Page 68 of Breathe
“Azrael,” Will said. “Walk with me.”
It wasn’t a request… and when the SecDef turned and walked out the front door, Azrael had no choice but to follow.
Two of the soldiers of Genesis also followed as Azrael stepped outside and caught up with Will. The two guards kept their distance.
“You’re doing a good thing here,” Will murmured.
“Thank you,” he said and then hurriedly added, “Sir.”
“No need for that.” Will waved a hand and kept up his slow pace. They walked along the front of the house, and the two guards followed discreetly.
“I’m going to tell you something and then make a suggestion that I strongly suggest you consider,” Will said, coming to a halt.
Azrael cleared his throat because he knew that while Will told him hecouldconsider whatever the request was, it would be in his best interest not to turn him down.
“Okay.”
“Tanis has a brother,” Will said.
“I know, a triplet.”
Will’s gaze snapped to his, and Azrael shrugged.
“Fierce told me.”
Will smirked. “Of course. Titus has put a hundred-thousand-dollar contract out on Real.”
The air stilled around Azrael. Titus had put a hit on Real.
“No fucking way!” Azrael snapped, his fists clenched, and then he gasped and backtracked. “Ah…sorry, I mean… no way, sir.”
Will didn’t seem to mind his outburst. “Titus is gathering an army,” Will said.
“An army, sir?”
“Yes. Why do you think that is?” Will asked, turning to face him.
“For revenge.” Azrael didn’t even need a second to think about it. “Titus wants revenge on Real for killing his brother.”
“That’s right, and he’s after Real, and if he can’t get to Real, he’s going to get to someone Real cares about and use them for leverage.”
Azrael stared at Will. The SecDef couldn’t be talking about him…could he?
“What do you think Real would do if Titus were to get his hands on you?” Will asked.
Azrael licked his dry lips. He knew in his gut that Real would die trying to get him back.
“Shit…what do we do?” Azrael whispered, his voice shaking. He pushed his long hair over one shoulder, missing the tie he normally wore around his wrist.
Will smiled and clamped a firm hand on his shoulder.
“I’m glad you asked,” Will said, sounding almost jovial.
Well, crap.
Azrael didn’t quite trust the man’s sudden smile.
He had a feeling he had just obligated himself to something.
