The MacKenzie Family Security Series (The MacKenzie Family, #6-8)

by Liliana Hart

“I’m not the one who should be afraid. Someone is going to have to explain how her grandmother’s mirror got broken. I’d be more worried about her hunting you down and unmanning you.”

Full disclosure between all teams. I don’t want covert agency bullshit on this, or I’ll make all of your lives miserable. And believe me, I can do it.

The agent stared down at Darcy, an uncomfortable look coming into his eyes. “I’m supposed to give you a message from your brother.” “Why am I not surprised by that,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “What is it?” “He says to ease off your new husband and stay out of trouble.” Brant recognized the look that came into her eyes, and he took a step closer just in case he needed to protect the man. “Since you’ve done such an excellent job of spying for my brother, why don’t you give him a message back for me.” The agent took a small step back and Brant couldn’t say he blamed him. “Remind him mom and dad still don’t know who hid the firecrackers under the wood in the fireplace. Last time I checked, mom was still mad that her brand new leather sofa was burned down to the stuffing.”

“This is a lot nicer than the men’s room. No wonder it always takes women so long.”

“Considering what my brothers do for a living, those chances happen every day. I’m not going to live in a bubble for them or for you. I’ve lived my life the way I’ve wanted to, with many objections from the overbearing men in my life. But this time I’ll be living it without the hope that I can spend it with you.”

“You’re something else, Darcy MacKenzie. A pain in the ass for sure, but you’re entertaining.” “So my brothers tell me often.”

“Sorry. It was self-preservation. I thought you’d prefer a kiss instead of my hands around your throat.”

“Why the hell do you always have to be so damned chipper at the crack of dawn? It’s an unforgivable personality trait.” “That’s funny, because I’ve always thought the fact you can’t hold your liquor better than a college freshman was pretty unforgivable.”

“You’re looking a little pale, Max,” she said, her grin letting him know how much she’d enjoyed herself. Her eyes sparkled and there was a flush to her cheeks. This was the Jade he knew. The one he’d met so many years ago who loved what she did and had a zest for life. “You did that on purpose.” “Of course I did. My driving is the only time I ever get to see you with that look of panic on your face.”

“I’m not afraid to fly,” Dec said, grabbing a couple of beers from the fridge and tossing one to Cade. “And if you keep poking at me, I’m going to tell Bayleigh.” Brant Scott, Dec and Cade’s brother-in-law, laughed from the corner and took the beer Dec handed him, leaning against the counter to watch the show. “I’m tired of everyone threatening to tell my wife on me,” Cade scowled. “I’m not afraid of her.” “Yes you are—” several voices said at once.

“Do you trust me to have your back?” “Always,” he said, with no hesitation. “But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Especially since you are going to be sleeping with me. There are certain allowances that have to be made for people you’re intimate with.” “Clearly you’ve been reading Emily Post again.” “Don’t be a smartass.”

“We’re almost there,” he said, eyes still closed. “I thought you were asleep.” “I woke up when you started muttering to yourself about the skunk smell. You’ll get used to it, city girl.” Jade snorted out a laugh. “So speaks the boy with the silver spoons in both fists.”

“I like my privacy,” he said, shrugging. “And this place is off the books. No one but Declan and now you knows where it is. You’re sworn to secrecy.” “So you’re saying I shouldn’t have posted the picture of the exit I took on my Facebook page?” She widened her eyes playfully. “Oops.”

“What’s with him?” Max asked Brant. “He’s usually an asshole, but he seems to be in fine form this morning.”

“Yes, because I always leave my agents high and dry without backup in the middle of a mission.” “That sounded surprisingly like sarcasm,” Jade said. “I think he’s starting to mellow.” “Ha, are you kidding me?” Cade asked. “I’ve never known anyone who needs to get laid so bad.” “Max met a very nice prostitute last night at the boxing match,” Jade said, tongue in cheek. “I’m sure he’d be glad to introduce you.”

“I’m getting damned tired of you threatening to shoot me. This is no time for games. We can play cops and robbers later. I’ll even let you use my cuffs.”

“Well, well, well,” he said. “Looks like I’ve found a troublemaker. Do you know what the fine is for public indecency?” “You should remember well enough,” Dec said. “I believe that was you who got the ticket for that misdemeanor when you were nineteen and caught out by the lake skinny dipping with Jenny Johnson.” Cooper MacKenzie grinned rakishly and ran fingers through his black hair. “Don’t tell my wife about that one. I don’t think she’s heard that story.” Dec let out an amused laugh. “Are you kidding me? You made the newspaper, of course she knows. But she somehow decided to marry you anyway.”