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“And take this.” He held out a handgun from Shep’s supply. “I know you can use it.”
She took the Smith & Wesson and looked at the rocky ground. So many emotions crossed her face.
“I’m also leaving Atlas with you.”
She looked up now. “You’ll be careful?”
“I’ll do whatever I have to do to keep you safe.”
Her face crumpled. “Boone—”
Then she threw her arms around him. He caught her, and her mouth slammed against his.
It was a hungry kiss, filled with emotion. She cupped his face. “You stay safe, Boone Hendrix. I want this to be over, and after this, you and I…”
“I know.”
“I’ve been uncertain and unsure about the direction of my life for a long time. Trying to live up to other people’s expectations. Trying to work out my own.” She pressed her forehead to his. “You see me.”
He held her tighter. “I do.”
“And I see you. All of you. I want you, Boone. It’s the surest thing I’ve ever known. Come back to me.”
Damn. Things twisted inside him. Now he kissed her.
“Boone, we have to go,” Shep said.
He forced himself to pull his lips from hers. Nodding, he set her down, then touched her cheek.
“Stay safe,” she whispered fiercely.
He nodded. Then he knelt down and hugged his dog. “You stay with her, Atlas.”
The dog butted his head against Boone’s chest.
He stroked Atlas’ muzzle. “I’ll be back.”
Then he made himself turn and walk away.
His jaw was tight as he trudged back down the tunnel. He didn’t let himself look back at them. He had to get his mind off Gemma and focus on the mission.
“You okay?” Shep asked as they took another turn in the tunnel.
“I will be once we take down these assholes. Once I know she’s safe.”
“You are so fucked. She’s got her hooks in you deep.”
He glanced at his friend as they stepped out of the mine tunnel. “Yes. And I like it.”
Shep shook his head and hefted his rifle. “Let’s go and teach these assholes they shouldn’t mess with Ghost Ops.”
Boone smiled darkly. “Hell, yeah.”
“I’ve got a couple of blinds set up in the trees around the cabins.”
“Of course, you do.”
“And we have just enough time to set up a few little surprises as well.” Shep’s lips curled. “If they think they have the advantage, they’re in for a surprise.”
