Privilege (Special Tactical Units Division 2)

There was nobody like his Bianca. His Tigress.

There never would be.

But how much could he ask of her?

And another question. How much would she do out of the goodness of her heart? Even if she cared for him. Hell, even if she loved him. Would she give up everything because he asked it of her?

Fuck.

That was the last thing he’d ever want her to do.

Goddammit, Olivieri, take a deep breath. Be a man.

“Bianca—”

“Chay—”

Each of them smiled.

“You first,” she said.

“No, that’s okay. You first.”

She nodded. Looked away from him. Looked at the ocean. At the floor. At the sun as it slid into the water.

“I—I had a call from Lacey. You know. From my office.”

“Oh?”

She nodded again. “Marilyn Epstein resigned.”

Chay made a rude noise. Bianca laughed.

“I know. Amazing news, right?” She paused and searched for the right words. “So there’s going to be a new person in charge.”

Chay swung towards her. “You?” He was so happy for her. Still, he f

elt his heart drop. “Honey, they couldn’t make a better choice.”

“No. No, of course not me. I’m much too new. I don’t even have my doctorate.”

“Oh.” Shit. He hated feeling relieved. “Who, then? Not the woman whose husband wants to be in an open marriage?” he said, trying for a smile.

“No. Not her. It’s Carl Anderson. He’s been part of the team from the beginning. Smart guy. Easy to get along with. It’s a good choice.”

“Ah. Okay. Glad to hear it.”

“Right. Right.” Bianca’s hands were shaking. She dug them into the pockets of her shorts. “They voted.”

“Without you?”

“Well, I voted, too. By phone. The thing is, they’re going to meet Monday morning. To, you know, to reorganize.”

“Monday morning,” Chay said. Could she hear the hollowness in his voice?

“Yes. And—”

“And you have to be there.”