Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Olivia stared at Becca, the same way she’d gawked at Cannon a few moments ago. When he’d sounded as if he was offering her a position flying for Wayward Souls. Not in those words, exactly, but she was sure it had been implied. That there was a place for her if she wanted it.
Which was crazy, wasn’t it? He didn’t even know her. Not really. Sure, she’d helped secure his team but that didn’t mean she was a good fit. Especially after how they’d initially met. Believing Ethan might forgive her was one thing. Thinking his team would want her to join up...
Ethan coughed, looking as if he thought he’d misheard Becca, too. “You think Smyth is a hacker?”
Becca smiled. “I said he either has a master hacker in his pocket, or he is one. That’s the only way he could have tracked you down.”
Ethan scrubbed a hand across his face. “Maybe it’s the fatigue, or maybe I’m just not as smart as I hope I am, because I’m not following you. We didn’t leave any kind of electronic trail, so how did Smyth use a hacker to find us?”
“There’s always an electronic trail. But, that’s not what I mean. I have a theory...”
Cannon snorted. “Then, spit it out because I hate playing catch up.”
She sighed. “Gibson said it felt as if this whole thing was a setup. What if he’s right, but on a grander scale?”
“As in?”
“What if the entire purpose of that summit was to get as many of you there, as possible, so Smyth could either take you out or capture you?”
Bishop shook his head. “That summit’s been happening for years. I triple checked everything.”
Becca nodded, tapping away at her computer.
“Agreed, but that doesn’t negate my theory.
” She held up her hand. “I need to do some digging. And while I realize time is of the essence, and we don’t really have any to spare, can we reconvene in a few hours?
It’s hard to focus if you’re all staring at me, waiting for results that aren’t going to happen right away. ”
Cannon stood. “Good idea. It’s the middle of the night, and god knows how long most of you have been awake.
We need to be fresh in case there’s another attack.
Bishop’s gonna have his people try to determine what those containers are you brought back in that box.
If they have anything to do with the summit or represent a separate issue.
Crow. Priest. You two stay here. Crow and Devlyn can take the first watch.
..” He arched a brow at Devlyn. “If you’re okay with that. ”
She rolled her eyes. “Do we have to go a few rounds before you stop coddling me?”
Cannon chuckled. “Fair enough. Bishop has an armory in the basement. Enough weapons to invade a small country. But I’m hoping if anyone comes gunning for us, they’ll target the other ranch.
Gib, Dungeon, Olivia and Phoenix. You’re with me, but Jericho and I will take first watch.
And no, that’s not up for debate. You’ve all had a busy few days. ”
Becca removed a few more devices from her bag, setting them up on the table. “I’ll have Bishop come and get you as soon as I have anything.”
“Understood. This way...” Cannon motioned to the door, stopping to shake Bishop’s hand. “Thanks. I owe you.”
Bishop waved it off. “Thank me when we have that son of a bitch. Asshole made it personal.”
Cannon nodded before directing the rest of them outside and into a couple of SUVs then down the road. It didn’t take long to get to another impressive ranch. They followed a winding driveway, then parked outside the main entrance. A man stood in the doorway, backlit by the interior lights.
He walked out as they met on the porch, hand extended. “Cannon. Nice to see you, again.”
“Likewise, Link. Can’t thank you enough for allowing us to stay here.”
“Like I’d ever turn a brother down. Besides, I can’t let Bishop have all the fun.”
“Still, I appreciate you putting us up. Quick introductions... This is Dungeon, Gibson, Olivia and Phoenix. And the crazy lady on my right who agreed to marry me is Jericho. Everyone, this is Bram Sterling, or Link to his friends. He’s Timerline’s recon and tech specialist. Definitely the guy you want scouting out a possible op. ”
Link laughed. “Easy, Cannon, or they’ll all think I paid you to say nice shit.
” He shook Jericho’s hand. “So, you’re the one who finally broke through that death cloak.
Nice to finally meet you. We all knew Cannon was a goner when he was helping us, last time.
Guy’s never not focused. But the way he was spacing out. ..”
Jericho smiled, and damn if Cannon didn’t look as if he was glowing from the way she gazed up at him. “I got pretty lucky.”
Link waved them through the door. “Come on in. There are a bunch of rooms upstairs. Make yourselves at home. I’ll put some coffee on, though, I imagine most of you probably just want to get some sleep.”
“Jericho and I would love some coffee. The rest are gonna hunker down. Get some rest. Might only be a few hours before Becca’s got some intel for us.”
Gibson sighed. “Are you sure you don’t need us to keep watch, mate?”
“Positive. You four go get some sleep. And Gib... Seems all I do is thank you.”
“Vale’s the one who took the real risks. Livy, too. Flying around here at night. Especially when the stubborn lass came back to follow us. I just tagged along.”
“Not quite what I heard, but... Go. We’ll see you all in a few hours.”
Gibson nodded, then headed for the stairs. Phoenix waved Dungeon ahead of them, placing his hand on the small of Olivia’s back as he trailed behind. Always guarding their six. Though, Olivia saw it for what it was, now. His innate need to protect those he cared about.
Gibson stopped in the hallway upstairs, nodding at Dungeon when the man muttered his thanks, then headed for one of the rooms. Gib eyed them, that smug grin back on his face. “Based on how I found you two earlier, I’ll assume you’ll be sharing a room. Just keep the shagging noises to a dull roar.”
Olivia smacked the man in the shoulder. “You are such an arse.”
“Now, now, Livy. No dirty talk, or Vale might get the wrong idea.”
She shook her head, waiting until he’d disappeared into the room next to Dungeon’s before turning to face Ethan.
But he was already ushering her into the bedroom across the hall.
The one which looked as if it had a double bed.
Barely enough space for both of them, but she had a feeling they could make it work.
Especially when she planned on curling half her body over his.
Ethan escorted her through the door, shutting it quietly behind them. She took a deep breath, then turned, wondering what was going through his mind—if he needed to talk about Blackburn, maybe sleep it all off—when he stepped against her, slid his fingers through her hair and kissed her.
He definitely tasted like forever. Like every damn wish she’d ever made. What she’d thought she’d found in the service, then in MI6. But now she realized those had been only a hint of the real thing. That sense of belonging she’d craved.
Which she knew was crazy. That their lives were literally an ocean apart. That, if they were ever going to have a future together, one of them would have to make some huge concessions. The kind that had lasting consequences, which would shape the rest of their lives.
Could she ask that of him? Offer to leave her life behind? Did she even have enough of one to miss? Miller was here, and he was the closest she had to family. So, would losing that part of her life really be a concession?
Ethan tipped her head back, deepened the kiss, and she knew she’d do whatever was necessary for a chance. Because he was worth the risk of failing. Of having to rebuild. Not trying...
She’d never survive another fifty years of wondering. Wishing she’d had the bollocks to try but had been too afraid. Sure, she loved being an operative, but she had a nagging feeling she loved Ethan, more.
Ethan eased back, staring at her as if he’d heard her thoughts. He brushed his thumb across the corner of her mouth. “You okay?”
She tiptoed up—lightly kissed his lips. “I am, now.”
He sighed before glancing at the closed door as he gave the room a once-over.
“I know the timing for this sucks. We’re in the middle of an op, we’re down a man…
” He seemed to swallow with effort, his fingers flexing in her hair.
“But after everything... I really just want to lose myself in you. In us. In something Smyth and all the others can’t touch. Can’t taint.”
He let his forehead rest on hers, his breathing uncharacteristically loud. “If you’d rather just sleep—”
It was her turn to kiss him. Shut out any doubts that she wasn’t all-in.
He was right. The timing did suck. But, wasn’t that life?
If she’d learned anything since returning to London—leaving him behind—it was that there was never a perfect time.
Never a moment that was set aside. Moments were stolen.
Tackled to the ground then forced into submission.
And if they didn’t steal one every chance they got, they might not live long enough to get another.
So, she didn’t care if the situation wasn’t ideal. If they’d have to adapt. She’d take whatever he offered and hope for more.
Ethan didn’t need more convincing. One touch of her lips against his, and he was primed. Was backing her up until her calves hit the bed, then easing her down. He broke away just long enough to strip them—place any weapons on the table then toss all their clothes behind him.
Something clattered to the floor, and she glanced down, drawn to the set of dog tags gleaming in the lamplight streaming in from the window. She arched a brow, nodding at the tags. Wondering whose they were when he was clearly still wearing his.
Ethan looked in the direction she’d motioned to, then sighed, retrieving the tags and holding them out to her. She twisted them around until she could read the name in the muted light.
Captain Anna Carmichael.