Page 50 of Shadowed Sins: Nitro

"You don't have to do this alone."

His blue-green eyes sweep over me like he's memorizing every detail, every potential threat, hands fidgeting with his earpiece, checking his weapon twice.

"I've handled dangerous contacts for seven years. I don't need a babysitter with abandonment issues and a hero complex."

His jaw ticks. That muscle that jumps when I hit too close to truth.

"Yeah, well—" His voice catches slightly. "You didn't have someone who gives a damn about whether you come home alive before."

The words slam into my chest. Because he means it. This man who barely knows the real me already cares more about my survival than I do.

Dangerous territory, Mira.

"Your concern is noted, Nitro, but I was killing people before you learned to parallel park."

I brush past him toward the elevator, but his hand catches my wrist. Gentle but desperate, the contact sends warmth up my arm.

When did his touch become my anchor?

"Mira."

Just my name, but the way he says it—broken, worried—makes something flutter in my chest.

I turn back, and the raw worry in his expression nearly undoes me.When did someone last look at me like losing me would destroy them?

Never.

"Echo confirms target vehicle arriving in two minutes. Time to move." Asher's voice cuts through the moment, reality intruding.

"I know you can handle yourself." Jax steps closer until warmth radiates between us. "But humor me, okay? Check in every fifteen minutes. Signal if anything feels wrong."

He's not backing down. Stubborn, protective bastard.

"Fine. Fifteen-minute check-ins."

The relief that floods his face is almost worth admitting I like his possessive instincts.

Almost.

"Promise."

"I promise."

The elevator dings, doors sliding open.

In the mirrored walls, I see what four days of living with him has done to me. Pupils dilated. Heartbeat visible at my throat. The dress clings to skin that's been tingling since the moment he decided I was worth protecting.

"Go get him, killer."

His smile carries pride and fear in equal measure. Like he believes in my skills but hates watching me walk into danger.

Stepping into the elevator, I catch my reflection in the polished metal. Black dress, perfect makeup, smile that could charm or kill.

But underneath the mirror surface, I see something new. Something that wasn't there before Jax looked at me like I mattered.

Hope.

The most dangerous weapon of all.