Page 107 of No Regrets

“Long story. Are you alright?”

“Just another day at the office.”

Kelly looked between him and the team. Their faces telling a different story.

“It’s good to have you back, boys.” Sam addressed them all before letting his eyes rest on Dex. “Dawson, with me.”

Kelly looked up at Dex. He hadn’t moved from beside her as the rest of the team went to stow their gear.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the threats?”

“I didn’t want to worry you.”

She shook her head. “Honesty. That’s what you said would make this work between us. Being honest and open. You should have told me.” Yeah, she was a little pissed.

“I couldn’t tell you. It’s to do with Onyx.”

“Seriously? You’re pulling that card now? You've told me just about everything else, but suddenly you’re obeying the rules?”

“Dawson!” Sam’s voice carried from down the hall.

She held Dex’s gaze, waiting for him to answer. But he didn’t. Instead, he turned and walked out after Sam.

DEX REACHED SAM’S OFFICE and braced himself, expecting another dressing down.

Closing the door, Sam folded his arms and leaned back against it.

“Great job. You guys had me worried there for a bit. How did you get shot?”

"A stray bullet just as I dropped the fucker. I’m good. Any news on Taylor?”

Logan Taylor was a former pararescue, Nyx’s team medic, and had been shot in the abdomen. He’d gone straight into surgery when they landed.

“Jackson called. He's still in surgery, but it sounds like he is going to be fine. Saunders’ shoulder has been stitched up. They’ll both be out of action for a bit.”

“Good job you got us then,” Dex quipped. “Why is Kelly-”

Sam held up his hand to stop him.

“No. We’ll get to that in a minute. Right now, I’m talking, you’re listening.” He paused and motioned for Dex to take a seat.

“I know you don’t like rules, but keeping a lid on what we do here is one that cannot be broken. I’ll tell you now, if Kelly had been anyone else, other than Navy, you and your team would’ve been gone.”

Dex swallowed but stayed quiet.

“Kelly does not have the security clearance to know about any of this.”

“I trust her. She’s Navy Seal intelligence. We shared intel all the time before.”

“I don’t give a shit about what you did back then. This is Onyx, Dawson. Telling people puts all of us at risk.”

“Sam, she’s a big part of my life. I can’t lie to her. I won’t.”

“Then you should have asked me. I’m not sure how many times I have to tell you that I will work with you any way I can. But if you continue to beg forgiveness rather than ask permission, then I’m not sure how we can continue to work together.”

Dex closed his eyes. He was tired from the op, worried about the threats and Kelly and he really didn’t need an argument with his boss. Something cold pressed against his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see Sam holding a cold beer.

“Here. You look like you need it.” Sam’s voice had calmed, surprising him.

---