Flynn

Stepping out of the shower, Flynn heard his phone vibrating. He reached for a towel, checked Devon was still asleep, then grabbed the whirring device and stepped back into the bathroom.

“Mason?” Alarm bells sounded in his head. Mason wouldn’t call unless something was wrong. The five of them had already arranged to meet this afternoon with Shiloh, Trinity, and Devon, so something must have changed. “What’s up?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” Glee radiated from Mason’s voice. “I have news.”

“Okay.” Flynn’s brow furrowed. “Good news?”

“The best news.”

“Tell me then.” Closing the door with his ankle, Flynn wiped the steam from the mirror, checking his reflection as his friend went on.

“It’s Schumacher.”

“What about him?” Flynn rolled his eyes. What had that scumbag done this time?

“He’s dead.”

The words rang in Flynn’s ears, and it took a moment for them to register.

“Dead?”

“That’s right. His body just turned up in the riptide, not far from the hotel where Devon was staying.”

“What?” It seemed too good to be true. Schumacher had been the bane of their lives for so long. Could he truly be gone? “How?”

“Shot, apparently.”

Flynn imagined the smile on Mason’s face.

“Looks like he finally pissed off the wrong person.”

“I’ll say,” Flynn replied, but there wasn’t a trace of sympathy in his tone. “I guess we don’t need to pay him another visit?” He was almost disappointed.

“No,” Mason agreed. “That little problem has been taken care of. One other thing, Flynn.”

“What’s that?”

Mason’s tone was intriguing.

“Your promotion has been approved by headquarters, so you’re officially an officer, Commander. The paperwork should come through in the next few days.”

“Wow.” Flynn leaned against the bathroom door. He’d never given much thought to how good the title would sound but hearing it for the first time was incredible. Of course, earning it now meant Devon didn’t have to derail her career to remain with him. It was perfect. “That’s great, thank you!”

Flynn ended the call, then dried himself before he opened the door and strode back into the bedroom. He and Devon had taken the room aboard Top Secret for themselves, and she only returned to the hotel to conduct meetings. It was just the way Flynn wanted it—always having her close and being based by the ocean. He knew they’d have to find another place to stay when they returned to California, but for now, he was blissfully content.

“Master?” Lifting her face from the pillow, Devon’s gorgeous eyes blinked open. “Is everything okay?”

“That was Mason.” He was sorry to have disturbed her, especially after the sexual marathon they’d enjoyed the night before, but this news warranted the interruption. “Schumacher has been found shot dead.”

“Shot?” Her brows knitted as she pulled herself upright. “By whom?”

“I have no idea, but if you discover their identity, we’ll send a thank you note.”

“I’m serious.” She chuckled in spite of herself.

Flynn knew few people loathed Schumacher more than she did, but he could tell his death still rankled—his lady didn’t like loose ends, and now there was a new one.

“So am I.” Flynn’s brow rose as he settled beside her on the bed. “That guy had it coming.”

“I know.” She eyed his perfectly honed abs hungrily. “I’m not sorry, Master, only confused.”

“Come here.” He opened his arms and breathed in the tantalizing scent of her hair as she climbed onto his lap.

“It sounds like a mob-style hit.” Her brow creased as she considered Schumacher’s fate.

“I thought the same.”

“Why do I sense the signature of someone like Eli Green in this?” Her gaze flitted to his. “I always suspected he was a dangerous man.”

“We need to keep a closer eye on his business.” His arms tightened around her. “But don’t worry, you’re safe, little girl.”

“I know, Master.” She smiled, snuggling into him. “I’ve never been happier.”

It had only been a few days since she’d moved onto the yacht with him, but in that time, he’d been as close to utopia as Flynn could ever remember.

“Me neither, baby.” He kissed her, aware of his swelling excitement. No matter how often Flynn had her, he could never get enough. Devon was an addiction he had no desire to quit. “How are things going with your investigation?”

“Honestly, it’s stalled.” She blew out a frustrated breath, and he noticed the tension knotting in her shoulders. “I have no new leads, and Schumacher’s death will only muddy the waters. The only thing I can do is arrange for the Admiral’s body to be sent to Arlington.”

“Hey,” he breathed, lifting his hands to her shoulders and gently massaging away some of the resistance. “It’s okay. There’s time.”

“I’m not sure my boss will see it that way.” Arching her back, her head lolled back. “Jeez, that feels so good, Master.”

“They’ll understand,” he reassured. “You can tell them you have your own SEAL unit on it.”

“I don’t think that would be a good idea.” She twisted toward him with a smile. “Technically, I still outrank you.”

“Not anymore, little girl.”

“What?” Her eyes widened. “You got more news?”

“Mason confirmed my promotion has been approved.” He grinned. “So, from now on, it’s Commander Michaels.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you.” Devon spun on his lap, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing her breasts into his chest as her lips grazed his jaw. “Congratulations, Commander.”

“Thank you, little girl.” Driving forward, he pushed her back to the mattress. Landing with a yelp, her legs wrapped around his middle as he swooped in with a predatory kiss. “Since we have reasons to celebrate, how about you pay your master and commander some serious devotion?”

Her lips twitched. “What did you have in mind?”

“Get on your knees, little girl.” Flynn gestured to the luxurious carpet by the side of the bed, his lips curling into a smirk. “And I’ll show you.”