Page 37 of Rhys

“Thanks.”

He held her gaze a moment longer, before reminding himself of what was at stake and heading for the door. Parker knocked again, and Rhys couldn’t help but take pleasure in the fact that he’d made the arrogant prick wait.

He released the deadbolt and chain and opened the door. Standing before him with his fist raised in preparation of yet another knock, Parker Collins arched a high brow.

“I thought maybe you’d called this whole thing off.”

“Not on your life.”

Both men turned to see Vanessa walking toward them.

“Parker Collins, meet CIA Agent Vanessa Marsh.”

“Or, as my I.D. for tonight reads, Amelia Bernard.” Vanessa held out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Parker blatantly let his gaze travel the length of her body and back up. “And may I say, you’re hands down the most attractive CIA agent I’ve ever met.”

“You meet a lot of us, have you?”

“You’d be surprised.”

“Enough of the small talk,” Rhys grumbled. To Parker he asked, “You’re up to speed on the plan, yes?”

“Yep.” The man tapped his temple. “It’s all up here.”

With anyone else—minus his teammates and the woman standing next to him, of course—that wouldn’t be very reassuring. But since Parker was every bit the genius Greyson was, it actually made him feel a little better.

Still he’d give anything to be able to be the one going inside Austin’s estate with Vanessa. But that wasn’t how this one was going to play out, so…

“Like I told Ness, the guys and I will be right down the road. You run into any trouble, use the code word. You remember that, too, right?”

“Magical.” Parker flashed him an arrogant smirk. “Don’t worry, man. I got this covered.”

“Just make sure you have her covered. She’s the one I’m worried about.”

“Sheis standing right here, andshecan take care of herself.”

“That why your shoulder’s all stitched up?” He challenged.

Easy, man. Don’t be such a dick.

But his snarky comment didn’t seem to faze her mood one bit. Instead of coming back at him with an equally sharp tongue, Vanessa adjusted her pashmina and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

“We’ll be fine. Promise.”

His cheek burned from her touch, and if Parker wasn’t standing inches from them both, Rhys was certain he’d already have her half-undressed.

But Parker was there, and they had an op to go to. So he sucked in a breath and sent them both to work.

“Go. I’ll see you both in a couple of hours.”

“See you then.” Parker offered him a half-salute as he turned away.

“Bye.” Vanessa started to walk past, but at the last second, Rhys stopped her.

“What is it?” She looked down at herself and frowned. “Is there something wrong with—”

“Come back to me,” he uttered the plea softly so Parker wouldn’t hear.

---