Page 51 of Flint's Battle

“I’m not suggesting I tag along with the team. But I can sit in Mr. Snider’s living room and sip tea with the man while you guys do all the heavy lifting.” Emery drew herself up, despite the fact it drained any remaining color from her face. “They tried to kill me. I’ve earned the right to see their organization burned to the ground.”

“And you can hear all about it from the fire station, where you’ll be waiting with your brother, Jack, in his office.” Milligan shook his head. “Non-negotiable, Emery. You can help us get into Mr. Snider’s place, then you’ll have Jack drive you to the station. Or, Flint can talk his way into Snider’s and you can stay here. With Hawk.”

Hawk groaned, though Flint knew it was more for show. An attempt to lighten the mood a bit. “I’ve seen Emery fight. I think I’d rather be part of the tactical team.”

“Funny.” Emery took a step then tanked right.

Flint lunged for her, catching her around the waist before she’d slammed into the floor — landed on that bad shoulder. He tugged her against his chest, going to one knee as Kian all but leapt off the wall, covering the short distance in a heartbeat. Flint didn’t know if Kian had already had a stethoscope hiding under his shirt or if he’d made one materialize out of thin air.Didn’t care because his buddy had it pressed against Emery’s chest — the other hand checking the pulse in her wrist.

Kian shook his head. “She’s fine. Just exhausted. Which I’m sure she’ll deny the second she wakes up. But nothing a few days of sleep won’t cure.” He motioned to Flint. “Go on. I’ll make sure you aren’t left out of the mission.”

Flint nodded his thanks, rising with Emery in his arms. She blinked a few times, mumbling something about Snider and the tactical team before drifting off, her head snugged against Flint’s shoulder. Bowie held the door for him, mouthing that he’d be over once they were done as Flint headed for his cabin, Raider tagging along in case someone had tracked her down — had been waiting until she was isolated to take another shot. Unlikely with Cooper and a couple of the other handlers doing rounds, but Flint appreciated the backup.

He thanked Raider then made his way to the bedroom, smiling down at Emery when she roused as he was placing her on the bed.

She blinked again, groaning as she looked around the room. “Please tell me I didn’t pass out.”

He chuckled. “You didn’t pass out. You just fell asleep extremely quickly.”

“Ass.”

“You need to rest.” He shushed her when she opened her mouth to protest. “Emery. It’s barely been forty-eight hours. If we weren’t worried about your safety, you’d still be in the hospital.”

“You wouldn’t let an injury stop you.”

He sighed, then moved to the edge of the bed. “If this was life or death like what you and Moana faced in the hospital, I’d be all for having you push through. But it’s not and you can afford to rest.”

He tucked her hair back, wishing he could fist it while he tasted the soft skin on her lips. “That’s the great part about having a team. They can finish a mission when you need time to recover. Now, if you actually sleep for a few hours, you’ll be strong enough to go to Snider’s then on to the fire station. But if you keep pushing like you have been, you’ll pass out, again, before we reach your Jeep.”

Emery pouted, pressing her head into the pillow before crooking her fingers at him. “Then, at least join me.”

“Sweetheart.”

“You’re just going to stand watch, anyway. And I know Cooper’s still out there.” She smiled. “I’ll sleep better if you’re holding me.”

Flint grinned, then toed off his shoes before removing hers and shuffling in beside her. He lifted one arm, helping her snuggle against him, her bad side resting against his arm. Her head on his chest.

And just like that, everything settled.

Emery hummed, softly burrowing into him. “See? Better.”

“Just behave yourself. I saw that look in your eyes, and it’ll be another week or two before you can pounce and not do more damage.”

“I’m sure you could find a way to make love to me without it being an Olympic event.”

“It’s not me, sweetheart. You’re the one who makes it a full body experience.”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

Flint peered down at her, loving how some of the color had already returned to her cheeks. As if being close to him eased her demons, too. “I’ll make you a deal.”

She arched a brow. “This should be interesting.”

“You agree to wait tonight out with Jack — stay out of the line of fire — and I’ll find a way to make you see stars after without compromising your recovery.”

“That sounds more like blackmail than a deal.”

“I’m adaptable. Well?”

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