Free Crave (Talon Security #1) by Megan O'Brien Page B

on your doorstep. I’m serious,” she reprimanded me. I fully deserved it.
    “I’m sorry. I know I’m shit with this stuff, but I’m trying to work on it,” I assured her.
    “That’s good, babe. Talk soon.”
    “Yep. See ya.” I ended the call and headed inside.
    Sid had music playing from Brad’s elaborate sound system when I walked back inside. I was amazed he could get the thing to work. When I’d realized there were five remotes to control it, I hadn’t even tried.
    I didn’t see him or Trixie, and assumed he was upstairs working and that he’d won the little stinker over.
    I started to make dinner, shimmying my hips to the beat of the Magnetic Zeros as I chopped tomatoes, singing along.
    I could get used to this kitchen; the high-end appliances and gorgeous surfaces actually made cooking fun.
    When the doorbell rang, I froze. Who the hell would that be?
    “I’ll get it,” Sid barked authoritatively from the stairs as he descended rapidly. “It’s your brother,” he informed me, not looking pleased as he neared the front door.
    Sure enough, my brother stalked in like a cyclone the moment Sid opened the door.
    “Let’s talk outside,” Sid shot through gritted teeth at Travis.
    What the hell?
    I put my hands on my hips, glaring at both of them. “What’s going on? Travis?” I demanded when neither of them responded.
    “Did you two sort your shit?” Travis demanded without preamble.
    Damn. I wished I had something harder than beer to offer him. Maybe it would soften him up a little.
    “Don’t sugarcoat it or anything, Trav,” I mumbled, handing him a beer.
    “Well?” he demanded, his keen eyes looking between us.
    “We’re getting there. She knows where I stand,” Sid broke in.
    “Yeah? And where is that?” Travis shot back.
    “She’s mine,” Sid replied without hesitation.
    “Geez, can we tone things down a little bit? I’m sweating,” I complained. “Yes, Travis. Thanks to your meddling, we’re….”
    What was the right word here? Dating? Together?
    I looked to Sid and recalled the words I’d used with Piper. “We’re gonna make a go of it,” I murmured, watching as Sid’s eyes warmed.
    Travis groaned. “Christ. I don’t know what’s worse. You guys tiptoeing around each other for years or making puppy dog eyes across the room.”
    I socked him in the shoulder as he grinned. “I’m happy for you. About fucking time. Now, the reason I came over,” he continued, his tone hardening into the business mode I recognized. He looked to Sid. “Got a few things you need to be briefed on.” Sid nodded and they both moved toward the living room as Travis pulled his phone out of his pocket.
    I followed, much to Trav’s obvious dismay.
    “What?” I challenged. “You’re talking about me and you expect me to just bury my head in the sand?”
    “Hey, a guy can hope,” Trav grumbled.
    “Save your energy, man,” Declan’s dry tone rang out over the phone that Trav had put on speaker.
    Sid tried unsuccessfully to hide his smile as I glared at him.
    “I deserve to know what’s going on,” I continued, sitting on the leather chair in the corner and pulling my legs underneath me, indicating that I planned to stay awhile.
    “All right, babe, you’re right,” Sid agreed, coming to stand beside me as my brother raised a surprised brow at him. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one getting used to Sid using a term of endearment for me.
    “The feds have a guy undercover with the Russians,” Travis began. “They were able to confirm what we suspected, that Ivanov was the one who attacked Sam.”
    “He’s fucking dead,” Sid growled, his hand flexing on my shoulder.
    “What he will be is locked up,” Travis replied firmly. “While I’d love to get my hands around that motherfucker’s neck, we’ll turn him over to the feds if we get him before they do.” He paused before his gaze fell to the phone. “Dec, you said you had an update—let’s hear it. “
    “Zitto’s