“But I like the idea of making a timer to cut the power. What if we go in a standard League two-assassin team and take them out systematically? We can grab weapons as we find them. What do you think?”

Dancer considered it. “Another big if. We won’t know the capacity of the weapons they’re using or their charge levels. Been there, got my ass flambéed. Not looking for a repeat. However… I like your idea best, so far. We can combine that with the strikes I make with Darling. You said you saw the raid on the prison?”

She nodded. “But… you two were a little on the brazen side when you did that. And we don’t have a Sentella-Tavali army backing us.”

“Yeah, well, Darling and I aren’t normally that suicidal. He was a little bended by the fact he thought they’d killed his wife, and he was out for blood vengeance. But that being said, our normal mode of attack is a subtler version. If you’ve studied my moves, then you’ll know what I need for anchor.”

“You’re taking point?”

“Yeah. I know the layout.”

Sumi hesitated. Point was the most dangerous position. It would leave him completely exposed.

Dancer met her gaze. “It makes the most sense. I draw. You sweep.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I’m not sure I can let you do that.”

Hauk froze as he heard the most precious words in the universe. While he loved his friends, they’d never been that reticent to put his ass on the line for a mission. “We do our part. We all go home.”

Her lips quivered. “You better. I won’t forgive you if you die on me.”

He pulled her against him and held her tight. “I’m not going anywhere, mia. I have a promise to keep for you.”

Her hot tears fell against his skin as she kept her arms wrapped around his neck. “I love you, Dancer,” she whispered. “I really do. And I’ve never said that to anyone. Not even Kalea’s father.”

For a full minute, he couldn’t speak as his heart shattered and was left jagged and bleeding by those words. There had been a time once when he’d dreamed of hearing a female say that to him. But that dream had died along with Keris.

Now…

He couldn’t believe he’d actually found someone who could tolerate him.

“I love you, too, munatara a la frah.”

Sumi pulled back to stare up at him. She couldn’t believe what she’d heard. Not until she saw the truth in his eyes. No one had ever looked at her like that.

Like she was the air he breathed.

“I am not going to let Dariana have you, Dancer. If I have to cut her fucking throat to keep you safe, I will. And I will relish her blood flowing over my hands.”