“You seem surprised by the news.”
Wait, there was news?
Partners. Right. That’s the news.
Ignoring how the whole I-won’t-let-her-distract-me vow had lasted a grand total of about three seconds, Jagger pulled in a head-clearing breath and released it back out into the open, country air.
“I won’t lie to you, Agent Foster.” He stood casually before her. “I assumed you’d pair up with Hunt.”
“Christian may be in the team’s lead position, but your skill set has a much wider range.”
“Ah, I see. When it comes to saving the Homeland agent’s…six, only the best will do, eh?”
With a single, angry step toward him, the woman put herself in the middle of his personal space.
“That’s right, Brooks. I expect the very best. Would you like to know why?”
“Bet you’re gonna tell me regardless.”
“Bet your ass, I am.” Her narrowed gaze morphed into a full-on glare. “If something happens to me out there, mission direction is lost. You and I both know that even the slightest gap in leadership out in the field can mean the difference between life and death. So yeah. You’re damn right I want the best watching my ass. Because if I go down, other lives could be lost as a result. LivesI’mpersonally responsible for.” She slapped an impassioned palm to her chest. “And I refuse to lose anyone under my watch.”
Well, when you put it that way…
“Don’t worry, Agent Foster.” He dipped his chin in concession. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep that ass of yours safe.”
“You’d better.” She reached up and slid her sunglasses back down to the bridge of her perfect nose. “Otherwise, I’ll be forced to kick yours.”
That long, dark ponytail of hers swung wide as she spun on her heels and walked away. And the first thing that popped into Jagger’s lust-filled mind…
I think I might be in love.
Natalia stoodin one corner of Christian and Megan Hunt’s spacious living room and took a bite of the juicy, home-grilledburger. With her paper plate balanced in one hand, and the burger in the other, she used the stolen moment to study the interactions between the men of Delta, their wives, and the six members of Echo.
The two groups already appeared to be comfortable with one another. They talked, laughed, and shared stories like life-long friends.
Not Natalia, though. No, no. Not her. She was in her usual spot, so to speak. Always the one standing on the proverbial outside.
Always looking in.
“There’s plenty more where that came from.” Megan appeared at Natalia’s right.
Petite. Shoulder-length, brown hair. Cute button nose, and warm, friendly eyes that held hints of blues and greens. Christian’s wife—who also happened to be Brody King’s sister—was as adorable as she was sweet.
“Thanks.” Natalia’s lips curved into an appreciative smile. “But I don’t think I’m going to be able to finish the rest of this.” She motioned to the half-eaten baked potato and small portion of green beans that remained on her plate.
“No worries. Leftovers never tend to go to waste around here.”
“Boy, ifthatain’t the truth.”
Natalia and Megan both turned to see Aurora King strolling their way. Almost instantly, Natalia’s mind began running through the bare bones details she knew about the woman who’d joined them.
Aurora “Ro” King. Thirty-three-year-old digital marketing entrepreneur. Brody’s wife. Megan’s sister-in-law and closest friend since childhood.
With the dark hair, pale skin, and striking blue eyes, she reminded Natalia of a modern-day Snow White. Ruby lips, and all.
“Hey, Ro.” Megan shot the other woman a smile. “Have you had a chance to meet Agent Foster?”
Ro swung her wide grin Natalia’s way. “Not officially, but I’ve heard a lot about you.”
