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She frowned. “We shouldn’t. You should never compromise your values.”
He shrugged. “Values don’t pay bills, feed kids, get treatment for a sick relative, or save lives.”
“I know that, but without them, you’re nothing.” She eyed him. “I know you change your persona at the drop of a hat, but I also know your values are solid. You protect your country, no matter what.”
Cain stiffened. No one had ever said anything like that to him before. Usually, people only saw what he wanted them to see.
He cleared his throat. “So, unfortunately, these have to go.” He flicked the pink ends of her hair.
She pulled a face. “My mom won’t be happy.”
He raised a brow.
“My mom’s a hairdresser. She does my hair.” Jet smiled. “She’s done it since I was a kid. Thankfully, she’s off on a cruise with friends, so she won’t see me colorless.”
“It’s just the two of you?” he asked the question, but he already knew. He’d looked up everything he could on Jet Adler. Raised by a single mom, aced all her classes at school, and had gone to college early.
“Yep. My father wasn’t in the picture.” She tapped her fingers on the table. “I’ll make an appointment to sort out my hair. I guess Mom can plan something new for my hair once she’s back from drinking too many margaritas by the pool, and this mission is over.”
She nibbled her lip, and he knew she was worried.
“It’s going to be fine,” he said. “I’m going to be with you every step of the way.”
She rolled her bi-colored eyes. “That doesn’t reassure me, Bond.”
He leaned in behind her and stroked her pink hair. He’d be sorry to see it go. He lowered his voice. “I won’t let you get hurt, Jet. If anyone tries, I’ll kill them.”
She stilled.
“That’s right.” His lips brushed her ear. “Don’t ever forget that I’m the most dangerous thing in the room.”
She turned her head and met his gaze, their lips an inch apart.
Then he reached past her and stole her coffee mug. As he straightened and sipped, she made a squawking sound.
“Asshole!”
Footsteps. Cain straightened, just as Killian entered the room. The head of Sentinel Security was in dark suit pants, and a white dress shirt. Nick “Wolf” Garrick strode in behind him.
“Morning,” Cain said.
“Shade, when did you arrive?” The bearded Nick stepped forward to shake hands.
“Last night. How’s your lovely fiancé?”
The former Navy SEAL smiled. “Beautiful. Off being smart and making millions.”
Lainie was the CEO of a graphic design company, and Nick was clearly proud and besotted.
Killian met Cain’s gaze. “Got a minute? My office.”
He nodded, setting Jet’s mug back on the desk. She quickly snatched it away and glared at him. He shot one more glance at her, saw her poke out her tongue—he fought hard not to laugh—then followed Killian.
Killian’s office was sleek and spacious. One brick wall contrasted with another of smooth concrete. His desk was a dark wood, and behind it was a large canvas of an abstract painting done in shades of blue, gray, and gold. After a moment, Cain realized it was actually mountains.
Killian leaned back against his desk, and crossed his ankles. “I’m not happy about Hex going on this mission.”
“You’ll send the CIA a nice, fat bill for her services.”
