“You can try.”
“Enough,” Jared cut short the brinkmanship. He looked at Paxton. He didn’t trust her sudden passive demeanor. He’d come to know her well enough over the past couple of months. She was up to something. “I need your team to stay put and man the command center, Paxton.” His voice deepened. “Can I depend on you to guard our backs and be our eyes and ears?”
Her left eye spasmed as she nodded. It was the sign he’d been looking for. That involuntary action of her eyelid when she was about to lie... or bend the truth in her favor.
“Whatever you need.” She returned his stare unblinking. “As long as we agree on a code word to warn us when things get pear-shaped.”
“Nothing is going to go wrong,” Tanner interjected. “We’ve got every aspect and scenario covered. Our teams are made up of professionals, Mrs. Lee, and with the Hostage Rescue Team assisting us, we’ve got it under control.” He smiled to ease the bite of his words. “You’ll add the best value by controlling the drones from here, confirming positions using the heat sensors, and reporting anything unforeseen.”
“Tanner is right. Do I have your word that you’ll stay put, Paxton?” Jared said.
She shifted in the chair. “We’ll make sure we have our eyes on you the entire time, Commander.”
There was no mistaking the chill factor in the room dropped with her words. It didn’t slip his attention that she avoided offering the promise he was after. He checked his watch. There wasn’t time to ease his concern about Paxton’s intent.
“I need to get dressed. Kit up and wait for me at the chopper. Give FBI Agent Brown the go ahead. ETA at the house in Malibu is two hours and counting. Everyone moves on my Go order. Is that understood?”
“Hooah, Commander!”
“Walk with me, Paxton.” He didn’t wait to see if she followed his instruction as he headed to his house and upstairs to his bedroom. He didn’t need to— her essence invaded his mind whenever she was near.
“I don’t like you going into that house alone, Jared.” Paxton pulled her legs under her as she sat down on the wingback chair in front of the window. Her eyes moved over his body as he got dressed.
“I’m a Navy SEAL, love. I’m trained to handle any situation— the unexpected included.” He finished knotting a silver tie around his neck. He cherished the feeling of warmth in his heart at her concern. “We’re all wearing micro comms. You’ll hear every word I say and with Cruz having hacked into the CCTV cameras at the house, you’ll be able to watch me the entire time.”
“You’re looking very debonair and attractive.” Her eyes moved over his broad shoulders in the black tuxedo made to fit his muscled frame. “It’s a pity I’m not the lucky woman on your arm tonight.”
“Hold that thought, love. When this is over, I’ll take you dancing.”
“Wearing that?”
“Hell yes. I like the way your eyes glimmer at me.” He took her hand as she got up. “What’s this?”
“A gift... to make sure you remember your sub is waiting for you and to remind you not to take unnecessary chances tonight.”
“You shouldn’t have but it's exactly the kind of watch I’d buy for myself.” He kissed her tenderly. “I have to admit, it’s nice to be spoiled... especially by you.”
“Get used to it, honey. Ask Lucy... it’s what I do for those I love.” She took the Rolex Submariner from him and fitted it on his wrist. “It’s the perfect accompaniment to complete your suave look.”
“I have to go.” He brushed her hair back and stared at her for long moments. “You are so much more than I deserve to have in my life, Paxton.”
“I’m a normal—”
“You’re anything but. You are beautiful inside and out. With Bella, my first wife… I destroyed her spirit with my impassiveness. I didn’t love her and should never have married her. With you… I’m different.You’redifferent. Last night proved to me... I believe you will be my savior, love. The one to finally destroy the fear inside me.”
“What fear? Why have you closed yourself from those around you? I know you care for your team but even with them, there’s a part of you that remains reserved.”
“Maybe I’ll have the courage to talk about it one day. For now, it’ll have to wait.” He tapped her on the nose. “I know you're up to something but I beg you to behave. I can’t afford to worry about your safety and get the women and children out of those monsters’ hands.”
“Like you, I’ve been trained to take care of myself. Don’t worry about me, honey. Go. I’ve got your back.”
His eyes narrowed with suspicion.
She smiled brightly. “Your words, Commander. Your eyes and ears, remember?”
She walked with him to the hangar where the Cobras and her team were waiting.
“Just look at that… the Commander cleans up nicely.”