Page 120 of The Demon's Fire
“You are.”
She poured coffee into one mug, passing it to Kole. After she filled hers, she molded her hands around it as if she were cold.
Cup in hand, Kole leaned against the pillows, straightening his legs as far as the low table in front of the sofa allowed. “I’m uncomfortable with you here and me there.” He inhaled the flavor of the brew, pressed his lips to the rim, and swallowed. “Perfect.”
“I’m not an idiot, Kole.”
He gulped another mouthful of the dark blend. “No. You’re not. But you are a trouble magnet. Your guards will not only stay the night, but they’ll be on your ass until you’re at the office? You’ll have them shadow you home again at the end of the day.”
He needed to tamp down this over-protectiveness. He didn’t like the feeling. He didn’t want the feeling. He growled.
“Did you say something?” she asked.
“Nothing.”
“What will you do now?” Skyler crossed a shapely leg, her skirt rucking above her knee. “Any more tours in your future?”
Kole snorted. “No. I think I’m off tour duty forever. I’ll just be a commander. It’s a better fit for my skills anyway. The push is on to find Cerberus along with Blood Coven descendants. We’ll keep looking into this Arisen Dawn. See what their story is. What’s on your platter?”
“Catching up on my work. There will be added problems managing the office in the wake of Cal’s betrayal. Nothing too exciting. I hope.”
“You watch yourself.” When the conversation lagged, Kole threw back the last of the now-cold coffee before he rose. “I’ll be going. Stay safe.” He swallowed a keep-in-touch comment. A clean break was best.Hell.She had a fiancé and a wedding in her future. He had blood and war.
He opened the door. Snapped it shut. Leaving Skyler was more difficult than he expected. He paused in the hallway.
Kole listened to the deadbolt engage. He jiggled the knob. It didn’t budge.
Good girl.
Instead of walking away, he swallowed a gulp of stupid. “Skyler, let me in.”
He could tell she was close on the other side. “I think that’s a bad idea, Kole.”
“Frisca, you better open this door now.”
Silence.
“Answer me.”
“No.”
Two Alliance agents stepped out of the elevator and strode toward Kole. All threatening like. The shorter one asked, “Is there a problem, Commander?”
“Nothing that’s any of your business. My advice? Back off while the chief and I solve our own problems.”
They looked at each another but seemed to catch the drift of what was going on. Grinning, the female agent said, “Understood.”
Kole’s attention returned to his crazy mission, which he decided not to overthink. “Frisca, I advise you to move aside or open the door.” When there was still no response, Kole stepped a few feet away, preparing to slam his size fifteens into the slab of wood, sending it flying against the wall.
He heard the bolt slide and the door snick open.
Smart female.
“Kole?”
“Skyler?” He sauntered inside. “You haven’t had too many Blue Legends. You haven’t drowned in erotic oils. You aren’t under the influence of my healing.”
“All true, Commander.” She took small steps backward, but her usual frosty eyes were smoldering hot.
