Page 77 of Her Captivated Hero

“And that would be why positive pressure protective suits were invented.” She continued to look him in the eye. “Look, Gray, I think your plan is a good one, if, and this is a pretty big if, the Saudis choose the humanitarian award ceremony here in Abu Dhabi and if they actually use one of the air ducts on the roof like you think they will. Then there is a high probability you will stop them.”

And if that didn’t work, he and his team would normally come up with a different plan to save the world, that’s what they were trained to do. But tonight one of his fail-safes involved putting a civilian in play. Not just any civilian, either. A woman. His woman.

“There is still the unlikely, but possible chance they could just set the timer-controlled canister in the ballroom and leave,” she said.

“Do you think I haven’t thought of that?” Gray thought his jaw would shatter as he tried not to yell.

“You didn’t mention it on the plane,” she reminded him softly.

“It was one of the items Dex put down on his list of possibilities. We’re not all going to be on the roof, Riya. That’s not how we work.”

The hot morning wind started kicking up dust. Gray had sunglasses on, Riya didn’t. “Come on Honey, let’s get you inside before you melt.” He gently touched her elbow. She jerked away from him.

“No! You can’t all of a sudden be nice. It’s too confusing. You’re still mad, aren’t you?” she accused.

He looked at the building that was fifty meters away. Once they were inside, they wouldn’t have any privacy. He turned her around so he blocked the wind. “Riya, I sure as hell hope you know I love you.”

She looked like she was going to cry.

Fuck. Had he really blown it that badly?

“Riya. Let me state it loud and clear. I fucking love you. That’s why I don’t want you to go. Hell, I really don’t want those CDC motherfuckers on this mission, but I’d take them in a minute instead of you.”

She flinched, and turned on her heel.

Holy mother of God, he was sounding like Drake Fucking Avery.

“Riya, stop. Goddammit, please stop. I’m wrong. I’m dumb. I’m sorry.” He ran in front of her and gently put his hands on her shoulders to stop her from moving forward. Fucking-A, she was crying now.

“I cannot believe the amount of dumb crap that is falling out of my mouth.” He took a deep breath. He shoved his sunglasses up on his head and bent down so they were eye to eye.

“Number one, I love you. Say yes if you understand.”

She didn’t answer for a long time, but her tears dried up. “The Gray from yesterday loved me. I don’t know this Gray.”

“That brings us to number two. I’m scared to fucking death that something bad will happen to you. Scared to death.” He prayed she could read the truth in his eyes, but she was looking down.

“Please Riya, look at my face. Look into my eyes. See that I’m telling you the truth.”

“No, you’ve been mad at me.”

She looked lost and confused.

“I’ve been mad at this situation. And terrified that you could die. I love you to pieces, I want you in my life forever. I would fall apart if something bad happened to you.”

She shoved him in his chest so hard he fell back a step. “You dumbass, you mean to tell me that when you feel protective, you’re going to act like a pissy asshole? I can’t believe this!”

He jumped forward and grabbed her in a hug. “Now you get it. Am I forgiven?” he begged with a hopeful grin.

“I don’t want to get it. I want you to behave like a logical human being,” she wailed. “But yes, you’re forgiven.”

“I told you that the SEAL quirks were worse than your quirks any day of the week.”

“Gray, you have to take me seriously. I’m part of this.”

There weren’t enough antacids in the world to handle this situation. But…

“Riya, me and my men are going to do everything possible so you don’t have to touch that toxin, but if push comes to shove and you have to suit up? Well, you’re the scientist I trust the most to handle things.”

“You’re not just saying that?”

“Absolutely not. Riya, I’ve watched you take on every obstacle and succeed, of course you’ll handle this with ease.”

She laughed. “Yeah, well you’re a superhero, I won’t have to do anything.”

He sure as hell hoped she was right.

Please God, let her be right.