Page 80 of Code Name: Michelangelo

“Much appreciated. I wasn’t informed your unit would be involved,” Brand responded.

“That’s because it’s no one’s call but mine. Who’s going in with you?”

“Blackjack and Tank.”

Typhon’s lip curled. “Bloody Americans.”

Eliza slapped his arm, and he looked over at me.

“My apologies, Penelope. Present company excluded, of course.”

My friend put her arm through mine and led me toward the door. “Don’t take it personally. Typhon doesn’t like anyone.”

“I beg to differ. I like you very much,” he said, walking up behind us and putting his arm around Eliza’s waist. At the same time, I let go and waited for Brand to catch up.

“Very interesting evening,” I commented once we returned to the flat.

Brand raised a brow and nodded.

“You were—are—very quiet.”

“Given Typhon didn’t hesitate to say more than I thought he should, I don’t feel too out of line telling you he’s the commander of Unit 23.”

“What’s that?”

“The most secretive, elite, and deadly team in SIS.”

We both chuckled at his emphasis of the word that seemed to be more the antithesis of the man we’d dined with.

“He didn’t reveal that much.”

Brand raised a brow a second time. “I suppose, in his position, he really doesn’t give a damn what he says or who hears him say it.”

“I wonder how he and Eliza met.”

“I’m not certain, but Typhon’s and Saint’s animosity stems back to long before they did.”

“Interesting.”

“I wish I could tell you more, but when the conversation veers away from the mission, I stop listening. It’s all a bit too much, you know?”

“I suppose, although I don’t actually know.”

“You’re better off. Believe me.” Brand poured a glass of Port and held it out to me.

I would’ve refused, but he appeared to need someone to share a nightcap with. “I’m worried about you.”

He downed the wine in his glass. “As am I.”

My eyes scrunched, and I studied him. “Brand?”

He set the glass down and took me in his arms. “Let’s go to bed, Butterfly.”

When we made love, it felt different. Brand was more subdued, gentler. Afterwards, I lay with my back to his front so he wouldn’t see the tears running down my cheeks. Whatever Brand wasn’t saying was beginning to scare me.

24

MICHELANGELO

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