Here’s the Thing (Seddledowne #4)

Licensed to Swoon—Chapter Eighteen

licensed to swoon—chapter eighteen

JACK

The hotel room's dim light casts shadows as I calibrate our surveillance equipment. Raven stands nearby, her focus sharp as a knife's edge.

"Echo system online," she murmurs, her voice professional. "Awaiting final checks."

I turn, and we find ourselves face to face, closer than protocol typically allows. Her eyes, dark and mysterious, meet mine.

"Confirming Echo," I reply, my tone steady despite the sudden dryness in my throat. "All systems appear...optimal."

Raven's eyebrow arches slightly. "Optimal? That's a strong assessment. Sure you're not overlooking any...vulnerabilities?"

I hold her gaze, acutely aware of every inch between us. Or the lack thereof. "I assure you, Agent Nightshade, my assessment is thorough. Though perhaps a second opinion wouldn't hurt."

Her lips twitch, almost imperceptibly. "Always wise to double-check high-stakes operations."

My gaze flicks to the king-size bed dominating the room. Raven follows my glance, her lips curved into a smile that is equal parts mischief and heat.

"Quite the vantage point.” I nod towards the bed. "Excellent for...surveillance."

"Indeed," Raven agrees, her tone neutral. "Though prolonged observation from such a position could compromise agent efficiency."

I clear my throat. "Noted. We'll stick to standard procedure then."

"Standard procedure is safest." She sighs, though something flickers in her eyes. Is she disappointed too?

We stare into each other's eyes and I feel myself tilting toward her.

Raven steps back, all business, my heart dropping in disappointment. "Mission parameters confirmed.” Ugh. “Commencing operation in T-minus two minutes."

As she moves towards the door, I allow myself a small exhale. "Right behind you, Agent Nightshade."

She pauses at the threshold, glancing back. "As always, Agent Steele. Reliability in the field is crucial."

"Couldn't agree more," I respond, adjusting my tie, wishing just once that I could be anything but. "After you."