The patriarchs all turned their attention to Anthony.

He was standing right in front of Charlotte, and the cold, menacing energy he usually gave off had disappeared. His sharp, handsome face had softened, and there was the hint of a smile playing on his lips.

But it was his eyes…

He didn’t look at her like she was an enemy. It was something else entirely.

“Wait… Is God actually smiling? And not in a nice way either. Don’t tell me he’s into Nine?”

“Into Nine?”

One of the patriarchs shot him a look, all sarcasm and disbelief. “He’s got guts, I’ll give him that.”

As if their gorgeous, untouchable princess would ever fall for someone like him.

The three of them watched closely, half-expecting Nine to go full savage and destroy God right there. But then Charlotte reached out and took Anthony’s hand. All three patriarchs jumped up from their seats at the same time.

What was happening? Were they seeing things?

It wasn’t just them. Every single member of the Falcon Unit looked like they’d been hit over the head.

Given Nine’s reputation, it would have made more sense for her to stab God in the heart. But holding hands? That was straight-up shocking.

Before anyone could process what was happening, Charlotte spoke up. “Not bad. Looks like you’re still in one piece.”

Her voice was calm, her pretty face unreadable, but somehow it made Anthony’s chest tighten.

“I left them for you to handle,” he said quietly.

“Oh, really?” Charlotte glanced at his cuffed hands, lips curling into a sly, almost teasing smile.

Anthony’s heart skipped a beat. He tried to say something, but before he could get a word out, Charlotte let go of his hand, rose up on her toes, and leaned in so her lips brushed his ear. Her whisper was soft and dangerous. “Lie to me again, and we’ll settle it when we get home.”

Then she gave him a gentle push into the car.

She closed the door behind him, turned around, and faced the Falcon Unit. They all looked so stunned, she almost laughed.

“This is definitely a birthday surprise I’ll never forget,” Charlotte said, completely composed.

Everyone just stared at her, speechless.

After Charlotte got behind the wheel and drove away, Leif shuffled

Adonise

his rifle like it was

the only thing keeping him

grounded content

“What’s going on with Nine and God?” he whispered.

Adonis popped his gum, shrugged, and grinned. “What do you think? Nine and God

are together.”

Leif’s eyes went wide. He could barely get the words out. “You mean… God is Nine’s boyfriend?”

Adonis nodded with total

seriousness, giving Leif a pat on the

shoulder. “Congrats. You almost

made Charlotte a widow on her

birthday content

Leif went pale as a ghost.

The odds of this were unreal.

Did he just mess everything up?

***

N Organization, West Wing.

Inside a spotless bedroom.

Anthony sat quietly on the edge of the sofa, watching Charlotte as she bent over to

unlock his handcuffs. His brow was slightly furrowed.

“Lottie, is today your birthday?”

He sounded a little guilty.

“Yeah.” Charlotte looked up at him, her lips

32 curved in a half-smile.

Anthony, you really went all fall out with birthday present this year.”

Anthony had no idea what to say.