Evidence of Passion (Shadow Agents 7)

Rachel slipped inside. Mercer glanced up, his face reflecting a flash of surprise. “Agent Mancini, what—”

“I’m done, Mercer.” She’d put three years of blood and sweat into the EOD. In return, she’d been shoved aside.

His eyelids flickered. “No, surely, you—”

“I’m out.” There wasn’t more for her to say. She wasn’t going to Atlanta. Wasn’t going to wait quietly down there and then get transferred back up to D.C. when Dylan thought it was safe enough for her to return.

She’d faced danger day-in and day-out. She’d risked her life time and time again.

No more.

“I deserve a life.” Not a lover who’d turn his back on her.

Then she gave one final nod to Mercer—and left.

* * *

DYLAN STARED DOWN at his clenched hands.

He’d hurt Rachel.

He’d wanted to protect her. To get her away from Jack.

She looked at me as if she didn’t know who I was. As if I was some kind of damn stranger...and not her lover.

Being with her...she’d overwhelmed him, driven him to the brink of sanity. The pleasure had been unlike anything he’d ever felt before.

He wanted her. Again and again and again.

And he’d almost gotten her killed.

He was the senior agent. He should have forced Rachel to stay in her apartment. But because it was her, because he couldn’t say no to her, he’d let her come with him. He’d been weak.

She’d almost been dead.

The phone on his desk rang, and he picked it up, his movements jerky. “Agent Foxx.”

“My office. Now.” He heard Mercer’s familiar snarl, then the call ended.

Dylan didn’t want to go into Mercer’s office. He wanted to find Rachel. To try and explain to her—

I want to stop Jack so that you’ll be safe. So that he won’t ever come near you again.

That explanation wasn’t good enough. She’d learned about his secrets. He knew that he should have told her before, but Jack was still an open wound for her. He just hadn’t wanted to hurt her any more.

But I did.

He’d never seen quite that look in Rachel’s eyes before.

He put down the phone and returned to Mercer’s office. Rachel was still in the building. He’d talk with Mercer and then he’d find her. There was plenty more to say between them.

He passed Judith’s desk. The woman’s glare seemed to burn his skin. Dylan paused. “Judith?”

“I always knew you weren’t good enough for her.”

His eyes widened. You’re right. I’m not. Not even close.

Judith pointed to Mercer’s door. “He’s waiting.”