Pressing my lips to Evianna’s temple, I whisper in her ear, “It’s all right, darlin’.” Turning my focus to her mother, I clear my throat. “Olivia, are you comfortable enough?”
“You don’t worry about me. You keep my daughter safe.”
By the time we return to the Fairmont, it’s after four, and we’re both on edge. Evianna’s been on and off her phone for the past two hours, keeping in touch with Beacon Hill, approving the final version of Alfie’s code, and making excuses—all related to a massive water leak in her basement.
Ella dropped off a garment bag and small duffel with the concierge a few hours ago, and when we’re back in our room, Evianna lays the bags on the bed. “What is all of this—?”
“Precautions.” Patting the bed, I find a clear spot, sit, and pull the duffel bag closer. Everything’s coded for me, little Braille dots embossed on the tag for each canvas pouch. “Comms,” I say as I open a black plastic case the size of my palm.
“They’re so small.”
“Wear your hair down tonight. It should cover the earbud. We’ll be on with Wren the whole time. She’ll monitor things from the camera in my glasses, and will be able to walk you through anything you need to get her spyware installed.”
“And the rest of this stuff?”
I don’t want her to see the rest of my kit, but I also can’t lie to her. I won’t. “I don’t carry a gun, Evianna. With enough light and the right contrast, I might be able to hit someone center mass, but it’s too dangerous. That doesn’t mean I can’t defend myself. Let’s see what Ella brought us to wear.”
As Evianna unzips the garment bag, I pull out my modified tactical vest. Running my fingers over the thin canvas, memories assault me. Ryker barking orders. Ripper shouting for air support, Gose tying a tourniquet around Hab’s leg. But then the images shift. The first time I put on that Green Beret and patch. The day I walked into the barracks to find my assignment: ODA 5150. Ry’s easy smile and strong handshake when he welcomed me to the team.
“Dax? You’re…somewhere else, aren’t you?” Her soft voice pulls me from the past, and I reach out, finding her cool fingers and giving them a squeeze.
“Right here with you, darlin’. Is there a dress shirt in there for me?” I ask.
“Yes. A black one.”
“Makes the vest less visible.” With a light brush of my lips to her knuckles, I take the shirt from her, strip off my long-sleeved Henley, and shrug into the pressed shirt. The vest is next, and as I secure the buttons, I stand up a little straighter. I’m still capable. Still a soldier. But also, still…blind.
“Wow.” Evianna slides a hand down my arm, and I realize I can sense her coming. Feel her warmth, pick up on the subtle scent of freesia from her perfume. “You clean up nicely.”
I wish I could return the compliment. “What are you wearing?”
“Black pants, black heels, and a gold tank. And Ella brought me a black beaded purse.” She fiddles with something on the bed for a moment, then gasps. “With two USB drives.”
“Wren’s program. One for each of us…as backup.” Holding out my hand, I accept the little plastic and metal data drive, and tuck it into an inner zippered pocket of the vest.
I’d give anything to avoid the next few minutes, to be able to keep the potential for danger from this woman I think I love, but she’s right. We’re a team, and she has to know what we could be up against.
“Sit down, darlin’. I need to explain a few things.”
As she moves, the light hits her gold tank, and I can see a hint of the shimmer. For the thousandth time, the longing ache blooms in my chest. To be able to see her. Just once. To have her image in my head, know what she looks like when we kiss. When I have her naked against me.
Reaching into the duffel bag, I pull out a zippered, leather folio, set it on the nightstand, and open it. “You need to know what I’m carrying, and where, so if anything happens, you’re not defenseless. Understand?”
“Okay. Do you really think—?”
“I didn’t think you were in danger at your house the other night. Or that they’d come after your mother—though I should have anticipated that one.” With a small shake of my head, I feel for the folding blade. “See the metal crescent here on the handle? Press it to extend the blade. It’ll snap, so be careful. Press it again to collapse the knife. Right side pocket.”
“Got it,” she whispers as I tuck the knife away.
“Spare comm units in the left side pocket.” Holding up the tiny, plastic case, I wait for her confirmation, then stow that as well.
“This is important, darlin’.” I take off my belt, roll it up and tuck it back in the duffel, and then grab the one from the folio’s inner pocket. Twisting the buckle, I wait for her reaction.
“Oh, my God. Who comes up with this stuff?” she asks as she reaches out to touch the tiny set of lock picks.
“Trevor, mostly. Ten years with the CIA. The man’s…scary.” After I’ve secured my belt, I add a metal window punch, a credit card tool with a tiny screwdriver, GPS chip, and glass cutter, and a second Bluetooth earbud to the vest.
All the while, Evianna fidgets with the duvet, and when I’m satisfied everything’s in its place, I sink down next to her and take her hands. “Evianna, when we get to the party, you have to be my eyes. See what I can’t. Watch everyone. If you see anything suspicious, tell me immediately. Someone at this party tonight wants you dead. But they also want something from you first. So don’t go anywhere without me. Not even the bathroom. Understand?”
