Evidence of Passion (Shadow Agents 7)

Dylan wasn’t being logical. “We can’t just let Jack run loose around the city. We don’t know when he’ll attack again.” And if Jack was using bombs now...talk about a whole new nightmare. Civilians could get caught in the flames. They’d been lucky that no one else had been injured when Dylan’s car exploded.

“We don’t know when, but we do know who he’s going after.”

Her heart squeezed at his words. “I don’t get to be the bait, but you do? That’s the plan?”

“That was always the plan. You know that.” His head turned away from her, and he gazed out the window. “I just need to make myself a target—”

She grabbed his arm. He might not be touching her, but she needed to touch him. “How many times do you think you can cheat death?”

He didn’t look at her. Whatever he saw out that window had to be fascinating.

“Dylan!”

“As many as it takes.”

The vehicle slowed. They pulled toward a parking garage. A familiar one. They were headed to the main EOD office.

She sat in silence as they passed through the security checkpoint. Then they were in the cavernous garage. Dylan held the door for her when she climbed from the SUV.

“Thomas...” Rachel glanced his way. “We’ll catch up with you inside.”

Thomas hesitated. “Mercer’s waiting.”

Right. The big, fierce boss. But it was her life. “Let him wait. I need to speak with Dylan. Alone.” Because they needed to clear the air between them before anything else happened.

Thomas’s gaze assessed first her, then Dylan. He nodded. “Good luck,” he murmured to Dylan then Thomas headed for the elevator.

Rachel didn’t move. She wasn’t exactly sure where to start this little scene.

Dylan exhaled. “Say it, Rachel.”

Fine. So maybe she did know exactly where to start. “I close my eyes, and I picture you burning in that car.”

His jaw hardened. “And I close my eyes—and you’re in that damn car, burning right next to me.” He turned from her, yanking a hand through his hair. “That’s why this ends. I’m the bait. Hell, yes, I will be. Gladly. But I won’t risk you.”

“It’s all about me!” Jack would never even be coming after Dylan if it weren’t for her. Didn’t he see that?

“I’m the senior member of this team.” His voice was hard. “I make the calls.” He glanced toward the elevator. Thomas was gone. Dylan rubbed his jaw. “And when we go in that building, you should know that...I’m recommending you be relocated until Jack is contained.”

What?

He nodded, still not looking at her as he said, “It’s the best solution.”

“No, it’s a ridiculous solution.” She marched toward him. Caught his arm in her grip and forced him to look at her. “And pulling rank on me?” Rachel shook her head. “Bad form, Dylan. Bad.”

His eyes narrowed.

But she wasn’t done. Not even close. “You’re the leader. Good for you. Normally, you say jump, and every member of your team leaps. Not this time, though, because I’m not just part of your team.” She took a deep breath. “Now I’m your lover.”

“I’m damn well aware of just what you are to me,” he growled.

“Then you know that you can’t just push me aside—”

“I know that when you’re close, I’m at risk.”

His words shocked her, and Rachel let him go.

“I can’t think clearly when you’re with me. My control...it shreds.”