Page 29 of SEAL's Providence
“Damn. You smell good.”
That was the last thing he expected her to say, and he chuckled. “I’m glad you think so.”
“Oh my God, I said that out loud, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did. And since I heard it, you can’t take it back now.”
Providence groaned. “I can’t believe I said that. Just shoot me now.”
“Never, I like you too much. Besides, I think you smell like fresh peaches. I’d love to take a little bite right here.” Tony rubbed his finger over her skin where her neck and shoulder met.
She sat back and stared. “Are you making fun of me?”
“No, sweetheart. Not at all. But I think it’s wonderful we’re attracted to each other’s scents.”
“I suppose.” Providence wiggled backward and grabbed her tea. Her gaze was laser-focused on his face, trying to determine if he was lying. He wasn’t worried. She’d learn that when he said something, he meant it. Just as he knew, he’d do whatever it took to help free the women, hopefully without putting anyone in jeopardy.
“Will you let me help?” Tony asked. She looked so forlorn. He had to stop himself from pulling herinto his arms and cuddling her. But they were short on time and would have to head back to their offices soon. Besides, she hadn’t shared everything with him yet. He’d bet a week’s salary on it.
“Do I have a choice?”
“You always have choices. But I have more resources. I’m sure Tempest has been a big help, but I have access to people and information she doesn’t.”
Providence nibbled her thumbnail. “Maybe. Tempest got me a phone with a tracker to give to Mary. The signal has been pinging in the same location since Sunday when I set up the app. We think it’s where he’s keeping them. That’s all we know so far. I was hoping to rescue them from the salon. It would be so much easier. But they never bring Mary’s daughter.”
Of course not, they’d never bring the child. It would be a risk they wouldn’t take, even if it would make the other women easier to control. And the phone? He’d figured that out already, when he’d overheard them talking about the GPS tracker. “You haven’t verified that they’re at that location?”
“Not yet. Tempest was planning on driving by there on her way home later.”
“How about we go instead? Text her and let her know that we’ll check it out. Besides, Josh is going tolose his shit when he finds out about this. They all are. Better to keep it as contained as possible.”
Their next mission couldn’t have come at a better time. Tony briefed them earlier, and as it stood now, they’d be leaving by the end of the week for Marikistan. Neither Josh nor Lucky were happy to be going back. But it was the nature of their work. The country was imploding, and they needed to get the Ambassador and his staff evacuated.
Providence nodded. “Yeah, that will work. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
“I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen. I promise.”
“Tempest is probably going to be pissed.”
“Eh, she’ll get over it. I have a feeling she’ll be busy this evening.” Tony winked.
“Oh yeah?” Providence smirked.
“Yup, they all will. I’ll pick you up at your house and then we’ll head over there after dark?” Tony checked the time and started clearing away the food and bagging the garbage.
Providence took the bag to help while he reloaded the picnic basket. “I don’t want you to go out of your way. I have plenty to keep me busy. Working a little later won’t be a problem, and then we can go from here.”
“It’s not out of my way. Here, add youraddress.” He handed her his phone. “I’ll be there at seven thirty. Will that work?”
She added her information to her contact page and handed him the phone. “Yeah, that will work.”
“Great. Now let’s get you back to your office before the sick turn into zombies and start demanding our brains.”
Providence laughed. “If you’d seen what was coming out of some of them, you wouldn’t be joking about it right now.”
“I’m glad I didn’t. Hopefully, it stays that way.” Tony loved the sound of her laughter; he couldn’t help smiling whenever she laughed. Someone needed to bottle it.
He walked her to her office and, as much as he wanted to kiss her; he stopped himself. They were on base. Public displays of affection weren’t allowed. He’d promised her she wouldn’t get in trouble for dating him, and he wouldn’t do anything to break that promise.
