Page 146 of Covert Mission

Evan looks sheepish. “Who,me?”

I shake my head. “Yes you. I don’t think Marshall’s going to be able to save your ass if you steal a helicopter twice.”

“Don’t have to. Marshall leased it from Evelina’s government. Turns out they don’t really use their choppers very often, thus the bad maintenance, and they could use the money.”

My brows go up. This is an amazing development. Marshall does an excellent job of taking care of his teams and he really delivered this time.

Evan’s smile grows. “Seriously Marshall took care of everything. Want to come?”

I shove my hands in my pockets. “It’s hard to say no, but I need to focus on Camile’s situation right now.”

He studies me for a second. “We’ll catch up later. Maybe all of us can get some food tonight.”

I didn’t expect that, and it sends a weird sensation through me. “I’d appreciate that. Good luck with the hunt.”

Evan tips his chin as he turns to walk away. “You too.”

When they’re gone, I have to stand by myself for a while.

Seeing Nyx was like taking a direct hit to the gut. It always is.

And knowing the mission that I promised to lead is still in play without me chafes.

I never let my team down.

But I never expected someone to rock my foundation like Camile has.

After I puff my cheeks, I blow out a slow breath.

I need to see her. It’s a physical craving now.

Damn.

I’ve only been away from her for a couple of hours and I feel like this.

How am I going to feel when this is all done and she goes back to her life?

ChapterForty-Nine

I still haven’t figured out exactly where the pain inside of me is. My heart? My stomach? My brain?

Everywhere.

I dash a tear off of my lashes and trudge toward the house we’re sharing.

When I get inside, I slump into the chair. The warm, masculine scent of Lucas hangs in the air. It’s as if my brain is programmed to recognize it now. My antenna is tuned to him.

I mutter and shove the other chair with my foot.

Why did seeing Lucas hugging her hurt so bad?

Silly, girl. Because you’re falling for the man.

“Shut up,”I tell the voice inside my head—the annoying one that points out my faults all night and day.

Because I was foolish and let myself think that maybe I could really be special to Lucas. Just last night, he said I was one of a kind, but that doesn’t mean a damned thing.

As I stare at the window, a butterfly floats by. The bright blue wings catching the sunlight.