Cole’s eyes widened momentarily, but then a grin tugged at the corners of his lips. “You’re sexy as hell when you’re angry,” he remarked.
Maya blinked. “Um, thanks?”
She had to admit, there was something erotic about seeing Cole take down this man with such confidence and ease. He had a lethal air about him, but not in a sinister or frightening way. Strangely, Maya found it oddly comforting. He was so quick to react, so protective of her, that she couldn’t help but feel safe around him.
She paced the living room for about ten minutes, trying to unravel her thoughts, and her seriously warped priorities, until there was a knock on the apartment door.
“Check that it’s Flint before opening it,” Cole said.
Maya did as instructed. When she had confirmed that it was the agent who had interviewed her earlier, she opened the door and Flint, along with another agent who had been at the warehouse, strode into her apartment.
If she’d thought that Cole had seemed larger than life in her apartment, having all three of the huge men in her small room was almost claustrophobic. The third man quickly cuffed the intruder before hauling him to his feet, and then left with him. Cole and Flint spoke quietly for a few moments then Flint, too, left.
Cole crossed the room and pulled Maya into his arms. The gesture was unexpected, but Maya went willingly, sinking into his warm embrace.
“What happens now?” she asked into his chest.
“Now, we get you somewhere safe.”
Maya frowned, pulling back enough to look up at him. “Somewhere safe? What do you mean?”
“Well, you can’t stay here,” Cole said. “Not until we know who that man was and who he worked for. His employer might send someone else to finish the job.”
Fear rose in a solid lump in her throat as the implications of what Cole had said sunk in. She stepped back, and he let her go. Her voice came out small.
“But I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
“You do,” Cole said. “Pack a bag. You’re coming home with me.”
