Page 95 of Knight

"Promise we’ll make it out tomorrow. Promise this isn't all we get."

But I can't promise that. I can’t guarantee either of us will survive what's coming. I can’t pretend that tomorrow's mission isn't potentially suicidal.

But I can give her this moment. This connection. This moment where nothing exists except us.

My arms tighten around her, drawing her closer until she's pressed completely against me. She fits against me like she was designed for this space, like every wall I've built was just waiting for her to breach them.

Tomorrow we face whatever Victor's warning is leading me toward. Tonight, I let myself admit that Eva isn’t just another variable in the equation anymore. She's become essential to my code.

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

Evangeline

My eyes are gritty,my body heavy with exhaustion as I lean against the counter. The coffee Knight handed to me burns my tongue, but it’s the only thing keeping me upright at this point.

“You can stay here. No one will think any less of you.” Knight’s voice floats out of his workspace.

“No.” My voice is steady, but nerves are twisting my insides into knots. In less than an hour, we’ll attempt to breach a facility that may or may not be holding my brother prisoner.

Or we’ll be walking into a trap.

“My brothers are here. I’ve just sent the elevator down for them.” Knight appears in the doorway, shirtless, sweats hanging low on his hips. “I’m going to change.” He pauses on his way past where I’m standing, reaching out to wrap a hand around the back of my neck and pull me toward him. His kiss is quick, but thorough, leaving my lips tingling in its wake. He’s gone before I can say anything.

When the elevator chimes, I give myself a mental shake.

2 A.M. I’ve noticed that about his brothers. There’s a precision in everything they do, including showing up for what might be a suicide mission. I wonder what their girlfriends think about it.

“Ready?” Bishop’s voice reaches me as they both step out of the elevator.

“Yes.”

No. What if we fail? What if Michael isn’t even there? What if this is exactly what someone wanted us to do?

Bishop is carrying what must be tactical gear in a large bag. The weight doesn't seem to bother him at all. Rook has a similar bag, but that one clinks softly. When he unzips it, I catch a quick glimpse of numerous weapons. The thought should terrify me. Instead, I find myself grateful for their preparation.

"Coffee's fresh, if you want some." I gesture toward the pot, needing something normal to focus on.

Rook sets his bag down. "Everyone clear on their roles?"

Knight appears, dressed in black combat pants and a T-shirt. Somehow the change in clothes makes him look more dangerous than usual.

"I’ll handle the security systems. Eva will stay with me. You two clear our path. We get in, find Michael and Victor, if they’re there, then get out. If they’re not, then I need time to figure out what they’re hiding. Either way, it needs to be clean and quiet."

"Clean and quiet went out the window when you decided to bring a civilian." Bishop pours a coffee. "No offense."

"None taken." I smile at him. "But I'm going in whether you like it or not. Michael is my brother."

Something passes between the three of them, then Bishop nods.

"Stay close to Knight. Do exactly what he says, when he says it."

"That's the plan."

Knight helps me into a tactical vest that weighs more than I expected. His fingers move over the straps, adjusting them until it fits perfectly.

"Comms check." Rook hands out earpieces. "Channel three, encrypted."

The device feels foreign in my ear, but Knight's voice comes through clear when he tests it. Something about hearing him that way, intimate yet professional, sends shivers down my spine. Or maybe that's just nerves about what we're about to attempt.

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