Here’s the Thing (Seddledowne #4)

Licensed to Swoon—Chapter Twenty One

licensed to swoon—chapter twenty one

RAVEN

The supply closet was impossibly small, barely large enough for one person. Yet here we were, Jack and I, searching for a hidden microchip, his arms were wrapped around my waist as he held me up.

"Any sign of the package?" Jack's whisper brushed against my collarbone, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

I steadied my breath, focusing on the task at hand. "Negative. Continuing to sweep the upper shelves."

As I reached up, my back pressed against his chest. Solid. Warm. I bit my lip, forcing my mind on the mission.

"Allow me," Jack murmured, his arm extending past mine to search a higher shelf. The movement brought us even closer, my body hyper-aware of every point of contact.

I turned my head slightly, intending to suggest a change in search pattern. Instead, I found myself mere inches from Jack's face, his eyes meeting mine in the dim light. For a moment, the world narrowed to just us—his steady breathing, the faint scent of his aftershave, the dilation of his pupils. My chest was swollen to capacity with the love I had for this man.

"Agent Nightshade," he said, his voice lower than usual. His nose brushed mine and my breath hitched. My nerve endings were on the edge of short-circuiting. ”I believe we may need to reassess our strategy."

I swallowed hard, willing my heart to slow. "Agreed. Current positioning is... suboptimal for thorough reconnaissance.”

His fingertips traced over my cheek and I leaned into his touch.

“Wiping away a cobweb,” he murmured.

“Yeah.”

But his hand remained pressed against my skin.

Neither of us moved.

A sudden noise from the hallway broke the spell. We sprang apart—as much as the tiny space allowed—our training kicking in as we assumed defensive positions.

After a few tense seconds, it became clear it was a false alarm. I exhaled slowly, painfully aware of the lost moment.

"Perhaps we should continue our search in the adjacent room," I suggested, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Jack nodded, his expression unreadable. "Affirmative. After you, Agent Nightshade."

As I slipped out of the closet, I allowed myself a brief moment of regret. Then, squaring my shoulders, I pushed all unprofessional thoughts aside. We had a mission to complete, after all.

And if my pulse quickened every time Jack stood too close for the rest of the evening? Well, that was classified information.