Page 6 of Fire and Ice

"Uh, she went after me and got distracted."

Jack and Derek looked murderous. Brett ignored them, looking past their shoulders. "Looks like I'm not the only one in love with Agent Pierce."

Jack turned and saw Mike Callahan walking briskly towards the medical van Maia was leaning into. Her vest and shirt had been removed and she was wearing only a tank top. A bandage was wrapped around her right thigh.

Mike curled his hand around Maia's head to draw her against his chest and then he buried his face in her hair. His other hand went to her back gently pulling her closer to him.

Jack bristled. "What the hell is the story there?"

"They were together for a few months two years ago. Obviously our DA hasn't gotten over her," Derek said.

"Have you ever..."

"No."

"Why not?"

Derek sighed. "Maia doesn't do relationships well. I mean, look at her job. You think any man will let her disappear for weeks on end with no assurances that when she returns, if she ever does, she wouldn't be riddled with bullets? Do I love her? Yes. As a friend. And I'd rather not rock that boat."

"Good."

"What do you mean? Where are you going?" Derek called as Jack walked away.

"Staking a claim."

Maia tried to pull away from Mike. This was awkward.

"Mike ..."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just a flesh wound."

"God, Maia you need to stop this..."

"Seriously, we're having this conversation now?" Maia lashed out. She was coming down from an adrenaline rush and couldn't deal with emotional bullshit.

"Counselor, I'm surprised to see you here," a sardonic voice interrupted from behind them. Mike reluctantly released Maia to face an unhappy-looking Jack McCord.

Why did McCord look so furious?

"Mr. McCord," Mike said tightly. Their gazes leveled, clearly sizing up one another. Realization finally dawned on Maia: Jack was interested in her! When had this happened?

Hell, she didn't need alpha-male posturing at that moment and started to move away.

Before she could take two steps, Jack gripped her elbow halting her escape and told Mike, "You might want to check on your star witness. Make sure Vergara has not spooked him with this ... spectacular ... ah ... assault."

The DA paled, glared at Jack and strode towards Brett.

"That was not nice," Maia said reprovingly and before Jack could reply, added, "What is your game, McCord?"

Jack smirked. Maia wanted to punch him.

"I like that. You're perceptive and direct," he drawled, his eyes turning heated as he took in the rise and fall of her breasts beneath her flimsy, ribbed tank top. The chilly night air had enhanced the outline of her nipples straining against the top. "Fuck. I shouldn't be lusting after a woman who nearly got her leg blown off."

"Uh...."

"I want you."

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