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“The team decided you’re not a threat. You can stay.”
Aubrey gave a nod, thankful they’d come to the realization she was on their side. She’d never do anything to endanger any of them or a mission.
“I want to know more about this pair,” Braxton said, getting them back on track.
“They’re a couple of French assassins. A brother and sister duo,” Zane told them.
“Brother and sister?” Inda echoed. “Not creepy at all.”
“Names?” Braxton asked.
“Julien and Camille Mercier. I’m digging into them now and finding nothing good. They’re ruthless and always get the job done.”
“So do we,” Saint said.
Aubrey slanted a glance at Gray and realized he was staring at her neck. She raised a hand and touched the soft skin there. While washing her face, she’d noticed a couple of light bruises. She didn’t want to upset him, but by the dark look that swept over his face, he wasn’t happy. The last thing he needed was more guilt on his plate.
“So they were hired to eliminate us, but now the world thinks we’re dead,” Ryland said. “So fuck Frick and Frack, they’re out of a job. We might’ve missed Mesa, but we can take care of Tillman. Drop in, ask him some questions then neutralize him.”
Hearing Mesa’s name in there with others confirmed in her mind Gray and his team were dealing with some very dangerous and bad people. She zoned out a bit, the other names meaning nothing to her, choosing to focus on Gray and how she might be able to help him.
“It’s a thirty-minute flight to San Diego and Pyro is ready whenever we are,” Braxton informed them. “Aubrey will come with us. While we pay Tillman a visit, Pyro will make sure Aubrey gets to the correct terminal and on a flight home.”
Aubrey’s heart sank and her eyes clashed with Gray’s. This was it. Their final few hours together and she hadn’t been able to help him. All she’d managed to do was pile more guilt on his broken soul.Dammit.
“Sounds good,” Gray grumbled.
Hurt washed over Aubrey at his words, and she looked away from him. Gray wanted her to leave, and he just let her and everyone else know it. The sting of tears threatened, but she clenched her jaw, refusing to let them fall.
While the team continued to talk over their upcoming op, Aubrey got up and silently slipped out, hurrying back to Gray’s room so no one would see the traitorous tear that had slipped down her cheek.
???
Gray watched Aubrey closely on the short flight to San Diego. She wasn’t happy with him, but what choice did he have? Getting her as far away from him and all his issues was the kindest thing he could do.
Besides, he couldn’t think about that right now. The team had an op to accomplish and he had to focus on that. Saying goodbye to Aubrey would suck hardcore, but it was for the best.
Right?
His mind whirled. Although he knew he should’ve immediately thought yes—yes, it was for the best—his heart rebelled. But it wasn’t fair of him to be selfish and keep her locked up in his bungalow. Besides, she had dreams of being a trauma nurse and helping people. He wouldn’t keep her from doing what she was meant to do.
The plane landed far too quickly and the team gathered their equipment. They donned neck gaiters so cameras and facial recognition software didn’t pick them up. They couldn’t allow anyone to know they were still alive. Not yet, anyway.
For Gray, though, it really didn’t matter as much. He wasn’t an original member of Ex Nihilo, hired by The Agency. No one knew he’d joined the team.
As they began to exit the jet, Gray paused, looking down at Aubrey who still sat in her seat. “Hunter will get you safely to your flight,” he told her, eyeing her neck, focused on the light smudges left by his fingers. Sliding a hand through his short hair, he was willing to bet he was sporting a few more gray hairs after last night’s incident. He’d bruised her, hurt her, and that’s why he had to let her go.
That’s what he kept telling himself, anyway. Besides, the longer she stayed, the harder it would be to say goodbye. Although this felt pretty damn hard.
“Be careful,” she whispered, sadness filling her gorgeous indigo eyes.
He swallowed hard, forcing down his emotions, and turned away. On the verge of walking off the plane, he hesitated.Fuckit.Without warning, he pivoted back around, hauled Aubrey up out of her seat, straight into his arms, and kissed her hard.
Gray wanted to give her a kiss to remember him by. He knew he’d surprised her, but she immediately melted against him and opened her mouth, meeting his tongue with hers, and wrapping her arms around his neck.
For a long moment, he drank deeply, memorizing her sweet taste and exploring her mouth. They connected so effortlessly and a fiery passion threatened to consume him. He couldn’t help but lose himself in her, in the kiss. It was a little slice of heaven.
Forcing himself to pull away, breaking the best kiss of his life, he gave Aubrey’s hips a light squeeze then set her back down on her feet. “Goodbye,” he murmured, then quickly spun away before she could say anything else. Maybe, if he was really lucky, he’d see her again some day. But Gray had never been known for having good luck.
