se I can see what’s in your eyes, Lane.” Mercer’s tone deepened. “You’re making a mistake. Both of you are, and I’m not going to stand by and let Cassidy pay for that mistake with her life.”
For an instant, Cassidy could have sworn that she saw grief flickering across Mercer’s face. But that was impossible, wasn’t it? Mercer didn’t feel like other people. The fleeting glimpses that she kept thinking were there...they were just her imagination. Wishful thinking from a desperate daughter.
He’d shut himself off from real emotions years ago.
He’d laughed when she’d been a child. Smiled. She was sure of it. Those memories were there, tucked away so deeply in her mind.
She was sure that he had...once.
“You’re off the case, Lane.” A jut of Mercer’s chin dismissed Cale.
“The hell I am,” Cale snarled right back at him.
Mercer straightened up, but he still stood an inch or two below Cale. “I just gave you an order, soldier, and you damn well better follow it.”
“I’m not leaving Cassidy!” She didn’t imagine the emotion in Cale’s voice. The anger and determination were plain to see. He’s so different from Mercer.
“She’s not alone.” Mercer jerked his thumb over his shoulder, indicating a watchful Gunner. “She’ll have EOD agents watching her 24/7. Those agents just won’t be you.”
But Cale shook his head. “I’m not leaving her.”
Cassidy’s heart beat even faster. She’d never seen anyone stand off against Mercer with such intensity. Would Mercer give in? Because she knew Cale wasn’t going to give up.
Then Mercer smiled. “Cassidy doesn’t know about your file, does she? About the violent tendencies that you have...the control issues. The danger that you both covet and create.”
She didn’t like Mercer’s smile. Too cocky. Too knowing.
Too Mercer.
Cale quickly glanced at Cassidy. He turned his stormy blue stare back on Mercer. “If I weren’t a little violent, I wouldn’t get the job done for you, now would I?”
“But the shrink said you could be dangerous, obsessive.” Mercer studied him. “Why is it that you’re so determined to stay close to Cassidy? Is she becoming an obsession for you?”
What was even happening? “Mercer, stop!”
Frowning, he looked over at her.
She just felt tired as she stared back at him. “Stop. This isn’t—”
Her phone rang, vibrating in her front pocket. Genevieve? Hope flooded through her as she yanked out the phone. Yes, yes! That was Genevieve’s picture flashing on her screen. She answered immediately. “Gen—”
A scream cut through Cassidy’s voice.
Genevieve’s scream.
Cassidy stumbled back.
Cale whirled toward her. His hands curled around her arms, steadying her.
“Help me...” Genevieve begged; her sobs filled Cassidy’s ears.
“I will,” Cassidy whispered. I promise. “Where are you, Genevieve? What’s happening?”
“They...want you.”
Her gaze met Cale’s.
Turn on the speaker. He mouthed the words.