Page 79 of Raven's Nest
Greer waved it off. “Please, you’re family. And I’d been waiting years to call in that favor. Thought I’d never need my own Admiral in my pocket.”
Saylor’s breath caught. Had Greer really said she was family? The way she’d hoped to be with Zain? “I’m not sure I want to know what you did to earn a favor from an Admiral.”
“Let’s just say I was instrumental in green-lighting a joint mission that got his daughter back from a dangerous situation in one piece.”
“Of course, you did. You’re just like the others.”
Greer scoffed. “I’m not the one who piloted a freaking Zodiac through a cyclone. That was truly terrifying.”
Saylor merely nodded, staring down at the table. She’d never felt so exhausted in her life. Other than a year ago, when she’d been in a similar situation. Only this time, she’d had the truth on her side.
They’d talked — at length — about theVigilant. Maddox. How Keith Watson fit into all of it. Greer had shared the photos and intel, a folder full of information that tied it all up in the proverbial bow with Maddox the ultimate prize on top. Fleming hadn’t confirmed if Maddox had spun some kind of deal — given up his contacts for a reduced sentence. Maybe a one-way trip to some non-extradition country, and honestly, shedidn’t care. All she knew was that the past had finally come full circle.
That for better or worse, she was free.
Atticus had stayed until he’d been convinced everyone involved was above board, giving Fleming some creepy hand gesture before ambling out. Mumbling something about meeting up with a friend.
That’s when the air had shifted. Rear Admiral Fleming had closed the file, folded his hands and offered her everything. A promotion. Her own command. A virtual golden ticket. And yet, all that looped through her head was how wrong it felt. That, all she really wanted was back in Raven’s Cliff.
Greer nudged her. “I understand this is one hell of an opportunity, but can I be honest with you?”
“Would you stop talking if I said no?”
“Probably not.” She reached over and took her hand. “You don’t look happy.”
Saylor groaned inwardly, palmed the table, then stood. She picked her way across the room, turning to lean against the far wall. “That’s because, I’m not. Which is crazy. They’re offering me everything I ever wanted. And all I can think is…”
Greer stood and closed the distance. “That it’s not home.”
“Which is crazy, just like I said. I don’t have a home. My loft’s been totaled. One boat’s barely seaworthy. I don’t own a single piece of clothing.” She leaned more heavily against the wall. “I thought…”
She’d thought she’d found forever.
Greer shouldered in beside her. “He was on morphine.”
She snorted. “That doesn’t mean he lied.”
“He told you he loved you.”
“No, he mumbled some old proverb about loving someone. Not the same thing.”
“This is Zain we’re talking about. The guy doesn’t let his guard down long enough to change his mind. Whether it was well executed or not, he still said the words.”
“I’m not worried about the presentation. I’m worried about the validity.”
Greer nodded, arching a brow. “I think the real question is, do you love him back?”
Saylor let her head tilt against the wall. “Of course, I do. I’ve been in love with the guy for months. I just didn’t know how to take that next step.”
“Sounds like you have your answer, then.”
“Do I? How am I supposed to know if he loves me or if it’s just leftover obligation? His overinflated need to protect everyone. That last mission… I know he blames himself. For not seeing a threat. That he patrols every night because he can’t stomach the thought of missing another. That the idea of letting all that go eats at him. But the funny thing is, I think it’s endearing. The endless scanning. How he has to have the best sightline in a place before he can eat. That he won’t sleep until he knows his brothers are safe.”
Greer shook her head. “You realize this is what you need to tell Zain, right?”
“I…”
Her voice faded as the handle rattled a moment before the door swung open.
