Page 93 of The Team

And if the Chinese hadn’t killed Wong yet, they’d make him wish they had.

The sister would probably be deemed an accomplice, but that guilt was on Wong’s shoulders, not Rhett’s.

He refused to think on it anymore. He had enough to worry about.

He let his head fall back and he closed his eyes, taking the few minutes he had to rest as the van drove them back to base.

He had no idea what to expect or what was waiting for them when they arrived. Going back onto the military base seemed foolish, but he trusted King to get them out.

When the van slowed to a stop at the checkpoint entry, Rhett’s eyes met Yin’s. “You coming to London? Or stopping here?”

Yin looked at him, clearly affronted by the suggestion.

“Your choice,” Rhett added. “If you say yes to London, I’ll make it happen no matter what any badge out there has to say.”

Yin’s arms tightened around Jun-mei. “London. I am Milvus, yes?”

Rhett smiled at him. “Absolutely.”

“Hell yes he is,” Jay said.

“Me too. I am also Milvus,” Chen said. “London for me, please. I go where he goes.”

Rhett grinned at the big guy. “Sure thing, Totoro.”

“Hell yeah,” Sid said, leaning over to fist bump Chen.

“Hooyah,” Coyote added.

“Captain Ouston,” King said over their comms. “The van will pull up on the tarmac. You will disembark the van and immediately board the plane. We are wheels up in four minutes.”

“Roger that. Yin and Chen are coming with us. No exceptions,” Rhett said flatly. “And Yin Jun-mei. She’s coming too.” He paused. “Or are we shooting our way out of here?”

Every pair of eyes in the van went to him. Azrael’s hand slid to her weapon and she smiled.

King sighed. “Christ. No one’s shooting anything. Director Zihao has cleared her for departure.”

Rhett grinned at Yin. “Good. See you in one minute.” He then looked at his team. “Van to plane, no deviations. And we’re not supposed to shoot anyone.” He looked at Az. “Sorry.”

She sighed just as the van came to a final stop. They collected their gear, and when the van doors opened, Rhett got out first, assessing their situation.

Armed soldiers lined the perimeter and blocked the entrance to any building. The team got out of the van, making a beeline for the plane. Yin carried Jun-mei, stillwrapped in the blanket. Chen followed them on, then Jay, Rhett right behind him.

As soon as Rhett was onboard, the plane doors were closed. King met him with a clap on the shoulder and a look that saidlet’s get the fuck outta here, and Rhett couldn’t have agreed more.

Zihao came back with a small blue vial, showing it off with a small shake. “Swab is negative. Jun-mei’s good to travel.”

Just as fucking well, Rhett thought. Because she was coming with them, right or wrong.

Rhett and Jay took their seats as the captain announced over the PA to put their seatbelts on and prepare for take-off.

Going against his rule of any public show of affection toward Jay, as the plane was taking off, Rhett slid his hand over Jay’s and threaded their fingers.

Jay shot him a look, but he squeezed Rhett’s hand and didn’t let go until they were in the air. “You okay?” Jay asked.

Keeping his head turned toward Jay and his gaze locked on his deep, soulful brown eyes, Rhett nodded. “I am now. I’m so fucking grateful for you.”

Jay’s eyes softened. “I love you,” he whispered, and it honestly felt as if those words wrapped around Rhett’s heart.

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