Fallen for my?—
Understanding of the meaning behind the man’s previous words struck like a two-by-four to the face. Albeit far less embarrassing than having a conversation about sex with Jason Ryker, Emmett still wasn’t comfortable discussing his burgeoning feelings for Janie with him or anyone else.
Especially when he wasn’t completely clear on how he felt, himself.
Did he care about Janie? Hell yes, he did. Much more than he probably should. Was it love?
How the hell should I know?
For a man who’d never been in love before, it was impossible to be sure. But whatever it was—whatever these feelings were that he’d been trying to decipher—they’d solidified his commitment to do whatever it took to keep Janie safe.
“That’s what I thought.” Ryker sighed, running a hand over his rugged jaw. “Can’t say I didn’t see it coming.”
Wait . . . what?
There was no question Emmett’s face gave away his surprise. “I’m sorry?”
Ryker took him off guard, yet again when the man blew out a huff of a laugh. “At this point, it may as well be part of the R.I.S.C. job description.”
“Sir, I’m afraid I don’t?—”
“Cut the crap, Shaw.” The other man’s dark brows dipped inward. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You let yourself get close to the woman you’ve been protecting, and feelings developed. There may have even been a kiss or two.” His intelligent eyes searched Emmett’s intently. “Maybe more?”
He knows.
“Sir, I can explain.”
And then I’ll pack up my shit and leave voluntarily so you don’t have to tell me I’m fired.
But Ryker gave another quick shake of his head. “Don’t bother. It’s not like this is the first time one of McQueen’s guys fell hard.” He released a deep, shoulder-shaking huff. “And I can all but guarantee you won’t be the last.”
Hope released some of the tension in Emmett’s taut shoulders. Was Ryker really saying what Emmett thought he was hearing?
“Does this mean you’re not going to suggest McQueen fire me?”
“Fire you?” An unexpected bark of laughter filled the room. “Jake sends you packin’, he’ll have to shut down every R.I.S.C. team out there.” And then, the man’s expression softened. “Look, Emmett. We’ve all been there. Present company included. It happens, and I’m the last person to judge, it’s just . . .”
“Just what?”
“You need to be careful.”
“I’m always careful.”
“I’m sure that’s true. When you’re not personally involved. But I’ve seen it enough times, hell you and your team recently witnessed it yourself.”
“You’re talking about Jagger and Talia.”
Ryker nodded. “You were there. You saw how torn up the guy was when he realized she’d been taken.”
“That was different.”
“Why? Because it wasn’t you?” Another laugh came at him through a knowing grin. “Pretty sure Jagger thought the same thing, at the time. In fact, I’m sure every R.I.S.C. operative before you thought they were also immune.”
“To love?”
“To the pain that comes with thinking the woman you love is going to die.”
The room grew quiet as Emmett let the other man’s words sink in deep. Ryker reached out, put his hand to Emmett’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
