little bit. And if you can keep from checking your laptop for one whole movie, I'll let you handcuff me to that bed."
Yep, he followed her. He didn't even care that he looked like a needy little puppy. She was so worth it.
Chapter 17
For almost a week, things at Deviant were quiet. Dez had the coders back at work on Renegade. Rhaven was finally getting to show her stuff, and the girl had some amazing ideas. Dez, however, was hunched in her corner, scrolling through the forums. She could see Psyc connected to the server as well, but he was basically a ghost.
Dez didn't know the guy well, but she'd seen him play. He liked to pretend that he was some arrogant and egotistical gamer, but his style said otherwise. He was decisive, determined, and always played clean. Riley