Page 72 of Being Bold
Victor’s voice broke through the nasty pot of emotions stewing in Bo’s gut. “You fucked it up, didn’t you?”
He blinked at his team lead. “What?”
“Things with Selene.”
“Yeah.” Bo had to look away from the disapproval on Victor’s face. “I was always going to.”
“Maybe. Doesn’t mean you can’t try and fix it.”
He didn’t look up at Victor’s comment. His hands clenched and unclenched as his skin stretched too tight. He started to feel trapped, but bolting out of there wasn’t an option.
Clearing his throat, Bo changed the subject. “Can we focus on the op? The rest of the team needs to get here so we can nail down our plan.”
“They’re already on the way.”
On cue, what could only be Herc’s massive hand pounded on the door. Victor opened it, then Herc, Romeo, and Duke filed in. The room suddenly felt too small, but Bo dealt with it because the tantalizing scent of coffee wafted in with the guys. He surged to his feet, snagging a paper cup from the holder Romeo carried.
“Sure, Bo, help yourself,” the former SEAL sniggered.
Bo downed a gulp that burned his tongue and cursed. “Thanks,” he barked before taking another searing sip. He didn’t care that he scalded his mouth. After what he’d done to Selene, he deserved the pain.
When everyone who wanted one had grabbed a coffee, Romeo set the last two cups on the rounded table in front of the couch. Then, he and Duke snagged seats at the dining table.
They’d taken a brown paper bag with them. The smell of baked dough wafted from it, but Bo’s stomach roiled, too upset to eat.
Herc sat down, taking up the entire chaise portion of the couch. “Where’s Selene?” he asked before shoving a muffin into his mouth, whole.
“She’ll be here in a minute.” And he wasn’t looking forward to facing her.
“Oh.” Herc didn’t often frown, so when he aimed one at Bo, he knew whatever was coming next wouldn’t be good. “You left her alone?”
Dammit all to hell!
He’d left Selene alone when he was supposed to be protecting her. Rage at himself exploded through his veins. Bo shoved to his feet and stormed out of the suite. On his way back to their room, he berated himself over and over. He should’ve waited outside their door at least. Then he could’ve had some space, but he’d have known she was safe.
By the time he made it back to their hall, his jaw ached from grinding his teeth. He swiped his card and barged into the room, yelling her name. It took him less than five seconds to see she’d already left. “Fuck!” he cursed himself and headed toward the elevators. Maybe he’d just missed her.
But no one waited in front of the double lifts. He pushed the button to go back up to Victor’s floor and tried to think aroundthe beat of his pulse pounding at his temple. How the fuck could he have left her like that? Not only was it his job to protect her, but he fucking loved her.
I’m in love with her.
His chest started to heave in panic as he acknowledged how he felt.
Where is she? What if Dao has her?What if she left to meet him on her own?
Bo had to find her. If anything happened to Selene, it would be his fault.
When the elevator doors opened, he was ready to bolt inside, but by some miracle, Selene stepped out.
“Hey,” she said. “Can you take me to Victor’s? I got turned around. All these hallways look the same.”
“Fuck me,” he mumbled before pulling her into a crushing hug. He closed his eyes as relief crashed into him. Lying his cheek on her head, he breathed in her wildflower scent and stroked her hair. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“What?” Her question was a pained squeak, making Bo realize she was stiff in his arms. She hadn’t returned his embrace.
His heart withered, collapsing against his rib cage, but he only said, “Nevermind. Let’s go.”
When they’d stepped inside the elevator together, she moved as far away from him as possible. He knew the distance was his fault but couldn’t help feeling slightly bitter at how quickly she’d changed her tune. Less than half an hour ago, she hadn’t wanted him to leave, and now, she acted like she couldn’t wait for that to happen.
