Page 62 of Love Me Knot

Jackson is in the kitchen, and I’m struggling to know how to act toward him around our teammates. He’s his usual self, and no one seems aware of the change between us. Bash hands me a plate and shoves me toward the simple buffet at the stove.

Food is easy. Food makes for a good distraction. I pick out some fruit, eggs, and bacon, and then park at an empty seat at the bar. Conversation carries on around me in the large kitchen. I tune it out for the most part, only acknowledging what’s directed toward me.

Jackson’s gaze is palpable, electrifying my skin, each glance a physical weight I can’t ignore. When I finish the meal, Jackson puts down his cup and shoves away from the counter. “Chelsea, could I talk to you for a minute?”

My instinctive reaction is to brace for the it was nice fucking you, but… I follow meekly toward the office, where Jackson closes the door, shutting out the chatter from the others. I stand facing the desk with my eyes squeezed shut, but Jackson doesn’t offer regrets or excuses.

Soft lips brush against mine, and I nearly sob in relief. Jackson’s kiss becomes demanding, making me lightheaded. Just before I get carried away, Jackson withdraws to rest his forehead against mine, leaving me wanting more.

He lifts my chin with a single finger, his stare penetrating deep into my soul. “I’m not walking away, so stop expecting me to.”

With one last brush against my lips, Jackson is gone.

My crew catches a ride to the airport shortly after the SEALs leave. I’m acutely aware that every one of my teammates heard the entire staged scene last night. They’ve now seen a side of me that I successfully kept hidden for a long time.

Since then, there’s been no razzing between us or even lighthearted jokes. I don’t know if that means they’re impressed or repulsed by the role I so easily played. I’m afraid to face anyone directly in case I see the latter.

We’re two hours into the flight before anyone speaks at all. Bash rises from his seat and kicks Dani out of the spot beside me. I tense my muscles, unsure of what my partner is thinking.

“I don’t know how I never saw it before, but you’re a natural at undercover work.”

“A professional liar, you mean.”

“No, that’s not what I mean. You made that covert shit look easy. If I hadn’t known you for the last two years, I’d be sold on you as the debutante.”

Shaking my head, I start to brush off the praise. “Bash_”

“Geez, Chelsea, could you please just accept the compliment? I’ve felt like shit ever since the Beergate incident. I’m only trying to make things right with you.”

I gape at my friend like he’s grown a third head. He doesn’t usually talk this much, and certainly not with this much emotion. Seeing him like this is unsettling. To ease his mind, I ask, “Beergate? You christened the situation?”

Several voices answer throughout the cabin. “Yes.” Followed by laughter.

My head pops up. “Hey! Don’t you losers have anything better to do than listen in on private groveling?”

Bastien’s shoulders deflate as the weight slides off them. I bat my eyes at him and smile. “You were saying?”

The man scoffs, incredulous. He scrubs a hand over his chin and stands. “No thanks. I’ve given you enough ammunition.”

Bash walks away, making Dani switch seats back. She doesn’t seem to mind, and neither do I. The tension is broken, and each of us settles into the comfortable silence.

Shortly after we land, a fleet of Knot vehicles carts us back to base, where we meet to debrief. Having private jets at our disposal, we beat the SEALs and fill up one side of the room, knowing they’ll arrive soon.

Commander O’Reilly leads his men into the war room a few minutes later and joins my boss at the front. The man shocks me by seeking me out amongst the crowd. “Nice undercover work, Chelsea. You’ve got good instincts.”

Instead of relishing the praise like I might have done in my younger years, I recoil. “Thank you, sir, but I got nothing useful.”

O’Reilly smiles. “You didn’t have to, but you did set him up beautifully.”

I look around the room, not understanding. Since none of my temporary team sports a ta-da expression, I look toward Knot. “Set him up for what? What does that mean?”

My stony-faced boss remains quiet. He’s not happy about something. I worry it’s my failure to get the name of the leak inside the Pentagon. When Knot doesn’t respond, the SEAL commander does. “Harding is on the hook enough that we could get what we need in one follow-up.”

Now, I’m reeling. Normally, I’d fake like I understand to keep from standing out, but since I’d be volunteering, that would be stupid. “I’m sorry. I’m not following. How do I follow up?”

My gaze swings to Jackson, who looks even worse than Knot. “The sleazy asshole thinks you’re a lonely wife ripe for the picking or that you married a hero just for the prestige and like to take rides on the side. Either way, he’ll make a move if you meet him alone.” Jackson angles his gaze away to glare at the two men in charge of planning. “Maybe before he tells her anything. When she shuts him down, we won’t get shit.”

My eyes slam shut beneath the weight of responsibility. We have to expose these bastards, or good men will keep dying. Hating it but knowing it’s necessary, I say, “So I don’t shut him down.”

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