Olly just shook his head and mouthed back a solemnthank you.
Her heart filled, and it was the first time since they’d found the other woman sleeping in Olly’s bed that Scarlett truly,trulyfelt like everything was going to be okay.
“So that’s it?” Rose looked to the two suited men at the front of the room. “It’s over?
It was Agent Killion who responded with a nod and a rumbled, “It’s over. Or, it will be in a few hours when the FBI raids The Mystique.”
There was a brief stretch of silence before Rose asked, “What about the girls?”
“Everyone there will be detained until their identities can be verified,” Agent Killion answered. “Those found to be there against their will, will be questioned and taken back home, where they belong.”
A collective sigh of relief filled the room. It really was over. Or it would be, once those sick monsters were in handcuffs.
“We have agents stationed all around the state,” Agent Crenshaw added. “But we also have private planes for bigger operations such as this. As soon as A.D.A. Umbridge gives us the green light, we’ll be wheels up and on our way to Durango.”
“We have your numbers.” Agent Killion wrapped things up. “As soon as we get the call that the scene and all the players are contained, we’ll be sure to let you all know.”
“Thank you.” Olly slid his arm from Rose’s shoulders to offer both of the men a firm handshake.
“No, Mr. Garcia. Thank you.” Agent Killion returned Olly’s gesture. “Thank you all. Especially you, Miss Goodwin.” Theattractive man walked over to Rose, offering her his hand. “If not for your bravery and sacrifice, we may have never gotten the evidence we needed to finally put an end to the last of Dante Valdez’s trafficking ring.”
“I just did what anyone would do,” Rose brushed the compliment away.
But Scarlett knew the truth. So did every other person standing in that room. The operation was shutting down because of Rose’s quick thinking and unsurmountable courage, and no other reason.
Ironically, if she and Olly had just stayed in Denver a few more days, there never would have been a need for the whole undercover stripper subterfuge. But as she followed Rose and Olly out of the room and back to the floor’s main reception area, Scarlett couldn’t find it in herself to regret it.
Despite the terrifying moment locked in the dressing room with that bastard, Pauly, those few days in Durango had been some of the best of her life. Because she’d spent them getting to know Olly.
Getting to know him. Having sex with him. Making love.
Falling in love.
And now she couldn’t help but wonder where they went from here.
One week later…
“I’m soglad you were able to stay in Denver another week.
Scarlett looked over at the pretty brunette sitting behind the wheel. Izzy Garcia was as sweet as she was beautiful. Just like her brother.
“Me, too.” She smiled before returning her gaze to the road ahead.
Olly had introduced the two women the same day they’d met with the FBI. And just as she had with Olly, Scarlett felt an almost instant connection to the woman who’d just treated her to lunch.
“When do you have to go back to school?” Izzy asked. “I know Olly said something about spring break and vacation days, but I wasn’t sure.”
Her chest tightened with dread. “Next week. My boss was very understanding about my wanting to stay here a few extra days, given the circumstances and all. But as much as I wish I could stay longer, I really do need to get back to my class.”
“Well, you’re going to be missed around here. That’s for sure.”
Selfishly, Scarlett hoped the other woman was right.
“You are going to come back for the wedding, right?” Izzy took an exit leading to one of the area’s rural, two-lane highways. “Grady and I both really want you there. And I know Olly would, too.”
Grady was the other woman’s fiancé. Scarlett had met him, as well. Grady, his detective partner Declan, and that man’s wife, Skye.
Everyone she’d met within Olly’s circle had been super nice and welcoming. Especially Izzy, who seemed over the moon about the fact that her brother had a love interest.