A playground full of kids sounds in the background. I should’ve guessed he’d be nearby.
Exhaling, I unclench my cell. “Someone tried to burn down my house. I’m finished hiding. It’s time to fight back.”
In the silence, I picture him considering the pros and cons. Finally, he clicks his tongue. “Alright, sis. I got the kid covered. You and your city boy go kick butt.”
“He’s FBI.” My chest constricts. A reasonable mom would’ve told him the moment she found out.
“I’m shocked.” His dry tone gives me pause.
He knew and didn’t say anything. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”
“Backatcha, Kell.” This is the relationship I remember before we enlisted. God, how I’ve missed him. I’m guessing it goes both ways.
My throat grows tight, my weepy eyes watering yet again. “I’ll keep in touch… and thank you, so much. I love you, Kade. Really. Bye.”
After hanging up, I leave a voice mail for Gina. “Hey, had a small chimney fire…There was some smoke damage. Kade is watching Mack. The wildlife guy has my six. Talk soon. Don’t worry. This ostrich has finally pulled her head from the sand.”
When I turn, my G-man—my rock—shakes his head as he leans against the counter. “Holy fuck, Red. I’m impressed.”
As a plan takes shape, a sly grin breaks out on my face. “Me, too. When Jeremy arrives, how about you drive me to The Alpine Luxe Resort?”
One side of his mouth lifts as he raises his eyebrows. “Only if you promise not to shoot anyone.”
My gaze laser-focused, I tug on his ear lobes until his lips meet mine.
“Tell me I’m not crazy.”
Chapter 20
Hunt
The kiss we share sets my blood on fire, but more will have to wait. By installing those cameras, I put a bullseye on our foreheads.
Eyes locked on hers, I remove my fingers from the back of her neck. I need a moment to ground myself. “We should go.”
“Right.” The set of her jaw, the fierceness in her face? All I want to do is take this majestic warrior back to my hotel room and make love until we’re completely sated.
While my cock throbs, I take a breath. Shoving my arms into my jacket, I force my focus back on the mission. I want both heads in the game—the one on my shoulder as well as the one below my belt.
Outside, the cold douses my lust. Focusing on our objective, I program the alpine destination into my SUV’s GPS. “We should be there in thirty minutes.”
“Copy that.” After almost dying, she jumped into the passenger seat without hesitation. I know seasoned operators who would’ve balked.
Now, as we drive up the mountain, her hand rests on my thigh, steady and relaxed.
Something triggered her earlier. I need to know if the change is permanent. What if her determination isn’t enough?
If she is to be my partner, I want to trust her. “We’re just going to take some photos, send them to the FBI, and wait for instructions. Agreed?”
She snorts. “What? So they can count them?”
Perhaps, I do deserve her derision, but dammit, it stings. “Whoa—low blow.”
“Sorry, Wildlife. I feel so, so… Shit, I can’t find the right word. Empowered? Enabled? Free? No, no, none of them fit. It’s as if I took a Wonder Woman pill. I’m ready to take on the whole damn world. As a Marine, I remember feeling this way. It’s been so long, I had almost forgotten that version of myself. This is me—the real Kelly O’Malley.”
“Okay, hotshot. Only don’t shoot anyone, alright?” Despite my resolve to table my emotions, a grin breaks out on my face.
The smile she returns makes me groan.Hell, reel me in babe. Put me in your basket and eat me for supper.
