Page 87 of Enthrall Shadows
“Bit dramatic,” I teased.
He looked up at me, his expression sayingthis won’t end well.
I smirked. “I did once save the free world.”
“That’s why we have to keep you safe.”
I slumped next to him and stared dead-ahead. “Shay? Really?”
“He’s not emotionally invested.”
“I want to reclaim myself,” I said. “Get back that part of me I lost in Afghanistan.”
“Lieutenant Commander, stand down,” said Cameron softly.
Silence clawed its way into our space.
Finally, I relented to a compromise. “Shay gets one week.”
Cameron exhaled in relief.
Iwheeled my suitcase through the terminal.
This was my first time flying out of Santa Monica Airport, where the Cole jet was based. Usually, I traveled via LAX or even Burbank.
My ticket allowed me to proceed right into the VIP lounge.
I’d left home extra early to avoid Friday rush hour, so I had plenty of time to grab a drink and maybe read a little.
We were scheduled to arrive in Florida this evening.
None of us wanted to let Henry face this uncertainty alone. Cameron had briefed me on what to expect when we arrived at our destination, and Shay had ensured I’d be ready for anything.
I’d been tasked with immediately reporting anything suspicious. We were all uneasy about the strange communication from Henry’s long-lost girlfriend. If genuine, Reese had caused him even more distress.
Being part of Henry’s journey in any capacity felt right.
Having been suspended from Chrysalis—again—meant I had plenty of free time.
My secret crush wasn’t an issue. I could handle myself, and I was confident that I’d already experienced most hurdles one had to face in life.
After entering the VIP lounge, I scoured the room for Henry.
He sat in a lounge chair in the far corner, reading from his phone, looking rugged in black combat pants and boots, a grey T-shirt stretched tight across his chest. A short jacket was thrown over his shoulder.
A former Navy SEAL prepared for anything—unlike me.
I was wearing jeans, a T-shirt and flats, because the adventure hadn’t started yet.
Though clearly inhismind it had.
Mercenary Henry was a hot take on his more formal style. He seemed ready to tackle anything that might come his way with that familiar dark burn of alpha intensity. He pushed up from his seat and strolled toward me as he tucked his phone away, greeting me with an annoyance that bore deep into my soul.
I couldn’t help but shudder with the roiling emotions of contained affection I was feeling for him. I drew on them as I delivered a friendly smile.
He’d again rendered me speechless.
“This is a hardno,” he said gruffly. “Full marks on trying.”
