Say no.
Zak knew the right thing to do. He knew protocol like the back of his hand. Messing around on assignment was a no-no.
And for the most part, unlike CJ or Xander, he played by the rules.
But he wanted to break rules with Caitlin.
There was something about her that lit him up like a Disneyland parade. He couldn’t explain it but he knew enough to know that he had to shut whatever was happening down.
He swallowed and forced a smile. “Um, I like you. You’re fascinating, for sure, but it’s always best to keep things professional, you know?”
He hadn’t exactly refuted what she was picking up but the message was clear enough. Even though two high points of color in her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment, she nodded stiffly and agreed. “Excellent. I feel the same. My mistake. I’m not very good at social cues. I apologize for misreading the situation.”
“No worries. How’s your dinner?”
“Good. Very good,” she answered but he could tell she wanted to disappear. Damn it. He should’ve kept whatever was happening with him on lock. It was his fault for making the situation uncomfortable. “Good stuff.”
“Better than box pizza?” he coaxed, trying to make her smile.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” she said. “Squash will never be pasta no matter how hard it tries but it doesn’t make me want to throw up, so there’s that.”
“Fair enough.”
A moment of silence passed between them and Zak knew he was losing her fast. Just when he’d started to make some inroads, he had to go and screw things up.
“Tell me about your project.”
She looked up, question in her eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I mean I’ve got intel but I’d like to hear from you what we’re dealing with.”
She seemed relieved at having something solid to hold on to and said, “Oh, of course. Yes, well, Tessara was charged with reverse engineering a cure for this nasty biological agent that had the potential of destroying entire populations in record time.”
“Yeah, I don’t know about you but...that’s scary as shit.”
“It was magnificent.” At his confused frown, she clarified with a blush. “Yes, it was very scary but there’s something incredible about how efficient it was in its ability to destroy. I know it’s hard to understand but the beauty in its deadly efficacy was astounding. I was quite impressed with the genetic makeup. You know, people think it’s so easy to engineer viruses because of what they see on TV but creating a new virus on this scale isn’t like putting together a stew. Most times the genetic code collapses in on itself.”
He cast a rueful glance her way. “All that aside, leaking out my insides isn’t my idea of beauty in action.”
Her blush deepened as if she realized she came off sounding like a psychopath. “Oh, goodness, no, of course not. The host dies in a most horrific way,” she agreed, shoveling a healthy bite into her. “Internal organs liquefying is really gross and painful, too,” she said around chewing. “I’m not saying that anyone should ever be subjected to such a horrible thing but from a scientific standpoint, it’s really impressive.”
He grimaced but he was amused at how nonplussed she remained while talking about something really awful in a clinical setting. “What was your first thought when you started working on the assignment?”
Caitlin leaned back, remembering with a sparkle in her eyes. “I thought, ‘This is a game changer. This is the kind of work that makes or breaks careers.’ I was excited,” she admitted.
“You weren’t scared?”
“Not even for a second.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way but you’re a little scary yourself.”
She laughed. “Me? How so?”
“Because most people would run from a situation that potentially puts them in that kind of danger. Yeah, there are safety protocols but mistakes happen. We’ve all seen Outbreak. All it takes is a rip in your hazmat suit and you’re a goner.”
“That’s why we’re very careful. Being OCD, as you put it, and being Type A has its benefits.”
“I’d rather face down a firing squad than walk into a lab with that shit on the slides.”
Caitlin chuckled, reminding him quietly, “People are far scarier than any virus. Viruses act according to their programming. Humans are unpredictable.”
Couldn’t argue with that logic. People were shifty as shit. “How close were you to finding the cure?” he asked.
At that her smile faded, replaced by consternation. “Not nearly close enough.” She met his gaze. “Do you really think whoever stole the sample is going to release it to the public?”
“I hope not.” He released a heavy sigh. “Experience tells me that whoever took the sample has plans but those plans likely have a dollar amount attached. They’re going to sell to the highest bidder and then run off to some country without extradition.”
“But without a cure, money means nothing. Eventually, the virus would find them, too.”
“Sometimes criminals are blinded by their own ambition.”
“What if money wasn’t the motivating factor? What if whoever took the sample plans to destroy humankind? Some people kill for fanatical reasons that have nothing to do with the accumulation of wealth.”
“Let’s hope greed is the motivating factor,” he said, his frown deepening. “In my experience, fanatics are the worst kind of people. They are motivated by internal conviction and there’s no reasoning with someone who feels they are doing something for a higher purpose.”
She nodded, agreeing. “Now, that scares me.”
Zak nodded, his gut clenching with the same fear. “Me, too.”
Caitlin digested Zak’s quiet admission, becoming aware that the previous levity had evaporated. There was a lot at stake here. She bore a lot of guilt for the break-in, even though she’d been completely cleared of any wrongdoing. It was still her lab, still her project that’d been compromised.
She didn’t understand people in general, but she was truly baffled by why someone would want to kill an entire population. For what? She couldn’t fathom a reason strong enough to justify such a drastic action.
Chewing her lip, Caitlin lost herself in her thoughts until Zak started clearing the table. “I’ll help,” she offered, rising to bring the dishes to the kitchen. “If you cooked, it’s only fair that I clean up.”
“I don’t mind. Keeps my mind moving,” he said but she wouldn’t hear of it.
“I might not be able to cook but I can run a dishwasher.”
Zak cast a smile her way and she had to look away quickly. That smile was too seductive, even if he wasn’t trying to be. Her body reacted in ways that she couldn’t control. It was disconcerting. She wasn’t going to embarrass herself by panting over a man who’d made it clear that the lines would remain professional.
Which she preferred!
Hadn’t that been her biggest worry? That she’d have to suffer awkward advances that had no business happening between them? Yes, exactly. Except she hadn’t anticipated Zak affecting her in this way. She’d never been the type to pine for someone. Or fantasize. Her sex life was decidedly clinical.
She refused to acknowledge how dissatisfying those quickly rubbed-out orgasms were during quiet moments alone in her bed at night when she needed release.
Orgasms by their very nature were good for a better night’s sleep.
And a well-rested scientist was more efficient.
More effective.
She turned abruptly and ran into the solid wall of Zak’s chest. “Oh!” The plates in her hands dropped from her hands to shatter on the floor. “Damn it, I’m sorry,” she muttered, irritated with herself as she bent to pick up the shards.
“I’m sorry, I should’ve been watching more carefully. Let me help,” he said, bending to join her. Together they picked all the broken pieces and he swept up the tinier pieces, dropping everything into the trash. Teasing, he looked to her, saying, “Maybe you’re right, this kitchen isn’t big enough for the two of us.”
“Well, you’re, like, ten feet tall and wider than the doorframe,” she grumbled. “Compared to you, I’m practically a hobbit.”
“Are you trying to tell me you have tufts of hair on your feet?”
She cracked a reluctant smile, surprised he knew anything about hobbits. It seemed more of a nerd thing than a buff-soldier-type thing. She would really be impressed if he started speaking in Klingon, though.
Caitlin rose and Zak followed. They were too close again. He was in her personal space.
And she liked it.
Of course, all that previous talk about keeping the lines drawn and whatnot flew right out of her head, and all she could breathlessly hope for was that he’d grab her and kiss her stupid. Maybe kiss her so hard that she’d forget it was a terrible idea and probably ranked in the top three most reckless things she’d ever do in her life.
Okay, twist her arm, it would be the most reckless thing but she didn’t want to pull away or remind him that they’d agreed it was a bad idea.
But how often did opportunities like this drop into a woman’s lap? She wasn’t dead below the waist. Zak was very handsome and he smelled like citrus and male skin, something that had never really made her quiver but it certainly did now.
Oh, God, he was moving in, his lips were tantalizingly close to hers.
This was happening.
Zak was going to kiss her.
Holy Madame Curie...
She lifted her lips, ready to feel his mouth on hers.
Her eyes fluttered shut but before Zak could seal his lips to hers, a sharp tink sound interrupted the moment. Suddenly Zak wrapped his big arms around her and took them both to the floor. He took the brunt of the impact but the drop clacked her teeth together.
Caitlin’s mouth popped open on a gasp but he shushed her quickly with a motion to remain on the floor. What the hell was happening? It took a full five seconds before she realized with dawning horror that the sound had been a bullet puncturing her kitchen window, narrowly missing her head.
Fear squeezed her throat. A bullet! Nearly hit her head!
Zak carefully made his way out of the kitchen to melt into the night with the stealth of a trained killer. Holycrapholycrapholycrap! The word jumble in her head was on a repetitive loop as the realization that she’d been seconds away from meeting her maker kept her on the floor, paralyzed with fear.
It was jarring to see Zak go from teasing and laughing to a hardened soldier, gun drawn and eyes sharp and cold.
But if there was anyone out there, Zak would find them.
Suddenly, she was so grateful Zak had been there with her. If he hadn’t, whoever had tried to put a bullet in her brain probably would’ve succeeded. She rested her forehead on the cold wood of her kitchen floor, saying a silent prayer to a God she didn’t necessarily believe in for second chances.
Moments later, Zak returned to do a search of the house. When he was satisfied the house was secure, he allowed Caitlin to rise but he kept his body between hers and any open windows.
“Did you find anyone?” she asked, her teeth beginning to chatter. It was something that happened involuntarily when she was scared. It was also the biggest reason she didn’t watch horror movies.
“Whoever took the shot is gone but we’re not safe here anymore. Your house has been compromised. Grab your stuff, we’re leaving.”
“Leaving?” she gasped, horrified. “Going where?”
“Anywhere but here.” He gestured curtly, all business. “Ten minutes. Go.”
Ten minutes? To pack? Pack for where? For how long? But she didn’t have the option of arguing. A second look at that tiny hole in her kitchen window put her feet in motion.
She’d pack light.
While Caitlin packed, he texted his TL, Scarlett.
House compromised. Need safe location. ASAP.
Scarlett responded a moment later.
4100 Old Hawk Road. Location secure. Await further instruction.
Caitlin appeared, pale and shaken, with a small suitcase in her hand. “I’m ready,” she said, her eyes big. “Are you sure it’s safe to go outside?”
“Whoever it was took the shot and split when they didn’t hit their target.”
She gulped, knowing full well that she’d been the target. “I guess we shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth, right?”
He nodded, grabbing her suitcase and leading the way. “Stay behind me, just to be safe.”
Zak went to his rental and tossed the suitcase inside as Caitlin climbed into the passenger seat. Punching the address into his GPS, he quickly left Caitlin’s little cottage behind and hit the road.
“Are you okay?” he asked once they were clear.
“I think so.”
The shake in her voice gave her away. “It’s okay not to be.”
“I’ve never been shot at. I don’t like it.”
“Not many people do. I never like getting shot at.”
“Have you dodged many bullets?” she asked.
“A few,” he lied. He’d been shot at more times than he cared to remember. It was definitely the less awesome part of his job. “I don’t want you to worry. I will keep you safe, okay?”
“I know you will,” Caitlin said, nodding. “I guess this blows my argument out the window about Tessara overreacting, doesn’t it?”
“Pretty much.”
She chewed her lip for a moment before admitting, “I’m really glad you were there. If you hadn’t been... I might be dead on my kitchen floor right now.” Caitlin shuddered. “And I would’ve ruined my hardwood floor. I spent a lot on that flooring. My entire Christmas bonus last year, actually.”
“Hardwood is expensive,” he agreed just to keep her talking. Shock had a way of sneaking up on a person. “It was a good choice. The dark wood is nice.”
She bobbed a nod. “Yeah, I thought so, too. More expensive but it was worth it.” Caitlin drew a halting breath as if she just realized the gravity of everything and the reality that was staring her in the face. “I almost died. Someone almost killed me. Why would anyone want me dead? I don’t understand. I’m just a scientist.”
“You’re the only person who currently has a chance of deciphering that cure code. Apparently, someone wants to make sure you don’t get to figure it out.”
Or they wanted to scare her, keep her on edge, which would affect her ability to think.
But with an attempt on Caitlin’s life now in the mix, everything had changed.
No more was this a simple babysitting gig—shit had just got real.
“Where are we going?” she asked, her teeth clattering.
“Are you cold?” He reached to turn up the heat but she stopped him.
“My teeth chatter when I’m scared,” she admitted. “I’m not cold.”
A smile wasn’t appropriate given the circumstances but that single thing seemed the most adorable quirk he’d ever heard of. Somehow he doubted she’d find his amusement adorable. Smothering his urge to grin, he said, “All right, well, if you change your mind, feel free to adjust the thermostat.”
She nodded, seeming relieved that he didn’t make a big deal out of her reaction. “So where are we going?” she asked again. “A hotel or something?”
“Can’t trust a hotel. Red Wolf has access to safe houses throughout the United States. We’re going to a secure location until I can regroup with the team and discuss our next course of action.”
“Sounds very Jason Bourne.”
He chuckled at her comment. “Yeah, pretty much. But we’ll be safe. I can promise you that.”
“I never realized how I’ve taken ‘not being shot at’ for granted. I won’t do that again.” She made a second realization. “Oh, man, I’ve been a real pill to you. It’s a wonder you didn’t bolt within the first ten minutes of meeting me, which, by the way, I would’ve been okay with. And if that’d happened, well...”
“I’m kind of a stickler for details, such as not bailing on an assignment, no matter how prickly they get,” he said, winking. He was trying to keep things light. It was heavy enough to realize how close she’d come to death; he didn’t need to make it worse.
Caitlin peered over at his phone, where the map app was directing their course, and read the address. “Old Hawk Road? I think I know where that is. Talk about the boonies. Well, one thing is for sure, I don’t think anyone will find us.”
“Sounds perfect for what we’re needing for the night.”
Caitlin settled against the seat and fell quiet. He wanted to keep her talking but her teeth had stopped chattering and she seemed to be in control of the situation. He didn’t have to worry about shock anymore but he wanted to reach out and hug her. It was an irrational urge that he didn’t dare act on but he hated that someone had gotten the drop on him. Made him feel like he’d let her down. He should’ve had the surveillance cameras mounted on the house already but he’d known Caitlin was going to squawk about it and he’d been trying to ease her into it.
His reluctance had almost cost her her life.
And that was unacceptable.
No more cut corners, no matter how much Caitlin squawked.
Although, when he spared a quick glance at Caitlin as she leaned against the window, something told him she wasn’t going to squawk quite as loud as before after this incident.
But it never should’ve happened in the first place.