Delta Force Desire by C.J. Miller Read Free Book Online Page B

where the line was, and he wouldn’t cross it with Kit.
    After a short ride, the helicopter touched down. They were allowed to remove their blindfolds and earplugs. They would be met by one of the West Company’s operatives. Griffin would complete the handoff, go to his debriefing and then return home and wait for his next assignment.
    Done and done.
    Kit didn’t release him. He was helping her with her injury, but her hand gripped his clothing as if she was afraid they would be separated.
    â€œI’m here,” he whispered to her.
    â€œI hate not knowing where we are,” she said.
    â€œWe’re safe. That’s priority one,” Griffin said. He couldn’t get to his gun as easily with her hand in his. Her hands were shaking, giving away she was nervous.
    In a small, comfortable room with plush tan carpeting and beige furniture, they were offered drinks. Trays of fruit, cheese, small sandwiches and vegetables were set in the middle of the table. The pictures on the wall were of generic floral arrangements.
    A man Griffin didn’t recognize entered the room. “Thank you for your help in this matter. You may consider your service complete. Mr. Brooks, please come with me.”
    â€œWait,” Kit said. “You’re leaving me?” She sounded shocked, and her voice quavered.
    â€œYou’ll be working with someone more skilled to handle your unique situation,” Griffin said. He heard the words and hated how bureaucratic he sounded. He wasn’t the right man for the job, and knowing it stung. He had reached the end of the line for him and Kit. Kit was safest with someone who could protect her without thinking of her naked and writhing on his sheets.
    â€œMy unique situation? What is unique about my situation?” She didn’t hide her anger.
    Griffin didn’t want to talk about this in front of a stranger. “Your skills are needed.”
    She narrowed her gaze at Griffin. “If you walk away from me, I swear I will be less than useless. I know what you want me to do, and I am exclusively skilled to help you in this matter. But my memory might suddenly take a nosedive, and perhaps I’ll forget everything.”
    The other man looked between them. “Is there something about your relationship with the target that we’re unaware of?” He addressed the question to Griffin. Griffin heard the accusation in the words.
    â€œNo,” Griffin said at the same time Kit said, “Yes.”
    How should he respond to this situation? Laugh it off? Try to explain about Kit? Reassure her she was safer with someone else?
    She was scared. She needed to feel safe. Everyone did. “Kit, I was sent to retrieve you and bring you in. I’ve done that.”
    â€œYou said you would stay until you knew I was safe,” she said.
    â€œI know you are safe,” Griffin said, hoping he sounded confident.
    â€œI don’t feel safe. I don’t know anyone here,” Kit said.
    She was digging in her heels, creating an impasse.
    â€œI’ll get Connor,” the man said and left the room.
    â€œKit,” Griffin said, trying to reason with her now that they were alone. “You’ll lead everyone to believe I’ve done something wrong.”
    Kit stared at him. “Wrong? I’m still alive. That means you’ve done something very right. I feel safe with you. I don’t want to be passed around.”
    Connor West entered the room. Griffin stood to attention, even though this wasn’t a military op. The man had that presence. He commanded and got respect. All the operatives who worked for him felt better with him at their backs. Griffin knew he had likely gotten little sleep, but Connor was clean shaven, his clothes pressed and his close-cropped brown hair tidy.
    â€œKit Walker, it is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Connor West,” he said. Connor’s voice was warm and genuine.
    Connor didn’t shake her