Page 33 of Jack

Chapter Thirteen

“What the fuck was that?”Jack was at the front of the room, seated beside Astrid. He wanted her within touching distance, not willing to let her out of his sight for even a second. The image in his mind of the first bullet hitting the ground so close to her had his stomach churning. One split second, and she could’ve been gone, stolen away from him before he’d even had the chance to explore what was between them, and with each passing second, he knew it was more than sex.

His world had stopped turning for that moment in time, and nothing else had mattered to him but protecting her. He didn’t know how or when it had happened, but Astrid had wormed her way into his heart and was setting up for the long haul. Yet, instead of anger or denial, he was at peace with it. This was right, she was right. They fit, and he felt slightly blindsided by it.

Alex leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and Jack could see Alex was as angry as he was. In fact, as he looked around the room, it was clear the entire team was furious it had happened. Each man took their job seriously, and failure was a personal insult.

“Nate took down the shooter, and we’re working on an ID for him now.”

“Actually, I have an ID.” Lopez turned the laptop so everyone could see the screen. “Craig Miles was a former Marine. He was medically discharged three years ago after insurgents ambushed his team and his friends were killed. He’s thirty-six, divorced, no kids, and blames the military and government for what happened.”

“So he’s a mercenary looking for revenge?” Liam spat, his distaste evident in his tone.

“Yeah, looks like and he had a bank transfer wired to him six hours before the hit for twenty grand.”

“Can we trace it?” Jack wanted this sorted so he could tell the Queen the threat was eliminated.

“I’m working on that now.”

“Get Will to help. I need this guy locked down before I meet Fitz in the morning.”

“On it, boss.” Lopez began typing and was quickly lost in his own world.

“Could this be linked to Ravelino?”

Jack twisted to look at Astrid. He still had her scent on his body, and it was a teasing reminder of what he’d rather be doing, which was new for him. A workaholic his whole life, he’d always willingly chosen work over everything else, but now he was finding he wanted to just be with Astrid.

“It’s possible but there hasn’t been any chatter since we took Iago and his men into custody. My guess is Ravelino thinks they died because that’s what we put out for them to find.”

“And what is the truth?”

Jack eyed Alex, weighing up his decision. It was his alone to make, and he knew that, but it was also his responsibility to keep his people safe. Alex made no comment making it clear this was up to him.

“A team escorted them back to the UK where we’ll question them when we return.” He knew that was vague and that Astrid had more questions, but she didn’t voice them, just nodded. He could see the disappointment in her eyes, practically feel her pulling away from him.

“It’s also possible, and in fact more probable, that it’s linked to Frederick and his agenda. So, let’s explore that too.” His men got up and began the task of investigating this disaster. Jack flexed his fingers, the pain relief Waggs had administered to remove the bullet and stitch him up was wearing off and his shoulder ached like a bitch. No matter what the movies said, getting shot hurt like a motherfucker.

“You should rest.”

He glanced at Astrid, seizing an opportunity. “Only if you keep me company.”

She bit her lip, making his dick harden at the most inappropriate time. “I need to talk to Bebe.”

“We can stop on our way back to my room. I could really do with a hand getting my shirt off and into the shower.”

Astrid raised a perfectly arched, blonde brow. “Really, Jack? Does that ever work for you?”

He leaned in, taking a lock of hair between his fingers. “Never tried before, you tell me?”

“No, I don’t suppose you ever have to try, Jack. Women probably fall at your feet willingly.”

His lips twitched, wanting to smile but he was fairly sure he’d get a slap for his efforts if he did. “Are you jealous, firefly?”

A blush cruised her high cheeks bones. “Don’t talk garbage, Jack. Of course I’m not.”

“I am. The thought of any other man touching you before me makes me murderous.”

Astrid stood abruptly, and he wondered if he’d pushed it too far too fast.