Everyone—even Slash—surrounded her. Addison stroked her back, Prescott offered kind, comforting words. Hawk, Brit, and Grey thanked her for saving their lives, telling her she was their hero.
The love pouring from the BLACK OPS team had emotion welling in her eyes. Beyond her parents and Caroline—and the therapists and doctors she’d spoken to over the years—she’dnever shared this with anyone. Even Naomi didn’t know about her past trauma.
“I got you,” Tank said. “Whatever you need, for as long as you need it.”
Sydney hated showing her vulnerability but, in that moment, she hadn’t been able to hide it. And for the first time since the tragedy, she didn’t feel like she had to.
“Even badasses are human,” Dakota said with a reassuring smile.
“Sydney, you’re with me,” Tank said. “You’ll sit with Slash in the back seat. Grey, can you and Caroline drive Slash’s SUV back to base camp?”
“We gotta wait until the building’s been cleared,” Grey said.
“We’ll do it,” Sin said before he regarded Slash. “I’m a phone call away if you need anything. Okay?”
She nodded. “Thanks.”
Sin, Dakota, Stryker, Prescott, Hawk, Rebel, Addison, Brit, and Emerson strode inside with Tucker to clear the building.
Caroline hugged Sydney. “I’m proud of you sis,” she whispered. “You’ve never shared that with anyone.” She offered a smile. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” Sydney placed her hand on Tank’s back. “I wouldn’t have said anything if it hadn’t been for Tank.”
As they stared into each other’s eyes, she said, “You’re good for me.”
His smile made her pulse soar. Only this time, it was from love.
“You’re good for me too,” he replied.
After the team cleared the firing range, they returned to bring everyone through the building. Then, the drivers walked into the parking lot, drove the SUVs up to the entrance. The group filed in, and the caravan headed out.
“You better invite me to the wedding,” Slash said as Tank drove them to the Black Site.
“Don’t you mean Caroline and Grey?” Sydney asked.
“No, I mean you and Tank,” Slash said with a smile. “You two are perfect together. Absolutely perfect.”
She couldn’t hide the smile… and she didn’t want to.
Tank’s phone rang. He answered. “Slash is okay.”
“I’m freaking out,” Carrera said. “Can I talk to her?”
“You’re on speaker,” Tank replied. “We’re driving back to the site.”
“Babe, are you okay?” Carrera asked.
“All good, baby,” Slash replied.
“I’m gonna get to the site before you. Greystone called the surgeon, and she’s on her way.”
When their conversation ended, Tank hung up.
“How are you doing?” Slash asked Sydney.
“Me?” Sydney asked. “I’m okay.”
“If you want to talk—anytime—I’m here for you,” Slash said. “Seriously, I’m super grateful. I won’t part with my knife, but that wouldn’t have helped me today.”
