Page 21 of Rafe’s Future

“For what?”

“You didn’t have to come here and warn me, but you did.”

A light hue of crimson crept into her cheeks, but as usual, the tough-as-nails woman played it off.

“Eh, it’s nothing. Besides, I told you a long time ago, I’d always have your six. And it’s not like that promise came with an expiration date.” She pulled her hand free and turned for the door.

Rafe looked down at his empty palm as she walked away from where he stood. The void left in the wake of her touch felt almost ominous, as if he wasn’t supposed to let her go.

“I’ll get out of your hair so you can get some sleep,” Lena spoke up again as she moved farther away. “We can reconnect tomorrow. I’m assuming you’ll want to stop by the hospital to see your daughter?”

“I plan on going there first thing in the morning,” Rafe confirmed. Stop her. “Where are you staying tonight?”

Lena stopped near the door and turned back to him. “I’m not sure yet. Any suggestions?”

With me.

“Stay here.”

A bark of laughter fell from her tempting lips. “Thanks, but you have enough on your plate without having to play host to someone who showed up uninvited and unannounced.”

“There’s plenty of room, and to be honest, I’ll sleep a whole lot better knowing you’re here.”

“Why?” She watched him closely. “So you can keep an eye on the government spy?”

Rafe shook his head slowly, his eyes becoming locked with hers. “So I can keep you safe.”

Lena blinked. “That’s sweet, but you do know I can take care of myself, right?”

“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should have to.”

Something flashed behind her eyes, but then it was gone. “I guess it’s settled, then. We’ll protect each other until this is over. Just like the old days, yeah?”

“Just like the old days.” Rafe nodded.

Only this time was different. This time, it was personal. For Rafe, Lena, and the entire Tac-Ops team.

CHAPTER FOUR

The next morning . . .

Lena stood alone by the windows in the Tac-Ops conference room, waiting patiently for Rafe and his team. Without warning, a large, decidedly unladylike yawn stretched her mouth wide as she absentmindedly studied the busy streets below. Sleep hadn’t come easily the previous night. Between her racing mind and the unfamiliar bed, it had taken hours for her to find actual rest.

When she did manage to sleep, Lena’s dreams had been filled with a seemingly endless loop of memories. Some good. Others not so much.

And then, there were the dreams about Rafe.

You shouldn’t go there, Lena. This isn’t the time or place.

The truth of her innermost thoughts didn’t keep her underserved libido from standing up and taking notice. Rafe had always been attractive. Even back when they were just a couple of tadpoles in a sea of clandestine agents, she was tempted as hell.

But now⁠—

With his salt-and-pepper hair, sexy English accent, and muscles that went on for days, the guy could easily play the part of the next James Bond. Lena, on the other hand, wasn’t sure she fit the bill as the super spy’s next “girl”.

Even so, a little harmless fantasizing never hurt anyone, did it?

He could double-oh-seven the heck out of me.