Unfortunately, there wasn't much else for me to do except pace and worry and freak out that I’d made the wrong call. What if this wasn't right? What if she had simply walked out of an exit we didn't know about?
My gut said this was the way, though. But could it be trusted?
Lachlan’s voice was low when he spoke. “This is the right decision, Saff. My opinion obviously doesn't matter, and it shouldn’t. But I can see you second-guessing yourself. You’re right about this. Trust your instincts.”
I swallowed hard and lifted my gaze to meet his. “Since I was a kid, I’ve always hated making mistakes. I know mistakes in the field mean dire consequences. I just feel the added pressure, that's all.”
He swallowed hard as he paced back and forth with me. To the rest of the world we probably looked like two employees on a smoke break. “I'm sorry. I know I’ve said I’m sorry before, but I don't think I fully understood. I should never have questioned your field decisions. I have the benefit of not being the one in charge. The benefit of not having my head roll if I make a bad call. You have to think of not just yourself but the whole bloody team. Trying not to get any of us killed, trying to catch the bad guy, trying to improvise the plan. I didn't account for any of those things in your decision-making, and honestly, it wasn't my place. I was just terrified for you, and I acted exactly like Gabe. Not because of your ability, so don't ever think that. I know I haven't been around very long, but I’m getting the impression you are one hundred percent a badass.”
My eyes stung, and I blinked away the rushing flood of emotions. He was right, I didn't need him to have an opinion. I didn't need for his apology to sink in. But having him acknowledge that my decisions carried a certain weight and risk helped a lot. “I appreciate that.” All I could do was nod as I try to shove aside the emotions. I didn’t have time for them. But it did mean a lot knowing that he saw. He might not fully understand, but he could see a sliver of what I was dealing with.
The look he gave me was full of understanding and love. It was the second part I didn't want to see. Because our situation was still impossible. And just as I was going to say something, to beg him to stop looking at me like his world began and ended with me, the side door to the garage opened. And a woman with dark hair, wearing a spa uniform and flip flops stepped out.
“Graciella, I’m so glad you could join us. You have given us a merry chase, but God, will it be satisfying to bring you in.”
She tried to dart back toward the door, but Lock blocked her path and shook his head. “Oh no, you don't. It was very rude of you to hit me on the back of the head. You should apologize.”
She turned to face me with a glower. “So you caught me. You can't hold me. Although, I am surprised to see the two of you together. You weren't fooling anyone in the Winston Isles. The way you looked at each other was too passionate. A long-term couple doesn't look at each other like that or fuck like that. But you did give me a hell of a show.”
I grinned at her. “Honey, if you're jealous, just say that. Now, let's get you back to London so you can share everything you have on your multiple boyfriends.”