The King (Gentlemen Rogues 2)

"Let's see what Oversight says." Gabe was not used to me fighting back… ever. Let alone publicly.

Saint tried to be helpful. “For what it's worth, I got the distinct impression that they were trying to capture, not kill."

Gabe lifted a brow. "How can you even discern that?"

“From the video footage we've watched, it appears they were trying to corral her, using a grid pattern to hem her in. They wanted to capture her, which is... concerning."

He gave me a shrug, and I lifted a brow. Saint hadn't told me that. Why had he not told me that?

Gabe nodded. “I’ll speak to Oversight and see how they want us to go forward. Dismissed."

When we stood, I tried to approach Lock, but all he did was give me a grim nod as he went out the opposite exit.

What the fuck was that? We didn't have much opportunity to speak alone on the way back and frankly, we were exhausted. Completely shredded from the adrenaline of the day. But I expected him to say something to me. Anything about what had happened with us.

Fuck.

Saint approached me. "Sorry."

"No, it's fine. You spoke the truth. Next time though, tell me first?"

“Yeah. Got that. I should have, and that's on me. It won't happen again." He gave me a nod and then stepped away.

It was Tabs who found me after everyone was gone. "Jesus, come on. You look like you're ready for war."

“I just need to get some rest and get back out there. But you know, Gabe."

“I think Gabe is worried, love. Something could have happened to you, and I was terrified myself."

"That's the whole point. I'm an agent. And he doesn't respect that."

"Well, he might have to because what I said was true. You're the only one who has seen him. And Graciella knows you. She won't trust me or anyone else who comes to her, especially after the madness of everything that happened. Looks like you'll finally be getting your wish and becoming a full-fledged field agent. And honey, we all want him, but we have to follow strict protocol. We'll get him."

"Not we, I. I will get him. I owe him."

"And you have back up. Hang tight on Gabe. He'll come around."

"Well, for once big brother is not going to have a choice."

As we walked out and headed for the elevator to take me upstairs to my quarters, she frowned and inclined her head toward the rear entrance of the debrief room. “First, are we going to talk about what the hell happened on the island with you and Mr. Sex on a Stick?"

Despite feeling completely wrung out, I had to laugh. “I don't know. He performed well on the mission."

Tabs smirked. “I’ll bet he did. So was the first time a fluke?"

Heat rose up my neck and splashed into my face. "No, Tabs, but that’s none of your business."

"If that means no, it was not a fluke, are you going to talk to him about it?"

"Well, it doesn't look like he wants to talk to me. And I am wrecked and tired. So I am going to rest. If I’m going to war with Gabe over this, I need to be fully armed."

"Okay. I’m on rotation tonight until six, and you can come home with me if you want."

“I might do that. I need to get the hell out of here."

"All right, I’ll text you."

She left me and headed down toward the training tunnels. When I turned left toward the elevator to the main house, I found Lock suiting up for what looked like target practice outside the weapons department. “You're going to do more target work?"