The Girl Next Door (Shadow Agents 6)

“And I’m coming with you.” She jumped out of bed, giving him one fine view of her body before she started yanking on clothes.

He hesitated. “Gabrielle, you know I can’t just take you to the EOD office.”

She shoved back her hair. “Then blindfold me. Do whatever you have to do.” Gabrielle walked toward him with her gaze snapping. “But you aren’t leaving me behind, partner.”

No, a partner wouldn’t leave her behind.

He caught the back of her head and pulled her toward him. He kissed her, hard, fast and frantic, because he had to.

He knew Dylan must be in sheer hell right then.

And the thought of something like that happening to Gabrielle, of someone hurting her... “Damn straight you’re coming with me,” he said.

Twenty-four seven. That had been their deal. He wasn’t going to break any more promises to Gabrielle. He needed her to know that she could count on him.

For now.

Forever.

Cooper didn’t plan on leaving her when the mission was over. He’d found something special with Gabrielle, and he wasn’t about to let her go.

She gave him a little nod. He finished dressing and grabbed his gun, then his fingers twined with hers.

He hurried to the door, yanked it open.

And found Deuce standing there. Deuce nodded when he saw Cooper. The guy gave Gabrielle a wan smile. “I’m here for guard duty,” he said with a little shrug.

Cooper frowned at him. “What?”

“You’re wanted at headquarters.” Now Deuce was the one who frowned. “Didn’t Dylan call you? Hell, I know he was messed up about Rachel, but Mercer wanted you to come in—”

“—for the interrogation,” Cooper finished. “I know, we’re going there now.”

Deuce shook his head. “No, you’re going.” He glanced at Gabrielle. “Sorry, ma’am, but your clearance isn’t high enough. The big boss sent me over to keep an eye on you until Cooper gets back.”

Gabrielle stiffened. “Clearance or no clearance, I’m going with Cooper.”

A long sigh came from Deuce. “Civilians never understand, do they, Coop?” He rolled back his shoulders. “Want me to give you two some privacy while you explain things to her? Make it fast, though, okay, buddy? Mercer isn’t exactly patient.”

Cooper hesitated.

“She’ll be waiting when you come back,” Deuce said as he turned away. “You know it. They’re always waiting...”

No, they weren’t. Sometimes you turned away—for a mission, for just a moment, and you looked back, and the one you loved was gone.

Loved.

His chest ached as Cooper stared down at Gabrielle. When had he started to love her? He hadn’t loved anyone, or anything, not since he’d lost his mother.

Gone, in an instant.

The back of his hand brushed over Gabrielle’s cheek.

“Cooper?” She gazed at him, waiting.

Did she think he’d leave her? That he’d break his promise to her?

“I want you to trust me,” he said softly, needing her to understand. “I gave you my word. I won’t go back on it, not ever again.” Then he raised his voice, making sure Deuce could hear him as he said, “I’ll call Mercer and let him know—”