I’MSURPRISEDTOFINDsomeone else there when we reach the HQ, considering the late hour. Moira Tiernan is standing at the kitchen counter, holding a mug with some kind of monkey-octopus hybrid on the side of it. Best not to ask, I’m sure.
Hunter is at the large dining table, pouring over what look like maps—and numerous pot plants, some with plants in them and some empty—with Matthew on the other side. He’s perched awkwardly on his chair, a mug in his hand. This one has writing on it that I can’t see. If it’s as nonsensical as Moira’s mug, then I’m better off not knowing.
Moira gives me a once-over, clearly not impressed with what she sees. “I’ve heard about you.”
“Likewise.” Perhaps not through Hunter, but there’s no way that I’d let anyone this close to him without checking them out. I’m impressed withhereven if she finds me lacking. Hercredentials are impressive, and her skills are solid. She smirks at me, then switches focus. “You must be the bodyguard.”
“Miles.”
Moira takes a sip of her drink, tapping a finger on the side. “Bodyguard.”
Miles doesn’t take the bait a second time, remaining a silent statue.
“Where do you even find these people?” Moira says, not without affection. “Never mind, don’t answer that. I’ll go shopping for a boy toy in a different catalogue.” She tips her mug up, finishing it off, and rinses it quickly in the sink. “Alright, I’m out of here, boss. Unless you need me on this one?”
“No, I need you and Six on your current job,” Hunter replies, not looking up from the dock maps he’s been studying. “Jericho is on call.”
She nods, satisfied. “Spencer and Kendrick?”
“They’re watching Olivia. There’s no more important task. They’ll stay in the safe house where they are until I give the word.”
“I’ll rendezvous with them once Six and I are done.”
Hunter softens, eyes warming. “Thank you.”
“I like her better than you.” She winks at Hunter, slaps me on the shoulder in a way I’m unsure is friendly or not, and then disappears loudly through the front door. She’s just as much a chameleon as Jericho is: loud until she’s not. No one would ever see her coming.
“She’s charming,” I say after she leaves.
“She taught your daughter how to punch someone in the dick,” Hunter says absently.
“Well. I think I just fell in love.”
“Careful, or I’ll have to fire her.” Hunter’s lips twitch, but the show of possessiveness slides right into my heart and settles there. It has to mean something.
He sighs and stands, running a hand through his hair. “Weapons are locked in the back. We’ll get what we need and go. The exchange is happening in three hours, and I want to make sure we don’t miss it.”
“So we’re doing this tonight?” Matthew asks, somewhat shakily. “Just walking right into a drug exchange?”
“Not quite,” Hunter says, finally turning from his maps. “And there’s no ‘we.’ You’re staying here.”
“No.” Matthew frowns. “No way. This involves me.”
“Not this part,” Hunter says firmly. “This part is dangerous, and you’re not trained for it.”
“I don’t care; you’re not leaving me behind.”
So stubborn. His eyes are blazing when I lift his chin with my thumb. “You think you’re ready for this?”
His lips tremble and flatten. “Yes.”
“No, duckling. You’re not.” I bend and kiss him softly before he can reply. There’s strength in his heart and an unexpected spine of metal. He’s still not ready for this kind of introduction to our world. He leans into me for a moment and then backs away. So very stubborn.
“I got shot at, and I was fine. I can handle this.”
“Being thrown into a situation like that isn’t the same as willingly walking into it.” He reacted in the moment because he had no choice, and Hunter was there to protect him. “You’re safer here.”
“I don’t care about being safe. I want to—I need to—” He cuts off with a frustrated sound. “I’m not going to just sit here and be useless and wait for you to come back.Ifyou even come back!”
