Chapter 45

45

Two hours later, Cody stepped out of the shower, his skin tingling from the scalding water. He toweled off, eyeing himself in the mirror of the swank bedroom he was sharing with Tai.

He hadn't spoken to Paige since they'd walked out of the ruined condo, the echoes of his tranquilizer darts still ringing in his ears. Since he'd shot her, pointblank in the shoulder, all in the name of maintaining his cover. Less than an hour after she'd confessed that she loved him too, her whispered words a balm to his battered soul.

Only a day had passed since their stolen kiss, a brief moment of connection amidst the chaos. Her admission made what had to come next even more exquisitely painful.

He had to leave.

Paige and her team, aided by their legions of silent, online supporters, would undoubtedly come up with an antidote for the Consortium's virus. Probably sometime between dinner and dessert, if he knew them. But they couldn't wipe out the organization, not completely. More importantly, they couldn't touch the secretive Seven-Five group that pulled the strings from the shadows.

The mouthwatering aroma of slow-roasted meat wafted through the door, promising a feast fit for the team's celebration, but his stomach churned. He totally got why Jason Reilly had taken off on his own to chase and be chased. The constant uncertainty, the relentless pursuit—it became a way of life, a twisted sort of normalcy.

And now, he would have to do the same. But this time, he had a secret weapon. The Tanner persona, the carefully crafted identity he'd used to infiltrate the Consortium, would become his constant companion. It was the only way he could see to dig deep into Seven-Five's ranks, to unravel the truth behind the puppet masters.

He straightened his clothing, the same tech gear he'd worn to the rendezvous, minus the tactical vest. No one was going to shoot him now. He hoped. His fingers brushed against the worn fabric, the familiar texture a small comfort amidst the turmoil of his thoughts.

He closed his eyes, offering up a silent prayer. The words came haltingly, his faith still a fragile thing, but he poured his heart into the plea for mercy, for guidance, for wisdom. He wasn't used to asking the Lord for help, not like this.

He headed out into the main part of the house, the delicious aroma of Mason's cooking enveloping him. As he approached the open-concept kitchen, he heard Tai's teasing voice.

Tai leaned across the kitchen counter, forearms on the marble, pinning Mason with a look. "Dude. I had no idea you played golf."

From his spot across the counter, Mason halted, chef's knife clutched in one beefy hand. "It calms me down. Why? What are you saying?"

"Nada, bro." Tai rolled his eyes at Cody, including him in the joke. "Just wondering where you keep your plaid pants. Do you pack them in your go bag, just in case?"

Mason resumed chopping, unfazed by Tai's jab. "You'll have to get your own, princess. No way those tree trunk legs will fit into my gear."

Jason sprawled at the breakfast table, eyeing the pristine fairway visible through the back door. "I've always wondered," he chimed in, a mischievous glint in his eye, "do you putt as well as you shoot?"

The sound of chopping filled the air, releasing the tang of fresh celery. Mason didn't even look up. "I could answer that, but then I'd have to kill you."

Jason laughed. "That bad, huh?"

Mason shot the man a look. "A hundred bucks a hole and you can find out for yourself."

Cody had braced himself for a cold reception, but to his surprise, the guys all offered congratulations on taking down the Consortium operatives. Jason even pressed a hand to his own shoulder, wincing exaggeratedly.

"Sorry about that," Cody said, offering an apologetic shrug.

"No worries," Jason responded with a wave of his hand. "That was a spectacular move, by the way. Wish I'd thought of it first. We're good." He offered Cody a reassuring nod, and Cody felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

"Where's Paige?" Cody asked, unable to ignore the elephant in the room any longer.

"Probably digging into that code," Mason replied, a hint of pride in his gruff tone.

Mason and Tai exchanged a loaded look, and Cody braced himself for what was coming next. These guys might not be Paige's brothers by blood, but they were blood brothers. Any guy interested in her would have to run a truly terrifying gauntlet—five special forces specialists. And then there was Kate Hackett. If they didn't tear him to shreds, she certainly would.

He held up his hands in a placating gesture. "You guys have nothing to worry about. Paige and I are cool." A total lie, but he had no intention of discussing their tangled history with anyone but the lady herself.

Mason pointed the expensive chef's knife in Cody's direction, his expression deadly serious. "She's cool. You? Not so much."

"Seriously." Tai grinned at him, but the smile didn't reach the big man's eyes. "She's into you. You know that, right?"

Cody swallowed hard, suddenly feeling like he was back in high school, facing down the disapproving fathers of potential dates. "She was. A long time ago. I ruined it. That's the whole story."

Mason buzzed through another stalk of celery, wielding his knife like a serious pro. "Doesn't have to be." He looked up, his gaze deadly direct. "Whichever way this goes, do it clean. No toying with her." He went back to chopping.

Point made.

He'd have to let Paige know he was leaving as soon as possible. As soon as he found the courage to walk away from her. Again.