Page 91 of Afraid to Hope

Natasha gave Bane more of a grimace than a smile. “Do you know him?”

“I don’t think so, but he seems familiar. Hard to tell under all the tactical gear.”

“You wore all that?”

“Yeah. Sometimes more; sometimes less depending on the nature of the mission.”

“I think his appearance is intimidating as hell.”

“Needs to be. We go up against the ugliest.”

“You said that in present tense. Aren’t you retired ops?”

“I am, but I’ll always be special ops. Past and current operators share deep connections that come from working collaboratively on the most dangerous missions.”

“I get that. You’re a tribe.”

“Kinda.”

“Do you still have all that gear?”

Bane chuckled, then groaned. “This is fucking uncomfortable. No. It was Uncle Sam’s. Why?”

“Who’s Uncle Sam?”

“US government. Why?”

Heavy footsteps approached. “You can get up. They’ve left.”

Bane scrambled up and helped Natasha stand. He lifted her chin and smirked, his eyes filled with admiration.

“Rua.”

Bane’s eyes snapped to the man, his expression guarded. He knew that voice and he didn’t.

The operative pulled his headgear off and parked his hip on the metal table, careful not to disturb the open box. He crossed his powerful arms, assessing Bane. “I’ll be goddamned. We weren’t given your names. You know how secretive Emmet Cantrell is.” He inclined his head toward Natasha, appraising her with interest. “Introduce us.”

Booth Merrick stared at him—eighteen years older, no longer the skinny, older, and bullying brother of his dead best friend. An experienced warrior. His hair had mellowed to auburn with strands of gray, but the blue eyes still burned bright. Graduation night came racing back. Bane braced himself. “Merrick.”

“Yes. Reaper to my team.”

Bane acknowledged that with a nod.

Natasha wove her fingers with Bane’s. She felt the tension in his body and answered Merrick herself. “I’m Natasha. Rua. Bane’s wife.”

“Where’re you from, Natasha?”

“Here, there, and everywhere.”

Merrick shook his head and laughed. “Smart and beautiful. Nice to meet you, Natasha Rua. Rua, I think you’re in over your fucking head.”

“That has crossed my mind more than once.”

Merrick rose and extended his hand to Bane. “That night was a long time ago. You weren’t to blame. However, I had some skin in it. I’m sorry, but Alex’s death is no longer yours to carry. Or mine. He wouldn’t want this, and you know it.” He kept his hand out, waiting.

Bane finally extended his and shook, and Merrick pulled him into a shoulder hug and slapped him on the back. “A couple of the guys and I are responsible for bringing the two of you back in. Tonight. We picked your shit up from the guesthouse. It’s in our vehicle. Returned your SUV.”

“TheHomo sapiens,” Natasha uttered, heading to the remains.

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