“Now?” That was a big question that required another question to be answered first. Were we invery activeterritory like her co-worker in Syria, just fooling around because we were here? Or was there more? “Depends on whether you want to do this again or not.”
She pushed up, nearly to sitting, her eyes wide. “I know this was kind of sudden and all that, but…”
I stifled a laugh. The blush climbing up her chest, neck, and cheeks was all I needed to see. “I’m not a one-night stand type of person, either.”
She chuckled and dropped her head onto my chest. “Does that mean we’re a thing?”
“Brooke McAllister,” I said, sliding my hand to her cheek and forcing her to look up at me. “It may be complicated, but yes, I think you can call us at least a thing.”
She turned her face into my palm and kissed it. “We should probably establish some ground rules.”
“Like what?”
“Like not being obvious in public?” She laced her fingers together and propped her head on my chest. “No one can know about this.”
“Percival probably already suspects something,” I admitted. “He’s accused us of flirting, saw me running here, and didn’t see me running back.”
“Then we’ll be extra careful. This can’t affect the bigger picture. We’ve got an important job to do here.”
“Agreed.” I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, unable to stop touching her now that I’d started. “But right now, we’re off duty.”
Her smile turned wicked. She sat up on the bed, then threw a leg over my hips. “Then we might need a few more of those condoms.”
Chapter 25
Rav
I staredin the direction where Brooke had vanished. We were all frustrated with hitting wall after wall, but her words were more than frustration. They were words she’d been carrying inside her for a long time.
Scarlett rose from her chair. “I’ll talk to her.”
“No.” I wasn’t moving yet. My brain was fully aware I had to deal with this, but my body rejected the prospect. “I need to do this.”
She came closer, standing next to me near the doorway. “Are you sure that’s wise right now? We need everyone’s heads in this game. There are only two days left.”
“It’s my mess, Scar.” I lowered my voice. “I have to be the one to fix it.”
She nodded once. “Just don’t make it worse.”
I’d marched into battle zones, run into danger, and jumped in front of live ammunition. But this? Facing her?
Move, you idiot.
I finally did. Slowly. Each step felt like walking into an ambush, but it was one I’d set for myself. I paused outside thebedroom door. Six years of silence. Five since she’d last reached out.
What the hell could I possibly say?
Figure that out when you’re inside.
I knocked twice.
No answer.
“Brooke?” I tried again, louder this time. “It’s me.”
“I don’t want to talk to you.” Her voice was steady but muffled.
“We need to clear the air.” I leaned closer to the door. “We need to be able to work together, if nothing else.”
