wear because Oscar had given it to him for Christmas. Probably as a joke. “Atcliff wants to groom me for his job so he can take Brady’s. It should be you. You have a family to support and—”
“And nothing.”
Silence settled. Tension melted into a comforting pattern of openness and trust.
“I don’t want a desk job, Ceece. You know me. I’d be no good at politics. I’m a foot soldier, and I’m okay with that. I come from generations of flatfoots who worried about fallen arches, hardening of the arteries, and living long enough to retire on crappy pensions. We always understood our enemies and what we were up against. Our world was black and white and our blood ran blue. But the things we both stand for, you and me, won’t matter a damn if Savoie can’t kick those creatures back to Chicago. It’s not what either of us signed up for, but there it is. Whatchu’ gonna do?”
What was she going to do? Cee Cee dragged in a long breath and let it out slowly. “Tell me why I’m suddenly worried about whether or not you’ve crossed certain lines.”
He tensed at that blunt demand. Slowly, shared history got the better of suspicion. He expelled a weary breath along with his demons, confessing, as he had to Colin Terriot, the twisting and turning actions, both noble and misguided, concluding simply.
“I was jealous, Charlotte, of everything that was pulling you away from what we had. Savoie and his people and their problems . . . I couldn’t compete. I didn’t fit in. I’m a simple guy who wants to fall asleep in front of the TV at night knowing the world is a safer, better place because he spent the day out there making sure it is. Bagging bad guys is all I know. And now, they’re not even guys. They’re . . . not even people.” He caught himself, realizing she was in that category. “Sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize to me, Alain. Not for anything. Not ever. You’re not the only one struggling like a row boat in a hurricane.” She reached for the hand resting on her shoulder, threading fingers between his for a tight squeeze. “Long as we got each other, we got this. Right?”
A brief pause. Then a returning pressure. “Right.” He expelled a breath and straightened away from her. “So how long before you leave the pavement to grow a big ass along with that belly sitting behind a desk?”
“Not until we finish with Brady. That’s a given.” A sharp elbow to the ribs. “What’s wrong with my ass?”
He laughed. “Not a thing, darlin’. We’ve got each other’s. Always.”
– – –
Max sat seemingly relaxed on the balcony above the modest block-letter sign proclaiming “K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen.” His always in motion gaze scanned busy foot traffic on the banquettes below for the one sight that made his day complete. Having her out of it for any length of time had begun to make him itchy, though she’d sink her teeth into him—not in a good way—if she found out about it. Finally, a small smile escaped his impassive veneer. A lifted forefinger sent one of the servers bustling below.
He breathed her in slowly. Voodoo Love. Strong with a tease of feminine vulnerability, just like his mate.
“Sorry I’m late.”
Gaze devouring her the way he would the meal to come because both provided the necessities for him to live, Max rose. As he seated her, his nose brushed thick black hair feathered against the nape of her neck, inhaling deeply. His. Always and forever.
He took another quick sniff, catching a chaser of Babineau as he vowed, “Anticipation whets the appetite.”
As he returned to his chair, her pre-ordered appetizer of fried green tomatoes slipped in front of her, earning a blink of surprise and smile that was worth . . . everything.
She nodded to the waiter and grabbed up a fork. “Thanks. I’m starving. This eating for two . . .” She glanced up at him to offer a saucy wink, “. . . is the best excuse ever.”
He watched in silence, appreciating her appetite in all things. Finally, she leaned back to sigh, “That was wonderful. What would I do without you, Savoie?”
“Most likely you’d be sharing a walk-up apartment with two rodents and take out containers.”
A rueful laugh before sobering. “How’s Marissa?”
“When I called the hospital, they said they might have to place her in restraints to keep her there long enough to finish tests.” His expression