Page 29 of Kyle

“Camilla’s going to need help,” I pushed.

“Then she’s gonna have to figure it out.”

“Kyle—”

“I don’t mean to sound like a dick, but our mission is to rescue the girls and keep you safe. I can’t do that if you’re in Timor-Leste and I’m in Cambodia.”

“I don’t get it. Am I going to Cambodia with you?”

“Yes.” Kyle’s grunt sounded almost like a growl.

“He refuses to put you on a plane back to the States by yourself,” Declan informed me. He, too, sounded irritated.

“What am I missing here? Why can’t I fly home alone?”

“Ask the over-protective jackass here.” Declan tilted his head toward Kyle.

“I’m not being over-protective, I’m being smart.”

Declan’s phone buzzed, cutting off our conversation, and he announced, “It’s Zane.”

He fiddled with his phone before answering, “You’re on speaker and Anaya Baker’s in the room.”

“Have you reviewed everything Garrett sent you?” A deep voice came over the phone.

“Twice,” Declan confirmed. “We just finished talking to Anaya about the mission shift.”

What in the world was going on? I was thrilled the girls would be out of that house tonight, but I thought we’d have time to help Donny and Camilla get the girls to their new home.

“Will your friends be ready to take possession of the girls by tomorrow?”

Kyle and Declan were looking at me expectantly, so I assumed Zane was speaking to me.

“I won’t know until I talk to them tonight when they land. I presume they will be. They’ve done this before and understand the urgency in getting the girls to safety,” I answered.

“We need to contact the Riveras now. Another call was made, you’re needed in Cambodia tomorrow night. That will give us thirty hours to recon and get into place. I want this shit done, so we can move on.”

“Anaya Baker will be with us,” Declan said.

“The fuck?” Zane barked. “Put her on a plane and get her back to the States.”

“Kyle—”

“Christ,” Zane cut off Declan. “Kyle what?”

“Thinks she’ll be safer with us.”

“Of course he does.”

“I have to agree with him, boss. Have you seen her? She sticks out like a beacon. If one person sees her, she’ll be—”

“Yeah, I’ve seen her. That’s why I know what Kyle’s thinking and it has nothing to do with her safety and everything to do with his—”

“Don’t go there, Z,” Kyle demanded.

My gaze was bouncing back and forth trying to keep up with the bizarre conversation but still lost on the part where Donny and Camilla would have no protection after they got the girls.

“Just once. That’s all I ask. One time a mission to run smooth without one of men losing their ever-loving mind over a woman. Is that too much?” Zane exhaled loudly. “Declan, it’s your team, your operation, your call, the buck stops with you, friend. If you agree with lover-boy then Anaya tags along. If you don’t, lock Kyle down and put Hot Lips Houlihan on a plane.”