“Well?” I ask. “What do you think?”
Her lips curve into a slow, wicked smile. “I think it’s fucking brilliant.”
I knew she’d be all in.
“Good,” I say, feeling the hum of renewed energy shifting in the air. “Then let’s go take down our first target together.”
***
We’ve been watching the Salazar brothers for the last twoweeks, waiting for them to make a move. They’ve been careful and calculated, measuring each step meticulously to cover their tracks. Still, our informant finally got the intel we needed, leading us to a warehouse located an hour from the city where they’ve been storing their shipments of drugs. We’ve had eyes on it for a week now, following their movements. I guess since the senator hasn’t ratted them out yet, the brothers felt safe enough to come stateside.
Huge mistake.
Adrenaline hums through my veins as we wait for Reid’s signal. Karmen flanks me, steady and focused, and I force myself to take a calming breath.
I trust her.
Fuck knows I trust her.
I know she can handle herself in dangerous situations. Hell, I practically trained her myself, but the idea of her being anywhere near danger still twists something sharp deep inside me. The possessive need to protect her and keep her safe is an instinct I’ll never be able to ignore. But I will have to learn to manage it, especially if we are going to be working side by side.
We’ve gone over the plan a dozen times. She’s backup. No improvising. No unnecessary risks.
Reid signals.
We move.
Reid and Karmen cover me as we quietly slip through the side entrance of the warehouse. Asher and Sawyer will breach from the back once I give the all clear.
“Partying without us?” I call out, making my presence known, my gun trained on the man to the right.
Salazar turns, cold amusement flickering in his dark eyes. “We were just getting started.”
I collect several steps, gun raised, locking in on them. “It’s over.”
My brother Asher and Sawyer come in from behind, disarming them both before ordering them to their knees. I’m about to holster my weapon when a familiar voice stops me in my tracks.
“Oh, I don’t think so, Commander.”
When I spin around, the blood drains from my face, air freezing in my lungs. Gregory Foster stands behind Karmen, forearm braced around her neck, the barrel of his police-issued Glock pressed against her temple. Reid keeps his aim at the two men behind me, but I can feel the tension radiating off him as his gaze shifts between us.
“Lay the gun at your feet,” Greg instructs, and with a resigned sigh, she complies, putting the safety on before squatting and gently laying the gun at her booted foot. Foster follows her every move, keeping a firm hold on her. Standing upright, she holds up her hands in surrender, cold silver eyes stay trained on me, hard and unyielding.
Meanwhile, unbridled fear claws at my insides.
Foster drags her back a step, tightening his hold. I keep my aim locked on him, but there’s no clean shot. Not with her between us.
I grind my teeth, muscles tensing. I trusted this man. He was my friend. My mentor. I’ve known him most of my life, but I won’t hesitate to end him if he hurts her.
Think.
Keep him talking.
“Was it worth it?” I ask. “Throwing away your career? Your reputation? For what? Money?”
His eyes burn with something dark and twisted.
Hatred.
