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“Neither do I. Guess we’ll have to play it as it comes.”

I bite my lip then release it as a swell of emotion floods me. I twist my fingers into his shirt and press my mouth against his, trying to explain without using words. The kiss deepens quickly, his frustration and his own need for comfort evident as he returns it eagerly.

For a moment, I forget we’re in a garage, hiding behind a van, and revel in the knowledge that Mick isn’t going to let anything happen to me. He cares about me.

When was the last time someone cared for me?

Not because I was trying to be sexy, or trying to be smart, or trying to be capable, or proving I could think on my feet, but despite those things.

I have never spent so much time with a man and not wanted anything from him other than his love. I stopped hoping for such foolish things a long time ago when Mona said chasing after love was like looking for the end of a rainbow.

I’m vaguely aware when my back hits the concrete wall of the garage, semi-conscious when Mick’s hands run down my spine, but it’s not until a door slams loudly and Mick tugs his lips away from mine that I realize we’ve been gone way too long.

Just when I think I’ve hit my breaking point, he pulls away—and flashes a toe-curling smile that sets me on fire.

“You okay?” he says.

When I answer him, being truthful is harder than lying to him.

“No,” I whisper. “Not even close.”

Mick

Kissing Samantha again may have turned my brain to pudding, but it did at least provide a brief reprieve from worrying about Brooke. It may not have started out that way, but I needed a distraction. Something to occupy my mind rather than all the what-ifs.

With Samantha’s help, we shift the supplies into the kitchen while keeping one eye on what’s happening in the house. In a matter of minutes, the upstairs bedroom with the best view of the end of the street becomes a nerve center. While Jake searches for the nearest hardware store, Silas and Adena set up laptops, test gear, and unpack weapons, juggling calls with Delilah and someone named Zack at the same time. Weapons are kept within immediate reach, concealed but accessible, in case of breach or early move-up.

Maybe just to keep us busy, Silas tells us to grab extra chairs and rearrange the beds so we can sleep in shifts—just in case Brooke’s not released on time. Twenty minutes later, he calls us in with the next update.

“Jake’s going to leave to make it look like he’s picking up boxes. On his way back he’ll park, locate Caleb, and drop off more water and bug repellent. He’ll park in front so he can carry the boxes in the front door.”

“When does the directional mic get planted?” I ask.

“A few hours after that. We don’t want Adena to go out too soon after Jake gets back. Too much activity in a short space of time will look suspicious.”

I glance at my watch and wince. “We’re cutting it fine.”

“It’s better to leave it until sundown. Adena will have more cover in the shadows.

Less exposure risk, and if it gets hot, Luke will signal for abort.”

Adena shudders. “So will the gators. Seriously, how do people live here with the humidity?”

I shrug. “You get used to it.”

Silas interrupts. “Jake, it’s been long enough. Pick up dinner for everyone too. Mick? Can I have a word?”

Adena huffs and turns to look at Samantha. “I need help reaching the coffee maker in the kitchen anyway. Come get it down for me,” she says.

Samantha’s brow furrows, but she follows, leaving me alone with Silas.

“Caleb’s been out in the open for going on two hours. I’m going to relieve him so he can get some food and rest. He’s doing perimeter recon and verifying our fallback routes.”

I nod, pleased he’s thinking about his team when I’m not thinking about anything but Brooke and Samantha. “What about relieving Luke?”

Silas smiles. “That’s where you come in. You’ll rotate up to overwatch, cover the rear. Luke’s got the long rifle, but you’ll keep eyes on the house and call signs from our fallback spot.”

I grimace. “Got it. Good thing Jake needs to run a few trips to make this convincing then.”