“Seems like a good move for all of you. When will it happen?”
Shrugging, Mitch filled another plate, setting it on the counter for Gunner. “No idea. They’re talking with Sully, since he’s the CEO of WES and the training center. I don’t foresee a problem, as he likes the idea.”
Gunner walked in through the kitchen’s back door. “All clear.” Setting aside his gear, he filled a cup with coffee, nodding at the plate. “That for me?”
“Unless Brittany gets to it before you,” Mitch said.
Gunner picked it up, biting off a piece of bacon. “By the time the lovely Ms. Blackmore joins us, I’ll be on my second serving.”
“Save some for Brittany. I’m going to start another perimeter check.”
Waiting for Mitch to grab his gear and leave out the back door, Gunner looked at Fuse. “You two good now?”
Fuse scrubbed a hand down his face. “Hell if I know. Last night was probably a mistake.”
“Guess you broke down and shared a bed with her,” Gunner said.
“Don’t be an ass,” Fuse bit out. “Yeah, we were together last night. Damn, I didn’t expect it to happen. It shouldn’t have happened.”
“You want my opinion?” Gunner asked.
“Not really, but I know you’re going to give it anyway.”
Swallowing the last of his eggs, Gunner set the empty plate on the counter. “You two were young when you were together before. Forget about how it ended and concentrate on what it could be after this op is over.”
Washing his plate in the sink, Fuse turned around, resting his hand on the counter behind him. “She’s changed. Her goals are different. Hell, I don’t even know if she’s interested in marriage and children. Most of all, I don’t know that I can trust her commitment to us. Last time, it blew up in my face.” Fuse walked across the kitchen, shaking his head.
“Nah. It’s better to leave it at having a good time until this is over. Then I’ll be able to let Brit go. And maybe find someone I can trust.”
Chapter Nineteen
Brittany stood in the hall, hand against her chest, sucking in gulps of air. Retracing her steps, she backed into the bedroom, softly closing the door.
Hot tears slipped down her face. She didn’t try to stop them. Humiliation washed over her, body pulsing with shame.
Scott had been honest, even warning her before they made love last night that having sex wouldn’t change anything between them. While they were together, he’d never lied to her, not even about small things. She could always count on his honesty, loyalty, and support. It hurt to admit she hadn’t possessed the courage to offer the same to him.
Brittany had fought her parents over their decree she give Scott up for a man more acceptable. Young, inexperienced, and easy to control, her family had carved out her future with logic and subtle threats. It had taken months, but her parents finally succeeded. She’d succumbed to their constant badgering, knowing it wasn’t what she wanted.
Scott would never trust her again. When she and her father were safe, the threats eliminated, she’d return to her life, and he’d continue his duty to their country. Expecting more made no sense, unless you were a woman who’d been in love with the same man for years.
A knock on the door had her scrubbing both hands over her face, hoping to erase any trace of tears.
“Brit?” Scott opened the door, walking to her. “Have you been crying?”
“What? Of course not.” She turned away, grabbing a sweatshirt to pull it over her head. Keeping her back to him, she picked up a brush, drawing her blonde hair into a ponytail, all the while hoping the redness in her eyes would disappear.
“Mitch made a plate of bacon and eggs for you.”
The hunger of earlier had disappeared, yet if she didn’t eat, Scott would be suspicious. After making love twice the night before, she’d woken with a raging appetite.
“There’s also toast, juice, and coffee.”
Forcing a smile, she turned around. “Sounds great. Have you eaten?” Brittany walked past him into the hall.
“We have. Whatever’s left is yours.” Following, he knew she hid whatever bothered her. With all that had gone on the last couple weeks, it could be almost anything.
Placing the last of the food on a plate, she took a tentative bite of bacon, adding eggs.
“Here.” Fuse held out a glass of orange juice. He stood beside her, resting a hip against the counter. “About last night—”
Brittany held up a hand, stopping him. “Don’t worry about it. You were very clear sex between us shouldn’t be taken for more than what it was.” She picked up another piece of bacon, holding it out. “Hey, it was great, so I have no complaints.”
“Brit…” Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he shuffled his feet.
“You haven’t lost your touch. In fact, it’s obvious you’ve learned a lot since the last time we were together. Great for me…huh?” She tried to keep her voice upbeat, expression neutral. “I’d love a repeat tonight. That is, if you don’t have other plans.”
Taking the plate from her hand, he set it on the counter, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“Hey. I’m not finished.”
“Stop bullshitting me, Brit.”
Shrugging off his hands, she moved around him. “I’m not bullshitting you. The sex was spectacular.” She walked around to the other side of the island, resting her hands on the counter. “Anything new on who’s after me?”
Crossing his arms, Fuse studied her. No doubt about it. Brittany was upset. “Nothing yet. Gunner and Mitch are outside. Bas, Fargo, and a third Brethren are expected in a few minutes.” Cocking his head as if trying to figure her out. “Do you want to call your parents? You can use my secure line.”
Shaking her head, she shoved away from the counter and straightened. “Not necessary. I would like to wander around the house. You hustled me in here so fast last night, I didn’t have a chance to check it out.”
“I’ll go with you.” He moved around the island.
She waved him off. “Not necessary.”
“Yes…it is. We’ll start down that hall.” Gripping her elbow, he guided her past the huge great room consisting of the kitchen, dining area, and living room. “The stairs lead to three bedrooms, two baths, and a loft.” He pointed ahead of them. “This way is a guest bath, the office, master bedroom and en suite bath.” He walked down a hall, opening the doors. “You’re welcome to use the office if it would be more comfortable.”
“This is gorgeous.” She stepped into the master bedroom, running a hand over simple, yet striking pine furniture. “The detail and character of the wood gives the room a warm, inviting atmosphere. And the view…”
“There are views from all the rooms. Come on this way.” He took off in the direction of Brittany’s room. “More bedrooms. Yours is the only one in this part of the house with an en suite bath. The other two share a bath. Laundry is through that door and the garage is just beyond it.”
“The house is huge.”
Fuse knew the exact square footing from the plans Wrath provided. “Almost five thousand square feet. Not quite four years old.”