Page 100 of While You Were Spying


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“Ah, but that’s because you’re a woman. You’re innately much stronger than him. Men are wimps that way.”

I snort a laugh, and my gaze drops to my finger where Jayden’s grandmother’s engagement ring had been. My finger feels oddly naked without it.

Sad, even.

But as much as I trust Jayden with my heart—because I know he would never do anything to hurt me in that way—I can’t be with a man who’s afraid of letting me beme,because he’s positive I’ll die at some point on the job like his best friend did when they were on a mission together.

Unless Jayden changes his mind, I can’t see us being anything more than friends and colleagues.

My heart slumps in my chest at the thought…and wonders if any solutions—beyond me being understanding—exist to help Jayden overcome his fears.

Ones that I could possibly google.

Preferably sooner rather than later.

33

Jayden

“Okay, boy.”Mojo’s leash dangles from my hand. He’s got that happy expression he always gets when he figures we’re going for a walk. “I need to go for a run.”Badly.

And just like that, the happy expression flees, Mojo whimpers, and his ass crashes to the floor.

“Ah c’mon, Mojo. You know you love running.”

He gives me those big brown eyes that Isabelle melts over, but which are currently calling me on my bullshit.

“Please.” I’m not beneath pleading my case when it comes to my best friend.

My furry best friend.

Pleading my case when it comes to Isabelle isn’t getting me too far.

The doorbell rings, and Mojo’s happy expression returns. His ass lifts from the floor, tail wagging, and he eagerly waits for the door to open, ever hopeful the unexpected guest is of the dog-fussing variety.

I open the door. Liam’s gaze travels down my body, taking in my T-shirt, running shorts, Nike running shoes, and the lack of my sling. It’s currently taking a break on the kitchen table. “I don’t suppose you’ve seen a physician in the last hour and a half, and he’s okayed you for a run.”

I inwardly cringe. “I haven’t had a chance yet, but I’m sure he’d be okay with it.”

My biceps twinges, disagreeing with my assessment. And the ache that has been behaving for the past few hours returns with full vengeance.

Liam doesn’t miss the grimace on my face and grunts a disbelieving sound.

“I’m not going far. I just need to run.”

I open the door wider so he can enter. Liam pets Mojo’s head. “Look, I get why you need to go for a run.”

I assume he’s talking to me and not my dog, who prefers napping over running.

He straightens. “But I honestly believe you’re wrong about Isabelle. She’s smart and knows how to take care of herself. And it’s not like I’m sending her into the same situations I send you and the rest of the team. Just like with the rest of you, her skills and experience will dictate her assignments.”

“But she’ll still be at risk of getting badly injured or killed.” The words leave a sour taste in my mouth.

“Everything we do every day puts us at risk. You can’t avoid it, regardless of what you do for a living. That’s just life.”

“Yes, but our job puts us at a greater risk.”

Liam doesn’t answer right away, knowing that what I’m saying is true. “I know it’s tough when you love someone, and you’re afraid something terrible will happen and take them from you. We’re ex-military. We know that more than anyone. We’ve all lost someone in battle whom we loved. Deep down that messes with us.