later,” Ty replied with a regretful sigh. Frey hadn't killed her, but had taken a good agent out of commission.
“You'll tell her?”
“You chicken?” Ty offered a smile, trying to lighten the moment. Trying to pretend they weren't talking about the end of Dani's career.
Drew smiled back. “Hell, yes.”
Ty sobered as they moved toward the door. He reached for the knob and pulled the door open with a sigh. “Yeah, I'll tell her,” he replied, the weight of the information hanging heavy on his shoulders.
After Drew left, Ty sat in the armchair and waited for Dani to get home. His bag was packed, his flight was booked, and all that was left to do was talk to Dani. He didn't bother trying to suppress his anxiety about taking part in the mission. He was more in shape than he was a few weeks earlier, but nowhere near where he'd been when he was at the top of his game, when he was an active duty SEAL. Still, it wasn't this that made the thought of deploying so difficult. It was Dani.
He'd deployed so many times during his time as a SEAL, but this was different. It was even different than leaving Carrie because, while he didn't belittle what he and Carrie had once felt for each other, what he felt for Dani was different. Not only was he was older and more aware of what he wanted out of life, but he had a different appreciation for how unique and fragile life, and love, could be. And in those hours, as he waited for Dani to come home, he gained a whole new respect for the men and women of the armed forces who left their spouses and loved ones behind.
He heard the door fly open and slam shut. By the sounds of Dani's movements, by the way she kicked off her shoes and tossed her keys on the entry table, he knew she already knew something was going on. He stood and waited for her to enter the living room.
She rounded the corner and, when her eyes met his, he felt as if someone were ripping his heart out.
“You're going,” she said, so quietly it stopped his breath. He moved toward her, but she put her hand up to stop him.
“I heard on the radio that Robertson is withdrawing from the election. Some ‘private medical condition that may interfere with his presidential duties,’” she repeated what he assumed she'd heard. Ty hadn't bothered to watch or listen to the news, Robertson was now inconsequential to him.
“His party held an emergency meeting and has given the nomination to the vice president. He knew about Frey and knows where he is and you're going after him,” she rambled. Ty stayed where he was, wanting desperately to hold her, but knowing she needed some time.
“Don't go for me, Ty,” she pleaded. Her voice broke. “Please, don't go for me.”
“Oh, Ella,” he said, as he moved to her, unable to stay away any longer. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She tucked her head against his shoulder and held on. He leaned his cheek against the top of her head and breathed in her scent—fresh and subtle with hints of honeysuckle that reminded him of his childhood. “I'm going for me,” he said. “I'm going for us,” he added, holding her tighter.
“But not for me,” she repeated. He shook his head. In truth, he was going in part for her, for all the reasons he'd talked about with Drew—mainly because she wouldn't trust anyone but him to give her a truthful account of what would take place on Frey's little island. But she didn't need to hear this and he didn't need to say it. And it was just as true that he was going for himself. He needed to know Frey was either dead or so under the control of Drew and his team that he wished he was dead. He wanted Frey out of their lives, without any doubt. Without any regrets.
“I wish I could go instead of you,” she stated. His heart felt like it was going to burst from his chest. The honesty of it was clear in her voice and her body as she leaned against him. She would take his place if meant keeping him safe.
But that wasn't possible.
“Honey, you know—” She placed two fingers over his lips and stopped him. Pulling back to look him in the eye, she spoke.
“I know,” she said