There's movement around the house as well.
His team is preparing to leave for a night mission.
I miss him already.
How ridiculous is that? He's got a job to do. I'mnotit.
"Allison and Camile are going to be here the entire time I'm gone," Ryker says as he closes his laptop, sliding it into a tactical gear bag. "Security team stays posted. You don't go outside."
"I'll be fine," I reply, trying to sound brighter than I actually feel. "It will be nice to have some female company."
When he looks unhappy, I feel guilty. "Not that I mind your company," I add, "but you know what I mean."
His expression softens a fraction. Not that he ever really softens. That seems impossible for him.
"I'm not happy about leaving you here. I'd rather keep you close."
I'm sure he catches my quick intake of breath. "You go do your job."
"Like I said before, you're my job now too."
He did say that and I still can't really process those words.
"Be careful out there." I rise from the desk chair where I've been while he worked, and stretch my back. "I'll hold down the fort."
He gives me a look. A long one. "Stay out of trouble."
"Aye-aye captain."
This nearly makes him smile, but there's a single knock on the door.
"We're rolling," a male voice says from the hallway.
"Copy." Ryker doesn't look away from me. "Jade, don't go outside. Stay inside the house. Listen to the others, whatever they tell you to do."
"Wouldn't think of going outside and I'll be sure to do what they say. Promise."
With a tip of his chin he opens the door and vanishes.
Oh.Heavens.
I sag a little. Why does he make me feel like this?
I'm jittery, and warm, and there's a pain in my heart.
"Helllllooooo."
Two women fill the doorway, catching me staring blindly at the floor.
"Oh, hi."
"Oh, she's pretty," one of them murmurs.
The other grins, lifting her brows. "No wonder Ryker's acting like he's about to have an aneurysm."
I wince, not knowing what to do with my hands other than twist them together. "I probably give him heartburn."
The one with dark hair and a cute smile shakes her head. "He's burning alright, but not his stomach."
