Page 153 of Covert Mission
“Honey, it was a metaphorical saying.” He motions for Scout to sit at the table as he gently pushes me toward the other chair. “Let’s get this planned out.”
I step away from Lucas. “Scout, would you mind giving me a minute alone with Beast, here?”
Scout’s brows go up, but he stands up and strolls out, leaving his laptop on the table.
When the door’s closed, I drop my voice. “Why is Scout here? Isn’t he supposed to be working on your case?”
“Evan, Levi, and Nyx are on it.”
My insides flinch hard.
That’s her name.Nicks… or Nics… how do you even spell that?
“Nyx, who’s that?”
He crosses his arms and looks down at me. “Nyx is an interpreter that’s worked with our team before. Marshall sent her to help, along with Levi who will be filling in since I’m out.”
I stand stiffly before him. A tangle of worries muddles my mind.
“Belle knows something now. Justice obviously does too. What about Scout?”
Nighthawk said that I could tell Lucas. Does that mean if he knows, the team will know also?
Lucas crosses his arms. “Scout knows everything.”
My eyes widen. “Does everyone know what… I mean, who I am?”
I’m not sure why, but this feels like a gigantic betrayal.
Anotherbetrayal.
He shrugs casually, as if my life isn’t tangled up in this mess. “My team does. That’s how we operate.”
I’m a little breathless when I speak. “Is that a good idea?”
Lucas steps closer, so all I can see is him. “Babe, trust me on this.”
I stare at the center of his chest, feeling unsteady. My insecurities are roaring.
He touches me, carefully, just resting his hand on my shoulder. Letting his thumb slide lazily back and forth over my collarbone. “Let us help you. I promise it’s safe.”
I exhale. The breath trembles out of me. “I don’t know… I’m not comfortable.”
I’m tugged forward until I’m pressed against Lucas’s chest. His hand cups my head, reminding me how big he is. “Sweetheart, I’ve known these men for nearly two decades. Nighthawk knows how we operate. My team would never do anything to compromise you, or your safety. And they’ve got my back.”
“But you quit your job.”
He tenses. His reply is rough. “I know. But that doesn’t mean they won’t help me however they can. Basically, they’re refusing to let me walk away. Which is why Evan is making sure we join everyone for dinner tonight.”
I try to pull away, but he won’t let me. His head drops until his chin is resting on top of mine. “You’re wound tight. What else is going on?”
“I’m just… exhausted. I need closure. I need to know if I’ve ruined my whole career and thrown everything away.”
His embrace tightens. “We’re fixing this for you tonight. I’ve got you, babe.”
I try not to let his warmth and gentle words slide into me. I can’t be vulnerable with him anymore.
He sets me away from him and cups his palm against my cheek. “Let us do what we do. Our team is wired tight.”