Page 80 of Raven's Nest
Fleming stepped into the room, glancing over his shoulder when something low sounded in the distance before facing her. “It appears your teammates are concerned about your well-being. Seem to think we’re holding you both at gunpoint or something equally nefarious. They just requested permission to land.” He huffed. “No one’s supposed to get permission to land, but it seems Lieutenant Commander Parker just called in some chits. Went over my head, which I assure you isn’t easy. So…”
He waved at the door, following them out. Rain still blanketed the city, a thick layer of cloud making it feel more like evening than mid-morning.
Saylor walked to the rear entrance, inhaling when the Raven’s Watch helicopter soared overhead, banking hard before setting up for a short final. She couldn’t tell if it was Foster or Mac behind the controls, possibly both, as the chopper set down, the engine spooling to idle.
The machine rocked in the strong winds as the side doors rolled open, Kash and Nyx jumping out first followed by Chase. Though, the guy looked as if the wind might blow him over. Send him tumbling across the tarmac.
Chase turned, nodded, then Zain popped out. Or rather, fell, Kash catching him before he face-planted on the ground. He stood for a moment, breathed, then gave Kash a clap on the back before looking up — searching the building.
Saylor stepped outside, bracing herself against the driving rain. How the wind seemed to blow right through her, chilling her all over again. Zain’s gaze met hers — stayed, then he started walking. Strong measured strides, eating up the distance, carrying him across the pavement in record time.
She moved onto the tarmac, unsure whether to run out to meet him or wait for him to reach her, when he appeared in front of her. His fingers slid through her hair, his other hand wrapping around her waist. She barely had time to process it before he kissed her. Long. Hot. Like she’d been imagining since she’d woken in that stupid hospital bed.
Zain drew it out, resting his forehead on hers when he finally came up for air. “I can’t believe you left.”
Saylor pulled back and crossed her arms over her chest. “Really? What happened to setting what you love free?”
He smiled. “Yeah, that’s not gonna work for me. And I’m hoping, it won’t work for you either, because the truth is…” he reclaimed the lost inches, “I’m only ever free when I’m with you.”
Tears welled in her eyes, a few joining the rain on her face before she cocked her head to one side. “Is this your convoluted way of telling me, you love me?”
He froze for a moment, shadows passing over his eyes before he blew out a breath. Smiled. “No. It’s not convoluted at all. I love you. And I hope to God you love me, too, because I’ll never hear the end from Mac and Foster after getting them to call in favors?—”
She kissed him.
Shut him up, really, because nothing else mattered.
Zain stiffened for a second, then he kissed her back, deepening it when she would have pulled away. The rain had already soaked through their clothes by the time they finally parted. Chests heaving. Her pulse racing.
It wasn’t until Kash and Chase walked up beside them that she realized they were still standing on the tarmac in the rain, everyone watching.
Chase tsked. “Are you determined to give her a relapse? Because she’s already shivering.”
Zain groaned. “I was about to suggest we take this inside.” He paused. “Unless I read this all wrong…”
Saylor shook her head. “Sheesh, I don’t say I love you back the second you stop talking and you’re already doubting me. That must be some kind of record.”
His breath caught before he tugged her in close. “Say it, again.”
“I love you.”
“Hooyah.”
“I still don’t know what that means.”
He dipped in, kissed her nose. “It means, I love you, too. Now, are we staying or going?”
“Hold that thought.” She turned, nearly colliding with Rear Admiral Fleming as he stood in the rain, arms crossed, that permanent scowl still curving his lips.
He glanced at Zain, then back to her. “You’re turning us down, aren’t you?”
She nodded. “The thing is, I’ve already got everything I need. But thank you. For the offer. You’re just six months too late.”
Fleming stepped aside as Greer walked past. Hetipped his hat. “I’ll make sure you’re kept in the loop with regards to Rear Admiral Maddox. And if any of that wreckage ever washes up, give us a call.” He turned, stopped, looking back over his shoulder. “It’s Everett, right?”
Zain nodded.
“Watch her six. Until we round up all of Maddox’s teammates, there’s still a target on it.”
