Undaunted - Shirleen Davies Page 0,66

the internet. The chili is sort of an experiment, as I’m guessing at the ingredients. I’ll have you taste it before I’m done and make suggestions.”

The insecurity in her voice reminded him of the years when they were together, not the Brittany he’d come to know in the recent weeks. Before, she’d confirmed everything with him, her parents, or friends, not trusting her own judgment.

“You don’t need my opinion, Brit. I trust you.”

Her eyes widened. She looked genuinely surprised at his confidence in her. “If you’re sure.”

“Never been more certain of anything in my life.” They both knew he meant it as more than her cooking. Walking to her, he cupped her face in his hands. He said nothing before he settled his mouth over hers.

“We got business to do, Fuse. Can you spare us a few minutes?” Mitch chuckled as he passed the kitchen. “We’ll be in the office.”

Resting his forehead against hers, Fuse grinned. “We aren’t done, Brit.”

Watching him follow Mitch, the fluttering in her stomach grew, disquieting her. She couldn’t afford to drop all her defenses when it came to Fuse. He was dangerous to her peace of mind and her heart. Brittany didn’t know how she’d go forward if this was his way of getting back at her for the pain she’d caused. It wasn’t the first time the thought had stabbed at her.

Finishing with the onions, she poured in the browned meat, adding beans, spices, crushed tomatoes, a touch of molasses, tomato paste, and beef broth. Blending everything, she lowered the heat, her gaze going to the closed door of the study.

She knew something was brewing, angry they were deliberately keeping her out of it. Setting a lid on the chili, Brittany grabbed a tablet and pen from a drawer, relaxing on the sofa in the family room.

Too much time had passed ruminating over worthless what ifs with her and Fuse. She needed to get back to reality and her life after this all ended.

Until the raid and arrests at Fuse’s house, she’d thought the nightmare might continue forever. Now she told herself it was a matter of days before her move back to Phoenix. First though, she’d make a trip to D.C. to visit her parents.

Her excitement about working for Senator Holden had lessened with each passing day, the dream of teaching rising from the ashes of her past. Whenever Brittany thought about helping kids reach their goals, the more her eagerness grew.

Jotting down notes, she wanted to clarify her plans before talking to her parents. She had to have her thoughts in order before dumping her new future on them. Brittany had a master’s degree, and about a year into a doctoral degree before deciding to take a break from formal learning.

An hour passed as she reduced her dreams to writing, each sentence bringing her closer to a final decision. This time, no one would dissuade her from pursuing what meant the most to her.

Not her parents. Not her boss. And certainly not her own fear of failing.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“Where’s Brittany?” Gunner glanced at Fuse from his spot in the office. Fifteen minutes before go time, the two, plus Mitch and Deke, waited for word from Wrath.

“Downstairs in the gym.”

“At midnight?” Gunner asked.

Fuse shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep. She’ll work out until exhausted. I’ll check on her in a while, after we have a report from Wrath.”

“Nice of her to make dinner for everyone. Not a bad cook, either. She might be a keeper, Fuse.” Deke’s lips twisted into a grin.

Not disputing it, Fuse adjusted his earpiece. They’d done a comms check before Brittany went downstairs, allowing them to keep updated on the progress of both teams.

“Five minutes,” Mitch updated them. “Wish I were with them.”

“We all do,” Deke responded.

“Not me. Sitting in a beautiful home, a full belly, and good company works for me.” Gunner patted his stomach.

“Rock. Ghost. Report.” Wrath’s voice came over the comms, causing the four to sit up, their features turning serious.

“Red team is set,” Rock reported from his position near the Night Devils clubhouse.

“Blue team set, Prez,” Ghost responded. His team had positioned themselves not far from a modern house several miles north of Liberty Lake. Secluded in several acres of thick pines, they’d breached the fence without incident, surprised at the lack of outside guards.

“Roger. Hold your positions and wait for my signal.”

Several minutes ticked by before Wrath spoke again. “Fire only after you’ve been fired upon. Repeat. Target must fire first.”

“Check,” Ghost and Rock said at the same