“Actually, that’s why I’m calling. We had a thing come up at work, and I’m not going to be done until later tonight.”
“Oh.” She did her best to hide her disappointment. “That’s fine. You coming over later, or do you just want to see what tomorrow brings?”
“I’d love to come over tonight, but it’s looking like you’ll be asleep before I get out of here. Want me to call you tomorrow? You can come to my place, and I’ll cook for you, for a change.”
“Okay.” Avery smiled. “Alex just called and was wanting to meet up for dinner, so I’ll call her back and let her know I’m free.”
“Have fun. And tell her I said hey.”
“I will.”
“Be safe, sweetheart. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You, too. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Ending the call, Avery sent Alex a quick text with the change of plans. Her sister wrote back immediately with clapping emojis and instructions to pick her up in an hour.
Which was just enough time for her to go home, freshen up, and change into something a little less “worky”.
Avery slid her phone into her purse and pulled out her keys. Only a couple spots away from her car, she went ahead and hit the fob to unlock her doors.
And still, she was smiling.
It was ridiculous how utterly happy she was. Like deliriously, annoyingly happy.
This is it, Aves. This is what you’ve always read about.
This. Is. Love.
They hadn’t said the words yet, but she felt them. And for now, that was enough.
Lost in her blissful thoughts, she reached for her door and began to open it.
She should have been paying closer attention to her surroundings. She should have waited until she was locked away in the safety of her car to text her sister, instead of walking those last few feet with her head stuck in her phone.
If she had…if she’d been more aware of her surroundings, Avery would’ve seen the man coming up behind her. She would’ve seen him and been able to run or scream for help.
She could’ve called nine-one-one.Something.
But she hadn’t seen him. Not until it was too late.
A gloved hand covered her mouth. Avery tried to break free of the enormous man’s grip, but she was no match for his tight hold.
She felt a sharp prick on the side of her neck, followed by a cool, burning sensation. Avery didn’t even have time to think. Not about Garrett or Alex…oranything.
Because whatever was in that syringe worked fast. Damn fast.
And her eyes had already closed.
* * *
“I thoughtwe’d already decided not to work with the CIA anymore.” Garrett looked at his boss for clarification. “You can’t trust a fucking word those assholes say.”
His teammates muttered their agreeance, and even Owens showed a rare smirk. But then their boss said, “You’re not wrong, but in this instance, I don’t know that we have a choice.”
They’d been called in for a briefing on a situation, or rather ananticipatedsituation the government was preparing for in the middle east.