Page 99 of Surge
“Just a graze.”
And she moved into his arms.
He stilled as her gentle brown eyes looked up into his, telegraphing exactly what she wanted. What he wanted. He caught her waist and snugged her into his hold. The citrus smell of her hair whirled into his nose. She tilted her head up at him, a full-hearted smile on her soft lips. A smile started across his own face. But he set his mouth to hers and kissed her. A long, deep one. One they both deserved, they’d both longed for. He crushed her to himself, and as he deepened the kiss, her arms hooked around his neck.
Hoots and claps sounded. “Get a room!”
Garrett broke off and grinned down at her, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Surge let out a moan-groan of protest.
“Hey,” Garrett said, smiling down at the Malinois. “I think she has room for two operators in her life. One with two legs, one with four.”
Surge huffed, then sneezed right in his face.
18
OUTSIDE SURABAYA, INDONESIA
“Congrats, Bear!”
Garrett hopped down from the train, the fields around it swarming with local authorities and still-landing choppers delivering not just locals but a handful of Damocles guys. He hesitated, waiting for Delaney and Surge to join him.
Caldwell had a wide grin. “Knew you were the right guy for the job.”
Was it his imagination, or did the man sound respectful? And despite Garrett’s hesitation about the spook’s loyalties, his intel had worked out this time. “Appreciate it.” He nodded. “You’ve done good, Caldwell.” He extended a hand.
Caldwell dipped his head and accepted the proffered handshake, then got called away by someone.
Delaney edged into view next to him. “That seemed a little nicer than all your other convos with him.”
With a nod, Garrett shrugged. “Bygones . . .” He took her hand and drew her nearer. “You really stepped up to the plate in there.” He shifted closer, ignoring the chaos around them. “I know you weren’t prepared for that. Taking a life is never easy, and if it is, then you have big problems. But give yourself time to work through that.”
“Thanks. I will.”
He cupped the back of her head and drew it closer, planted a kiss on her forehead. “I’m proud of you.”
“Walker.”
At the barked voice, Garrett pivoted. Felt himself start at the guy stalking toward him, flanked by a couple of operators. Chapel. Holy . . .
“Good work,” Tyson Chapel said as he reached him and thumped Garrett’s good shoulder. “Sorry we couldn’t be of more help, but I knew you could handle it.”
Stunned, Garrett wasn’t sure what to say. “Yeah. Thanks. That means a lot.”
“We’re going to coordinate with Indonesian law enforcement and get things cleaned up. Think maybe it’s time for you to bug out and get some well-deserved rest.”
“Again, I appreciate it.” He felt more than saw Delaney behind him. “Oh, hey—the real hero of the day—Surge, the Malinois you contracted from Ghost.”
Appreciation shone through the legendary operator’s hazel eyes.
“And this is Delaney Thompson. Without her scent work, we would’ve been up the proverbial creek.”
Chapel extended his hand to her. “Thanks for stepping into the fray.” He indicated the containers being offloaded by teams in HAZMAT. “Without you, that would’ve been all over our country and people. You’re a hero. Thank you.”
With another clap on Garrett’s shoulder, he jutted his jaw to the chopper. “Frank’s going to get you guys out of here. We’ve already got arrangements in play to get y’all stateside ASAP.”
“Thanks.”