"We can't?—"
"Can't what? Can't want each other? Can't finish what we started?" I lean closer, my mouth near her ear. "Can't fuck like the world's ending around us?"
She shivers against me. "This is insane."
"Most of my life is insane. Doesn't mean it's not worth living."
I pull back to look at her. Federal agent. Betrayer. The woman who makes my blood burn.
"Here's what's going to happen," I say. "Tomorrow night, you give Byrne just enough to keep him happy. But you're mine now. My protection. My rules."
"I'm not property."
"No. You're something much more dangerous." I brush my thumb across her lips again. "You're mine by choice."
Her breath catches. "And if I choose to walk away?"
"Then you walk. But we both know you won't."
"Why?"
"Because despite the badge and the lies, you belong here now. With me."
I extend my hand to her. "Partners?"
She stares at my hand for a long moment. Then reaches out, grips it firm.
"Partners."
I don't let go. Instead, I pull her closer, until her body presses against mine again.
"New rule," I murmur against her ear. "No more lies between us. Complete honesty."
"Agreed."
"Good." I release her hand but don't step away. "Because I'm going to tell you something honest right now."
"What?"
"Finding that badge should have ended this. Should have made me hate you."
"But?"
"But all I can think about is how badly I want to fuck you against this wall until you forget you ever carried federal credentials."
Her pupils dilate. Heat flares between us despite everything.
"We shouldn't?—"
"Probably not."
"It complicates everything."
"I know."
She looks up at me, gray eyes full of want and confusion. "What are we doing, Eamon?"
"Surviving. Together."
