He lifted her chin, and they looked into each other’s eyes. She wanted to tell him how she felt, but she couldn’t. Not just yet. But he knew her well enough to know that she still had feelings for him. There was no doubt. The chemistry between them still burned brighter than the summer sun.

She held her breath, waiting to see if he was going to lean in and kiss her, but he didn’t. Instead, he pulled her closer and tightened his grip around her.

In that moment, she felt content for the first time in years. Even though there was so much havoc surrounding her, she was ready for a new chapter in her life. And she prayed that Hunter might be a part of it.

CHAPTER
SEVENTEEN

On Tuesday, Zane and Cass spent a long day at the DEA office, trying to get some work done. They still had other active files and investigations that needed their attention, and Zane was glad for a distraction from the looming threats to the team.

But the bottom line was that they were still targets—or at least everyone else was.

“You look deep in thought,” Cass said.

“Yeah.” There were too many things clouding his mind.

She nodded. “I can guess what about.”

Before he could confirm what she already knew, the door to the conference room opened, and Mason walked in.

“Zane, I need to talk to you alone for a minute,” Mason said flatly.

Cass stood. “I’ll head to the break room so you guys can talk.”

Zane wasn’t sure why Mason was kicking Cass out, but once it was the two of them, he watched as Mason frowned. “I recognize that face. What’s the problem now? Because I can’t deal with many more of them.”

Mason stuffed his hands in his pockets. “The team working on the investigation into the mole thinks they have intercepts between you and a member of the cartel.”

“What?” Zane felt his jaw go slack. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. Combine that with the fact that you’re the only member of a four-person team who has not been targeted directly, and those running the investigation believe you need to be questioned.”

Zane muttered some words that he probably shouldn’t say. “This is insane.”

“I know. I don’t think for one minute you’re dirty.”

“Then help me get out of this mess.” His voice got louder with every word.

Mason crossed his arms. “That’s my plan, but you have to talk to the team leading the charge. My hands are tied on that, but I already planted the seed with them that you’re not the problem here. If they look deep enough, they’ll figure that out.”

Thoughts started to race through Zane’s mind. “Maybe this was the plan the entire time.”

“How so?” Mason leaned against the table.