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And honestly, I’m not sure I’d blame her.

“Leave the nurse out of it, Rose,” I say quietly, my brows knitting as I wonder whether this is the right tactic. After all, Rose is sexy and exciting, but she’s also unpredictable, which is usually part of her charm. But today? In this situation? Unpredictability is not what I need.

A little growl builds in Rose’s chest. “No,” she says, stepping close, sniffing at me like she can smell the secret lurking beneath my skin. “Tell me, right now. What does thathumanhave to do with anything? Why is she getting classified status and information?”

“Is this a journalistic question?” I ask, putting a hand out flat when I see her move. My palm smacks into Rose’s chest justbeneath her throat, holding her back as she advances on me, trying to get close.

Rose bares her teeth at me. We both know the answer - that it was not at all a journalistic question and that I’m just reminding her of her job to get her to fall in line. But she sees through me, as she usually does. Clever girl.

I shift my tactics, my mouth drawing to a thin line.

“Rose,” I say, allowing some of my Alpha command to come into my voice. Her eyebrows rise as she notices the change. “We can’t interact the way we usually do. We’re here under military command for a project. Nothing more.”

I see it when her body language shifts too, adjusting and changing strategy just like I did. Suddenly, she’s no longer rigid with rage but is instead soft and sweet, pliant and coy. She leans more fully against my hand.

I twist my lips when I see that she’s trapped me, because if I pull my hand away, she’ll stumble against me. Which is probably precisely what she wants.

So now I’m just standing here with my hand pressed to my ex’s chest.

Chess. God damn it, but every interaction with Rose is a game of chess.

I grit my teeth and resist the urge to look after Nadia, hoping desperately that she’s not seeing this. But I manage it, keeping my eyes on Rose and willing her to keep her focus on me and leave thoughts of Nadia behind.

“Rose,” I growl, getting frustrated with her.

“Rosie,” she begs, her eyelashes fluttering.

I just shake my head. “You know that I value our friendship –“

She looks up at me, her expression devastated.

“But, Rose, I’ve –“

“Cole,” she whispers, her face falling with devastation. She shakes her head at me. “Are you…Cole, don’t tell me you’re seeing someone else!”

I clench my jaw, not really sure how to respond to that. Because Nadia and I…no one would claim that we’re actually dating, considering that sheloathesme. And she’ll probably kill me if she hears I made that claim.

So, I say nothing, just staring hard into Rose’s face, letting her draw her own conclusions.

She drops the cute girl act and stands up straight, crossing her arms over her chest. She glares at me now, her mood shifting again as she becomes an ice princess. “Oh, come on, Cole. Some other girl is not even going to be able topretendto be an adequate substitute forme.”

I allow my mouth to curl into a smirk.

“Dump her,” Rose snaps, lifting her chin, all haughty and sure. “Youknowthat she can’t do what I do to you when –“

“Rosi-,” I snarl, stepping closer. But then I catch myself falling into old habits, sealing my mouth shut.

Rose grins, pleased to see my temper break loose enough for me to call her something at least close to her pet name.

But I just shake my head, backing off,seeingthat she’s luring me into a battle like she always does – pushing my emotions to the brink and then just giving me a little flick so that I fall off a cliff and into a fight with her.

A fight that usually ends up with us in bed.

Or, at least in the nearest utility closet with her skirt up around her waist.

Crap, but she’s good.

I study my ex, feeling like I’m standing on thin, fractured ice, not quite sure where to take my next step.