“He’d come after her, you think?”
“If my cover should get blown, maybe. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.”
“Are you going to have any backup or are you going in alone?”
“Unfortunately, it isn’t like the Corps. I don’t have buddies to watch my back. I’m on my own. When you’re in deep enough, there’s not a lot they can do to protect you.”
“How dangerous is this?”
“They’re fucking drug and arms dealers, protecting a billion-dollar business. How dangerous do you think it is?” Ryker’s sarcasm was bitter.
“You think this is a good idea? You and Sage …”
Ryker turned to face Parker. “Me and Sage what?”
“I thought things were getting serious between the two of you.”
“How is our relationship any of your business?” Ryker’s tone had been matter-of-fact before, though not particularly friendly. Now it was hostile.
“I care about Sage. If you get your ass killed, it affects her.” His voice was as hard and cold as Ryker’s.
“Glad to know you give a shit.”
I could almost feel the tension in the room as I watched them through the glass, unable to look away.
“Actually, I do,” Parker said, coming out from behind his desk. He pushed his hands into his pockets. “You were the one who decided we couldn’t move past Natalie.”
Ryker said nothing, his gaze returning to the window.
“Isn’t it time we bury the past?” Parker asked.
“Interesting choice of words.”
I could see the tension return to Parker’s frame. “You may have decided you don’t give a damn about me, but I still care what happens to you.” He was next to Ryker now, who finally turned to look at him. “So if you get in a bind, you need backup, you’d better fucking call me, or so help me, I’ll kill you myself.”
A beat passed. “You want to move on?” Ryker asked at last. “Then prove to me you’ve changed. I’m trusting you to take care of Sage, keep her safe. That’s all. Don’t make me regret it.”
Silence.
“Understood.”
I was mesmerized, watching them. Yeah, they were talking about me, but there was a lot going on there between them and I couldn’t help hoping this was a first step toward reconciliation.
Ryker headed for the office door and I quickly flipped off the intercom. I got up and rounded the counter as he let the door swing shut behind him. I saw Parker moving behind his desk, his gaze on us.
“So what was that all about?” I asked, pretending of course that I hadn’t listened to the entire thing.
“I’m heading in tonight,” he said. “I don’t know when I’ll see you. It may be sporadic, and at weird times, but I’ll do what I can.”
I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’d rather you not put yourself at risk.” My throat was thickening with tears that I was desperately trying to swallow down. “Um, so this guy thought you were dead. Is he going to just … accept … that you’re not and let you back into his organization?”
Ryker hesitated. “I’ll be fine.”
He was deliberately lying to me from what he’d said to Parker about how dangerous it was, which told me even more. My stomach turned over and I didn’t trust myself to speak.
“Take this,” he said, handing me a slip of paper. “It’s the number for Malone, my partner. If you absolutely have to reach me, call him. He’ll know where I am.”
He moved closer, sliding an arm around my waist and his lips by my ear.
“I’ll find a way to communicate with you,” he said. “Trust me.”
“Okay,” I whispered. “Kiss me.”
It didn’t matter that we were in an office, standing by my desk, his lips met mine and the real world melted away. I put everything I had into that kiss, trying to convey what I was afraid to put into words—my fear, longing, worry, and yes, love. I’d fallen in love with Ryker without even realizing it, not until I was faced with losing him.
I wondered if he felt the same.
My fingers were sliding through his hair, a hand curled around the back of his neck, and our bodies pressed tightly together when he finally raised his head.
His eyes were dark and serious as he looked at me. “Don’t worry,” he said, the corner of his lips tipping up in a half-smile. “I’m a tough sonofabitch. I’ll be okay.”
My answering smile was a little watery and weak, but I tried.
Digging in his pocket, he handed me a set of keys. “This is to my truck and house,” he said. “No one will find you there, and McClane will watch over you.”
I nodded again. “Okay.”
“And it’ll help,” he said, his hands tightening on my waist, “to know you’re sleeping in my bed.”