He nodded once. “Only monsters who slip through legal nets and only the worst of the worst.”
She looked out the window, and a small smile spread across her lips. “Sometimes the world needs a silent hero, doesn’t it?”
She glanced back at him, and he shook his head. “I’m not a hero.”
“To the mom whose son doesn’t die because he has access to guns and drugs, you are. To the young child who isn’t hit by a stray bullet furnished by Zajac, you are. To the person who isn’tgiven the opportunity to buy the synthetic drugs and become an addict, you are. To me, you are.”
She stared past him, deep in thought. She’d always known the world was a ruthless place. She didn’t deny she was just like ninety-nine percent of the rest of the population and waited for someone, somewhere, to address the wrongs of the world. Perhaps people like Blake were those people. The ones who did what no one else could or would. With everything that had happened, her view of right, wrong, and justice had changed, but in her heart, she knew it had changed for the better.
Blake tugged her hand, startling her out of her thoughts. She unfastened her belt and moved over to his seat. He helped her sit across his lap, and he held her like she was precious. And maybe, to him, she was. She hoped he felt that way about her. It was something she wouldn’t broach, not yet, because some things had to be organic. Some things, like love, needed to develop. She closed her eyes and let the warmth of the man she was falling in love with surround her.
CHAPTER 21
Blake kept his hand on the small of Elise’s back as they cleared security and crossed into the secure wing of Guardian’s New York offices. The air inside was cool, humming with that low-grade tension of high security. He watched as Elise took in the keycard locks, cameras in every corner, and agents moving with brisk, deliberate purpose. She straightened her shoulders as if she’d walked into a newsroom rather than Guardian headquarters, her chin high and expression composed. He admired that. They’d landed in the States only a couple of hours or so ago and were picked up on the tarmac by Guardian. Rook had floated off to wherever he was staying, and Blake had come with Elise. She gaped at New York traffic and bent into impossible positions to look up at some of the screens in Times Square. He chuckled at her delight at seeing Central Park as they meandered through the city. Her Irish brogue was thick, but he believed that was because she was tired. God knew he was. He wanted to find a hotel, shut them up together, make love to her, and then sleep for a week. Unfortunately, Guardian had other ideas. She had no idea how much he wanted to tuck her close and shield her from what was coming.
Elliot Sawyer was waiting for them as they exited the elevator at the executive level. Tall, clean-cut, suit perfectly pressed, the man radiated quiet authority.
“Blake, been a while. Damn good to see you, son.”
“Thank you, Elliot. This is Elise Serra, my”—he glanced at her and smiled with a smirk—"significant other.” Elliot’s handclasp with Blake was firm and brief before his attention shifted to Elise.
“Ms. Serra, welcome. We appreciate you two coming in so quickly. I realize you’ve been traveling, but this won’t take too long. Unfortunately, it’s necessary to protect Blake, Guardian, and you.” His tone carried no malice, only the steady weight of protocol.
Blake felt Elise’s slight hesitation before she nodded. “I understand.”
Elliot gestured toward a frosted glass door down the hall. “If you’ll come with me, we’ll go over the paperwork required due to the information you’ve obtained during the last week and a few questions to help us with your security clearance. Blake, you can wait outside.”
Blake gave Elise’s hand a squeeze before she followed Elliot. He held her gaze long enough to send the silent promise.I’ll be right here.Then the door shut, leaving him with the familiar ache of emptiness he seemed to carry when she was out of his sight.
But he wasn’t alone long. A shadow shifted at the far wall, and Marcus King pushed off it with his usual ease. Blake’s cousin looked like he’d just stepped out of an expensive law office. He wore a perfectly tailored three-piece suit and highly polished shoes. He was almost pretty; his features were magazine worthy, but his eyes carried the same steel Blake had seen in battle.
“Thought you might need backup,” Marcus said, clasping Blake’s hand before they pulled each other in for a bro hug.
“Always good to see you,” Blake replied, settling against the wall opposite the door. He glanced at the small window inset into the glass but couldn’t see Elise inside. His instincts stayed keyed up.
Marcus studied him for a moment, then let out a low breath. “So, this is the woman who rattled the unshakable Blake King.”
Blake’s mouth curved despite the long flight and desire to be anywhere but there. “She didn’t rattle me. She anchored me.”
Marcus gave a dry chuckle, then dropped his voice. “She’s got steel in her backbone. Not a flinch when Elliot talked to her. If you like her, I like her.”
That drew Blake’s attention. “Wait, who are you and what have you done with Marcus?”
“Ha! He’s still here. I doubt everything, triple-check all facts, andthenI really start questioning things.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” Blake chuckled. “I’m totally surprised you didn’t take the bar. You’d make one hell of a lawyer.”
“I like this world too much.” Marcus circled his hand in the air. “Guardian is in our blood, and there’s nothing better than tracking down a criminal. I fucking love investigations.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “How are your mom and dad? Have you told them about Elise?”
Blake frowned. “No, why should I?”
“Dude, have you not lived in our family? Everyone knows you fell for her. At least I think everyone does. I found out from Dad, who found out from Pops. Pops found out from Aunt Jewell, so I’m sure Talon and Reese know. Huh, I need to call Beth to make sure someone told her.”
He’d already told Beth. They’d had a quick conversation while he was driving home after his recon of the compound. “What the fuck ever, dude. You’re not serious.” Blake laughed, truly tickled at Marcus’s bullshit.
“I am.” Marcus’s eyebrows hit his hairline. “Just because we’re separated by distance doesn’t mean we don’t have immediate access and gossip lines.” He pointed to his ear, calling out comms device they both wore. “Twenty-four-seven, three-sixty-five.”
“I fucking turn mine off when I’m not hot for an assignment.” Blake rolled his eyes. Now he had to call his parents.Thatwas a conversation he didn’t want to have. Not that they’d care, it was just … awkward. With Beth, it was different. Not only were they siblings, but they were also friends, and they talked about everything all the time.
