“Mouse shook his head and locked eyes with Beckett. “He can make fun of my voice all he wants, but if he ever calls you stupid again, I’ll eat his brains for breakfast.”

“But Beckett never flinched. She felt his throat vibrate as he sighed her name with relief. He tilted his head back until it rested on hers.“Don’t ever die in my head again. Please, never again,” he told her, his voice raspy.”

“One of the dirt bags laughed and mimicked Mouse’s high voice. “Beckett, you’re stupider than I thought if you hire this bastard.”He grabbed the asshole by the throat. “Don’t make that mistake again, fuckbag.”Beckett lifted an eyebrow at the man in Mouse’s grasp. “Last time you’ll make fun of his voice, huh?”

“Blake shook his head at Beckett’s lack of manners but held the chair out for Livia. She sat and smiled at Beckett like he was a guest at her freaking wedding. She’s so damn happy.Blake accepted the two water bottles from a server with a nod of gratitude. He opened his first and handed it to Livia, taking her unopened one as his own. She bit her lip and smiled.Simple shit makes this chick crap bubbles and rainbows. Beckett shook his head, rattling his mental snow globe again.”

“Even though his voice kept its squeakiness, he never forgot to hold his head high. Beckett had paid dearly to defend him, so he made it count.”

“Don’t come here again. Ever,” he said, but instead of a threat, this sounded like a declaration of affection.“Beckett, you can kiss my ass,” Livia countered. “I’ll be here if you need me—or if I need you.”Beckett winked before growling angrily, surveying the parking lot, and turning to go back inside.”

“This was self-defense. You’re unarmed. He wanted your gold. I’ll call your lawyer.” She put her hat on his head.“What about the witness?” Beckett wheezed.“There is no witness.” Eve leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Beckett’s lips.Our first fucking kiss.”