They all laughed at the thought of Jake getting right back to business after being in a freaking coma. But that was Jake.
“I’m hoping the new office manager for Richmond will join us when we do get a chance to meet.”
Emma’s face started to fall, but she forced her smile to remain in place. “I’m sure whoever you choose will be happy to—”
“Whoever I choose?” Jake stared back at her questioningly. “So...you’re not going to take the job?”
Her heart gave a hard thud. “You still want me to?
Looking genuinely confused, Jake asked, “Why wouldn’t I?”
Sean shot her a wide grin. “Told you this wasn’t your fault.”
“Hell, no, it wasn’t,” Jake scowled. “Asad Al-Karim and Sadiq Khaled are the ones responsible.”
Emma took what the man was saying to heart. A part of her would always feel guilty about what happened. But she’d started therapy this past week, and even with just one session, she’d taken the step to help her mind reconcile what her heart was feeling.
About the explosion, her kidnapping...and the fact that she’d been forced to take not one but two lives.
While she stood in the room with the others, Jake went on to tell them Ryker had spoken to him over the phone. The dirty Homeland agent had been identified and was singing like a canary.
According to the agent, Sadiq was the half-brother to Al-Karim. Somehow, Sadiq discovered their connection and thought he could share in Al-Karim’s wealth and power if he proved himself worthy.
The task Al-Karim gave him? Taking Jake out and destroying R.I.S.C.
From what Jake said, Al-Karim had been moved to yet another facility. One run by the CIA that, on paper, didn’t even exist.
“So, it’s really over.” Emma looked at Jake, feeling like she could really breathe for the first time in weeks.
Jake reached for his wife’s hand, the love he felt for her filling his entire face. “For those who thought they could destroy what we’ve built, absolutely. But for the rest of us...” He glanced around the room filled with Alpha Team members, their women, and Trace. “This new chapter of R.I.S.C. is just beginning.”
****
Not just R.I.S.C.
Trace looked at the woman standing beside him. He thought about the ring he had hidden safely away. A ring her brother had helped him pick out.
With its Topaz center and rose gold band, it wasn’t a traditional diamond ring. Because nothing about them was traditional.
They’d met and their world exploded. Literally. They’d fallen in love while fighting to stay alive. He’d lost her but was lucky enough to get her back.
One thing Trace realized with one hundred percent certainty...he never wanted to be without her, again.
“So...” Nerves had his stomach in knots as he slid her a sideways glance. “Are you taking the job with Charlie Team or not?”
Holding his breath, he waited with the others to hear her answer.
“Yes.” Emma nodded, the browns and greens in her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Not only because of you, but because I can’t imagine ever working for any other company.” She sent Jake a smile. “Or boss.”
Trace released his bated breath slowly, resisting the urge to do a fist-bump in the air.
“Well, damn.” Coop went in for a half-hug. “I’m gonna miss having you so close, but...”
“But?” Emma prompted.
Her brother smiled, his expression softening. “But I’m really happy for you.”
When his gaze shifted to Trace, there was a warning there. One he had no problems issuing aloud in front of God and everyone.