Page 15 of Protecting Her

"Handled," Jude replied, close enough that Carmen could feel her warmth. "But it confirms our suspicions about local police cooperation, not that we weren’t already prepared for that."

Carmen nodded, increasingly aware of their proximity in the ancient corridor. "Your team performed admirably." She allowed herself to meet Jude's eyes. "I find competence very...compelling."

She saw the words land exactly where she had hoped and saw Jude's pupils dilate slightly before her professional mask slipped back into place. "Just doing our job, ma'am."

But they both knew it had become far more than that.

The private elevator at the Hotel Gran Diplomático felt smaller than usual, its polished surfaces reflecting Carmen's exhaustion from the day's negotiations. Jude stood at parade rest beside her, and the silence between them hummed with unspoken words.

Carmen watched their reflection in the mirrored walls. It was obvious, to Carmen at least, that they were both pretending the air wasn't charged with hope and optimism. The day's events had left her wrung out from corporate threats, security breaches, and the constant dance between duty and desire.

"Join me for a security debrief?" she asked as the elevator ascended, her voice steady despite her racing pulse. "There are some concerns from today's session I'd like to discuss with you."

"Of course, ma'am." Jude's voice gave nothing away, but Carmen caught the slight tension in her jaw and the way her hands clasped tighter behind her back.

They moved through the hallway to Carmen's suite in almost perfect synchronization. Inside, the evening light washed the room in shadows. Carmen watched Jude perform her security sweep with fluid grace, each movement precise and controlled.

"All clear," Jude reported, but she didn't make a move to leave.

Carmen moved to the bar cart, needing something to do with her hands. "Scotch?"

A pause, then: "Thank you, ma'am."

The clink of crystal seemed too loud in the charged silence. Carmen handed Jude a glass, their fingers brushing. The contact sent electricity up her arm.

"The security breach at the Palacio," Carmen began, maintaining the pretense of professional discussion. "You think it was coordinated with local police?"

"Yes." Jude took a careful sip of scotch. "The timing was too precise. They were testing our response protocols."

Carmen moved toward the balcony doors, drawn to the fresh air and the city lights spread below. "Like Yemen?"

She heard Jude's slight intake of breath behind her. "You've studied my file thoroughly." It wasn’t a question.

"I like to know who's protecting me." Carmen turned, finding Jude closer than expected. "In Yemen, you spotted the warning signs before anyone else. Just like today."

The evening air carried the scent of rain from the mountains. Carmen opened the balcony doors, stepping out into the cooling darkness. After a moment, Jude followed.

"The corporate security contractors," Jude said quietly. "They're positioning for something bigger than just intimidation."

"I know." Carmen leaned against the railing, studying the city below. "The same way I know you've been watching them watch me."

The space between them seemed to shrink with each breath. Carmen could hear the subtle shift of Jude's tactical gear as she moved closer, drawn by the same gravity that had been pulling them together since Washington.

"It's my job to watch," Jude murmured.

"Is that all it is?" Carmen turned to face her fully. "Just duty?"

The city lights caught the green in Jude's eyes, making them glitter like jade. Her professional mask slipped just slightly, revealing heat beneath the surface.

"You know it's not."

The whispered admission hung between them like smoke. Carmen set her glass down, each movement deliberate. "Last night on the balcony..."

"Was a mistake." But Jude's voice lacked conviction.

"Was it?" Carmen stepped closer, erasing the careful distance between them. "Or was it the most honest thing we've done since meeting?"

She watched the struggle play across Jude's features— her fierce sense of duty warring with desire, protection battling passion. When Jude's hand came up to trace Carmen's jawline, the touch felt like surrender.

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