She stops walking and stares at me. “I’m not an idiot. I’m a linguist, and one of the things linguists do is study behavior. It’s not about the words—it’s about the behavior. Something is happening here, and I want to know what it is.”
“Why do you need to know? Why do you need to analyze it? It was a kiss. Just leave it at that. Come on, let’s go.”
The lie comes out easily, but her expression suggests she doesn’t believe it. Smart woman. Too fucking smart.
“You’re lying.”
“I’m protecting you.”
“By lying to me?”
“By keeping you focused on survival instead of?—”
“Instead of what?”
Instead of the way you respond to my commands. Instead of how your body melts against mine when I take control. Instead of the fact that I want to drag you into the nearest dark corner and finish what that kiss started.
“Instead of complications.”
The train slows for Metro Center. Major hub station, multiple lines, crowds. Perfect location for another direction change.
“Off,” I say, taking her hand.
“Again?”
“Again.”
Metro Center’s platform spreads out in multiple directions—red line, orange line, and blue line connections. The crowd here is thick, with constant movement in all directions. Exactly what we need.
I guide Dr. Wren through the crowd toward the red lineplatform. She keeps pace without complaint, but the questions continue.
“How long are we going to keep riding trains in circles?”
“Until I’m satisfied we’re clean.”
“Clean of what?”
“Surveillance.”
“How will you know?”
“Experience.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the only answer you’re getting.”
The red line train arrives, packed with passengers. Perfect. I push Dr. Wren ahead of me, then position myself behind her, my chest against her back, my arms bracketing her against the train wall.
The position is intimate, possessive, and completely necessary for security. At least that’s what I tell myself.
“Cooper,” she says quietly, her voice barely audible over the train noise.
“Yeah.”
“This feels like more than tactical positioning.”
My jaw clenches. She’s right, and we both know it. But acknowledging that truth leads down paths that compromise mission parameters.
