Page 118 of Protecting You

“The biggest, though. Far and away.”

“True. Still, it could’ve been…” His voice trailed.

She slid her own laptop closer and searched. There weren’t many details about bombing operations available on public websites. “Let me make a call.”

He glanced over her head, and she twisted, catching sight of a clock mounted above the door behind her. It was after ten.

He said, “It’s morning in Indonesia. They’re probably?—”

“I wasn’t going to call Michael. My dad could get the information for us. I don’t really want to tell him what’s going on, but… What?”

Callan’s brows had lowered. “I’m not sure that’s a great idea.”

“Why?”

“This is all classified. We shouldn’t bring your father into it.”

“My father could’ve run the Agency if he’d wanted to.”

“I’m aware.”

“Are you saying you don’t trust him?”

“I’m not saying… I’m saying we have to keep the circle small. I can get the answer. I have other connections I can trust.”

Meaning he didn’t trust her father.

Good to know.

She supposed she was lucky he’d deigned to trust her.

She was being unfair, but whatever. He’d started it when he’d confessed to old feelings, then kissed her, then rejected her.

She didn’t owe him squat.

“Fine.” She pushed back in her chair and stood. “I’m going to bed.”

“Wait!” He lurched to his feet. “I think we should talk.”

“Nothing to talk about. I’ll see you in the morning.” She swiveled and headed for the door.

“Paris, please can we just?—?”

“No.” She turned to face him. “My name is not Paris. Good night.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

Usually, Callan crashed like a toddler after a sugar-binge when he stayed in his childhood home. There was something about being in his old bedroom, under his parents’ roof, that made him feel secure.

But there was nothingusualabout this visit. He’d wrestled with worry for his father, uncertainty regarding his relationship with Peri, and guilt about…all of it. Relying too heavily on his parents for their help with his daughter. Getting himself involved in danger because of Alyssa.

All of it he could justify. All of it.

Except that kiss.

There was zero justification for that. He’d hurt her. He’d rejected her when all he wanted was to hold her and make her his.

But how could he with Peri needing him so much? He was already failing to love his daughter well. Adding a second person to the mix wasn’t going to improve anything.

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