Chapter 48
I’ve had a lot of shocks in my life, but this rocks me. Of all the places to see my former teammate, this is the last place I expected to find her. “What are you doing here?”
Not only am I shocked. I’m paralyzed by guilt.
Nyx pulls back from our hug and smiles up at me. “Marshall said you needed more help. I thought it was time I did something productive.”
Not only is Nyx here… she’s here to work.
When I don’t speak, she does. “It’s so good to see you, Beast. You look… a little ragged. When was the last time you shaved?”
I shake my head to get my brain working. “Days ago. Are you sure this is a good idea? You’re ready?”
She nods and pushes the heavy cords of her black hair back over her shoulder. It’s longer now. She looks good. Like she put on a little weight.
With a confidence that surprises me, Nyx holds my gaze. “I need to start living again.”
A thousand unsaid things pass between us.
She squeezes my arm. “Now, let’s go talk with the team about this missing person. I’m going to help where I can.”
I’m still in shock. I can’t believe Nyx is standing here before me. “They could use an interpreter.”
A knowing smile lifts her lips. “I figured. Never hurts to have one around. Plus, your boys need some female energy to keep you from turning into total barbarians.”
I catch her before she walks away. Not sure if she caught that I said they need help, not we. “Look, Nyx, I handed the mission over to Evan. You’ll be working with them. I’m off the case. I’m not even sure if I still have a job with Agile. Did you know that?”
She narrows her eyes, studying me as she lifts her chin. “Marshall said you must have hit your head.”
I shake my head and chuckle. “Something like that.”
Nyx looks me over and lifts a brow. “Who is she?”
Good question. I’m still working on that. “She’s a handful.”
Nyx’s smile turns into a light laugh.
That sound strikes me like lightning.
God.
How long has it been since I heard her happy? I wasn’t sure she’d ever laugh again after what happened in Afghanistan.
Her tone is teasing when she speaks. “Good, that’s exactly what you need. I’m so glad to see you’re living again too. And I don’t want to think about what happened to me anymore. So, neither should you, okay?”
My throat tightens. My stomach hardens. It’s hard for me to inhale. I’ll never be able to stop thinking about what Nyx has endured. “I’ll never forgive myself.”
Her gaze lowers to the ground. She sighs as she rubs her arms. “You need to. I’m moving on. I’ve done a lot of therapy. My body is letting go of the trauma.”
She opens her arms and motions me toward her. “It wasn’t your fault. Now hug me, then let it go, Beast.”
I drag her against me, wishing I could erase the horrible things that happened. My arms are shaking from the flood of dark memories washing over me. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
She inhales deeply. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”
We stay like this for a long time, until someone calls my name.
“Beast!”
I turn my head and find Evan striding toward us.
He and Nyx exchange a quick hug. He ruffles her hair. “Damn good to have you here, Nyxy.”
It’s almost jarring to hear Evan use his old nickname for her.
“Tell me that in a day or two when my singing drives you crazy.”
He chuckles, but his expression turns serious when he looks at me. “I hate to break up this party, but we’re going to fly around and check some of the archeology sites where our missing gal might have been working.”
“Please tell me you’re not going to borrow that chopper again.”
Evan looks sheepish. “Who, me?”
I shake my head. “Yes you. I don’t think Marshall’s going to be able to save your ass if you steal a helicopter twice.”
“Don’t have to. Marshall leased it from Evelina’s government. Turns out they don’t really use their choppers very often, thus the bad maintenance, and they could use the money.”
My brows go up. This is an amazing development. Marshall does an excellent job of taking care of his teams and he really delivered this time.
Evan’s smile grows. “Seriously Marshall took care of everything. Want to come?”
I shove my hands in my pockets. “It’s hard to say no, but I need to focus on Camile’s situation right now.”
He studies me for a second. “We’ll catch up later. Maybe all of us can get some food tonight.”
I didn’t expect that, and it sends a weird sensation through me. “I’d appreciate that. Good luck with the hunt.”
Evan tips his chin as he turns to walk away. “You too.”
When they’re gone, I have to stand by myself for a while.
Seeing Nyx was like taking a direct hit to the gut. It always is.
And knowing the mission that I promised to lead is still in play without me chafes.
I never let my team down.
But I never expected someone to rock my foundation like Camile has.
After I puff my cheeks, I blow out a slow breath.
I need to see her. It’s a physical craving now.
Damn.
I’ve only been away from her for a couple of hours and I feel like this.
How am I going to feel when this is all done and she goes back to her life?