Page 80 of Rafe’s Future

She cleared her throat. “I’ll do it.”

“Pack light. A car will be by to pick you up in an hour.

The call was disconnected.

Of course, he knows where I am.

Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she looked at Rafe from across the room.

“That was Director Mercer. He’s sending a team into Turkey, and he wants me to go with them. The primary target is Rami Najjar, but he just, in not so many words, gave me the green light to take Kozlova dead or alive.”

He leaned against the doorjamb and slid his hands into the pocket of his sweats. “When do you leave?”

“I have an hour.”

The expression on Rafe’s handsome face grew hard. “Lena⁠—”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

She stepped closer. “You’re worried.”

Rafe pulled a hand free and reached out for her. “Of course, I’m worried.”

“I’ll be okay.” Lena closed the distance between them and slid her palm against his. Her heart kicked. “This is my chance, Rafe. If everything goes as planned, this time tomorrow⁠—”

“The hit on us will disappear.”

She nodded. “I have to do this.”

“I know.” He pulled her into his arms. “I just wish I could go with you.”

“Me, too.” Lena rested her cheek against his T-shirt-covered chest. “I’ll keep you posted as often as I can.”

Rafe’s hold on her tightened. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I promise.”

“I don’t want to lose you.”

She lifted her head to look him in the eyes. “You won’t.”

Lena rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him. Slowly. Tenderly. Savoring every ounce of his taste while she had the chance.

When they separated, Rafe touched his forehead to hers. It was a move she was beginning to not only come to expect, but one she was starting to treasure.

“Promise you’ll come home to me.”

Home.

A giant fist squeezed her heart. “I promise.”

An hour later, she was standing in the suite wearing jeans, a black T-shirt, and boots. Her duffel was open on the bed. In it were a few changes of clothes. Ammo. Her extra weapons and mags.

She zipped the bag and looked around the room, finding it hard to believe all that had changed.

In a few days’ time, Rafe had destroyed every protective wall she’d ever constructed. And as anxious as she was to finally have a chance at redemption in taking down Kozlova, she was more excited at the thought of returning to the man she loved.