Page 99 of Rafe’s Future

“Don’t.” He spoke softly. “Do not think for one second any of this is your fault.”

“But I⁠—”

“You got justice for your mother.” His throat thickened. “And I have never, ever been prouder.”

Unshed tears welled in her beautiful eyes. “It’s Lena, Dad.” Her sweet voice broke with the falling of tears. “You love her, just like you loved Mom, and now . . .” Alice’s face started to crumble. “Now it might happen again.”

No.

“I won’t let it.” He shook his head. “Not this time.”

He couldn’t prevent Amanda’s untimely death, but there was still a chance he could save Lena. They just needed to figure out where Stanton had taken her.

We don’t even know where to start.

Bones’ phone began to ring. He looked down at the small screen. “It’s Evie.”

Apollo’s phone was next. His dark gaze met Rafe’s. “Nicki.”

Alice nodded her head. “They’re together.” She looked up at Rafe. “I called Alex earlier and told her what happened. She said she would round up the others and wait for an update.”

“Guess they got tired of waiting.” Bones stood and motioned toward the door.

“It’s okay.” Rafe nodded. “Take five to speak to your women, hit the head, and then get back.”

“Copy that, Boss.” Bones gave a sloppy salute.

He, Apollo, and Falcon left the room, but Coulter lingered a moment longer. Rafe could see the emotion in his eyes. Lena hadn’t just been his CIA boss. She’d been his mentor. Someone he respected deeply. And later, she’d become his friend.

“I’m going to find her,” Rafe assured him.

Coulter nodded and walked out the door. Within seconds, the conference room was quiet again.

Alice looked to him. “Dad.”

He met her eyes. “You said I love Lena.”

“You do.”

His chin dipped. “I do. But it’s not the same as your mother. The love I felt back then belongs solely to her. Just as I still carry the love she gave with me.”

More tears fell down his daughter’s cheeks. “I’m so sorry.” She pulled him into a tight hug. “You don’t deserve this. Not any of it. You deserve to be happy.”

Warmth mixed with worry. “I don’t know if I ever believed that.”

“Well, I do.” Alice reached up and palmed his cheek like she used to do as a little girl. “Lena makes you happy. Anyone with eyes can see it.”

Rafe covered her hand with his. “She does.”

“Then we’re getting her back. There is no other option.”

He was forced to blink against a sudden rush of his own tears. He held on to the certainty in his daughter’s eyes.

They would find Lena. They had to. He was in too deep, and he wasn’t sure he could survive another love lost.

Please, help us find her.

His phone dinged. Rafe looked down and found that an unknown number had sent him a message. He picked up the device, his pulse spiking as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.