It sounded like fiction. Like the plot of a Netflix movie. But she needed to know the risks if she decided to stay.
If.
Adam’s arms tensed, his muscles hardening as he snugged her tighter. He’d been face-to-face with his enemy. Gone hand to hand in life-or-death combat. Run toward gunfire and dodged more bullets than most men in his position.
And he’d never been more nervous in his life.
He loved Eve. She loved him. But sometimes love wasn’t enough.
She’d been through hell in the last couple of weeks. Held prisoner by her brother. Abused. Wounded. Discarded by her adoptive father and hunted by a serial killer. She’d seen the worst of humanity up close and personal.
Unfortunately, what she’d experienced, the atrocities she’d witnessed, were a daily occurrence. The world was a dumpster fire, and people like Adam, like the members of the JTT, were the front line on holding back the evil threatening to end them all.
She lifted her chin and looked him in the eyes. “So, what you’re saying is, Jonas Johnson is a threat to the United States.”
“Yes.”
“And he wants Gray dead in retribution for his son’s death.”
“Yes.”
“And he has your man, Tak.”
“No, but he knows who does.”
“Okay.” She blew out her breath in a huff and settled her butt. “Let me get this straight. It’s your responsibility to get Tak back. Protect Gray. Lead the JTT. Discover who’s attempting to subvert the power and authority of the highest office of the United States Government. And put Johnson in a pine box six feet under.”
“Yeah.”
“And the plan is to let the CIA believe you’re working for them now.”
“Yep.”
“But you’re not.”
“Nope.”
“And you’re funding the JTT with the money Jay redirected from Johnson’s mysterious backers during your last operation.”
Adam nodded. The whole thing sounded implausible, even to him.
“Holy shit.” She grinned. “You’re a freaking superhero.”
He snorted. “Not even close.”
“You’re saving the world.” She caressed her hand down his cheek. “And they don’t even know they need saving. Sounds like superhero stuff to me.” She pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss. “I’m sorry I interfered with your mission. You have more important things to—”
“No,” Adam said, nipping at Eve’s lip and cutting her off. “Nothing is, or ever will be, as important as you are. In my world you come first—always.”
“But—”
“No buts. This world isn’t worth saving if you’re not in it. I love you, but whatever comes next, the decision is yours.” He pulled open the drawer on his left and pulled out three five-by-seven manila envelopes, laying them on the desk in front of her.
“What’s this?”
“Your options.”
“My options?” Her bottom lip caught between her teeth, she looked from him to the envelopes and back again.
