Page 50 of Caged

In some ways, I envied them. I only had one close friend, Charlie, but she lived in Arizona so the only way we could hang out was via video chat or by taking a vacation.

It’s better this way. Even though I knew in my soul the people at SSI weren’t like the men I’d had the misfortune of working with in the FBI, I wasn’t ready to let them in.

Back in our office, Jaden and I updated the timeline, organized our notes, and emailed the team.

We heard AJ before we saw him run into the lobby. You’d think Blake was dying the way he called out for her.

“I’m right here, no need to yell,” she said. Not at all bothered by his obsessive need to protect her. I’d misjudgedher, I think we all did, when her father first brought her here. She’d come off as being a bratty, spoiled rich kid, but in reality she was just scared.

Blake’s small frame all but disappeared when AJ wrapped his arms around her. Meg and Emily shook their heads in amusement.

A few minutes later AJ knocked on our door. “What do I need to know? And what do you need me to do?” No greeting, no small talk, just down to business. I’d wonder what was wrong with him, being the jokester of the team, but I knew his behavior had everything to do with the woman he loved being in danger.

I briefed AJ and sent him to work with Doug. AJ wasn’t as savvy as Doug when it came to tech things, but there was a lot of footage to go through and the second set of eyes would help.

“I emailed everyone, and messaged Darling asking if we can meet tomorrow,” Jaden said.

I appreciated mission-mode Jaden; he was focused and a team player. Skills he would’ve needed as a Raider, but rarely demonstrated at SSI unless shit got real.

But I still had a bone to pick with him.

Knowing someone could be outside the door, I chose my words carefully. “We need to get a few things straight. First, don’t ever pull another stunt like you did earlier.”

He grinned. “Unless it’s to protect our cover.”

“No. Never. Find another way.” I didn’t trust my body to remain faithful to my heart and brain if he kissed me like that again.

And just like that, mission focused Jaden was replaced by his normal irritating, sarcastic self. “Afraid you’ll fall in love with me?” The mischievous glint in his eye told me he was teasing, but it still hit too close to home.

I rolled my eyes. “Obviously. Because there couldn’t possibly be another reason a woman wouldn’t want to be kissed by you.”

“No one’s ever complained before.”

Did he just puff up his chest?Typical playboy, he thinks no one can resist him.

“There’s a first time for everything.” I shrugged and turned my attention back to my monitor.

“Admit it, you liked it.”

“I didn’t.”Liar, liar, pants on fire.

“Sure.” He drew out the ‘u’ far longer than necessary.

“What, your ego can’t handle being turned down?”

“My ego is just fine, thank you.”

“It’s inflated.”

“It’s earned.”

I bet it is. My eyes roamed down his torso to his… Damn, now my mind was thinking of changing sides.

“Whatever, Sheppard.”

“Whatever, Mrs. Bishop,” he said, reminding me we were going undercover again.

I took a calming breath. “Just don’t do it again.”

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