Page 125 of Elite Metal: Warriors

“Never needed anyone.”

“Me either.”

“It’s a little…”

“Frightening.”

“Yes. Frightening to want…”

“To hope.”

“To dream.”

They stared at each other, locked in that moment, that dream, that hope.

She sighed. “I suppose it is foolish to want such a thing with you.”

He nodded. “We have nothing in common.”

“No. We don’t.” She was struck by the maudlin tone of her words and huffed a laugh. “Actually, we’re more alike than we want to believe.”

“Are we?” His brow quirked. She loved that he continued to hold her, stroke her.

“We’re both orphans, after a fashion.”

“That is true. And we’re both agents. And badasses.”

“Well, I am.” She winked.

“We both built walls to keep others out.”

“Mine are higher.” It was a joke. Or an attempt at one.

He was silent for a moment, then he said, “The biggest issue we have is that you live in Russia and I’m from Texas.”

“That is an issue. But to be honest, I went to Texas A&M.”

He gaped at her. “Are you kidding?”

“Nope. It was part of my training. Gregor wanted me to be able to pass as an American. I also spent time in London, Paris and Australia.”

“Then it’s Gregor. Your work with him. That is all that would keep us apart?”

She stared at him for a moment as the pieces of her life fell into place. She’d worked for Gregor in one capacity or another for years. And while she loved her work, she had to admit, she was tiring of it. She’d planned to part ways with him once she tracked down Nurelnikov, and Gregor knew it. “Perhaps it is your work that would keep us apart.”

He seemed stunned for a moment at her suggestion, as though he’d never considered making such a sacrifice. Certainly not for a woman. It was no less than she expected, but still, something of a disappointment.

Again, it was foolish beyond belief for her to even think that he—

“I’m highly trained. I suppose I could find work anywhere.”

Her heart gave a leap. “Are you…serious?”

He nodded, though he seemed surprised at his own admission. “Are we crazy to be discussing this?”

“Probably.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. “I’ve never even had such thoughts before.”

“Me either. But…” He drew in a deep breath, as though he was planning to say something very difficult. “I’m tired of being…alone.”