Page 127 of Covert Mission
“Panicking would have gotten us killed.”
“You’re right. I lost a partner when I worked undercover because he panicked.”
Teagan frowned. “Were you injured on the op?”
He touched his left thigh. “Took a bullet trying to save Jeff. I failed.”
“I’m sorry. Losing someone is never easy, but it’s a hazard of the trade. Our jobs are dangerous.”
“Yours is more so, I think.” His hand cupped her nape. “Are you ready to sleep now?”
She shrugged. “Not really but what choice do I have?”
“You could stay up the rest of the night.”
“I thought about it. Is that what you plan to do?”
He pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth. “I’m on watch. I’ll catch a nap later in the day.” If he could. The past two days had been so fast-paced he hadn’t been able to rest much. Wouldn’t be the first time he’d gone without sleep.
“Where are you setting up?”
“I’ll rotate between the living room and kitchen.”
Teagan tightened her hold around Seth’s waist. “The couch looks comfortable. I’ll stretch out there and keep you company.”
“I’ll try to be quiet as I move around. Need anything before you sack out, love?”
“A goodnight kiss.”
An invisible band around his heart squeezed as his head lowered. “Anytime.” Just before his mouth captured hers, Seth whispered, “I love you, Teagan.”
Long, heated minutes later, he broke the kiss and smiled at the dazed look in her eyes.
“Wow. You have skills, Dixon. I believe I’ll keep you.”
“Yeah? For how long?”
She pretended to think about it, eyes twinkling. “For life.”
“I like the plan.” After stealing another kiss, he released her. “Settle on the couch. I’ll walk the perimeter, then grab some coffee and keep watch from the living room.”
Seth nudged her toward the other room, turned out the light in the kitchen, let his vision adjust, and slipped outside. While he surveyed the area, Seth thought about the problem of Peters and Martina. If he didn’t convince Ivan and Martina to get out of this compound, Peters would continue to go after Martina, especially when he realized Jillian had escaped.
When that happened, he’d have to protect Ryan. Seth didn’t want the soldier to suffer because he was on watch when Fortress spirited away the teenagers for their own safety.
Following a thorough examination of the back of the property without seeing signs of encroachment, Seth rounded the corner and walked toward Ryan.
The machinist turned. “Everything’s been quiet, sir.”
“Anyone show interest in our quarters?”
“Jerry and Shane. I sent them on their way. They weren’t happy, but they went.”
“Thanks, Ryan. I owe you, my friend.”
“Anything else I can do to help?”
“You should be relieved from duty in another few minutes. If that doesn’t happen, let me know. I’m on watch, too.”