Page 42 of Braxton

Ryland looked up, his bright blue eyes swimming with unshed tears. “She’s pregnant,” he whispered raggedly.

Fuck.Even though everyone had bets it was coming sooner rather than later, a shockwave tore through the group. Then everyone started talking at once, assuring Ryland they would get Harper and their baby back safely.

When Ryland’s phone chimed with a text, he opened it and shared the location—Paris, France. No specific location.

“Bruja, call Pyro,” Braxton stated. “We’re leaving immediately.”

“On it,” she replied.

“I’ll do a search on potential meeting spots,” Zane said, his fingers already flying over his keyboard. Beside him, River was on her laptop, too. Not far away, Lucas was doing his own search.

While his hackers dug for information, Brax felt Quinn touch his arm. “We can’t trust Cross,” she said, voice low.

Brax pulled her aside. “I know.”

“I can help,” she whispered. “Cross doesn’t know I’m on your side. I can get in and find Harper. Or, at least, provide a distraction while your team does the exchange. Give you an opportunity to get both her and Zaitsev back.”

Brax nodded, appreciating her willingness to put herself on the line for his team. “Nice having the Cardinal on our side.”

A wisp of a smile crossed her shadowed face. “The Cardinal is retiring after this one last op,” she told him, “but your wife has your back. Always.”

“Ex-wife,” he corrected her.

“Semantics,” she said, echoing his earlier thought.

They shared a long look that spoke volumes, and Brax was grateful they were once again on the exact same page. Channeling his inner strength, he stepped into the role of stoic leader and turned to face his team.

“Getting Harper back safely is our number one priority,” he stated. “So let’s gather the gear, get to the jet and rescue Rip’s wife.”

Chapter Seventeen

Braxton and Quinn returned to his room, and while he packed a bag, her phone rang. Her heart knocked against her ribs when she saw Unknown Caller flash across the screen.

“It’s probably Cross,” she said, and Braxton moved up beside her. After pulling in a steadying breath, she calmly answered, “Hello, Merlin.”

“I’m very disappointed that you haven’t managed to take out Ex Nihilo yet,” Cross said, sounding more than a little annoyed. “I thought you were the best.”

“I am the best, but my goal is to take them out all at once. No loose ends.”

“Good to know. You can do it in Paris.”

Her eyes flickered up to meet Braxton’s. “Paris?”

“I’ve worked out an exchange with them—Ryland’s wife for Dr. Zaitsev.”

“You have Harper Mills?” she asked, pretending ignorance.

“The only thing you need to worry about is getting over here as quickly as possible. I want you close by when the trade happens.”

“As your bodyguard?”

“No, as my sniper.” Everything within her tensed. “Then you’ll kill them all. Understand?”

“Roger that,” she responded, doing her best to sound completely indifferent.

“Leave now.” He paused. “Oh, and good work taking out Mesa. I assume that was you?”

“I was there, but his lion got to him first.”

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