One of his dark eyebrows rose. “Dana, I’m the muscle for the Deep Ops Unit because I’m good at it. It’s my job to protect and defend and diffuse. You’re nuts if you think I wouldn’t protect my woman with everything I have, especially my life.”

His woman. She shook her head, even though her heart rate seemed to be perking up considerably, and not from irritation. “I think you’re behind the times here.”

“Maybe,” he allowed. “But it’s a dangerous world, and you and I know that better than most. In this world, we give ourselves to the people we care about, and with that comes responsibilities. I’m all for independence, equal pay, and all of that, but a man’s job is to protect women and children, and that reality transcends any time.” Kat took that moment to jump from the back seat and land on Wolfe’s shoulder. “Animals and the elderly should be protected, too,” Wolfe added, opening his door and somehow jumping out without dislodging the kitten.

“How does somebody argue with that?” she muttered as she exited the truck without waiting for him to open her door.

He shrugged. “Why would you argue? However, if you someday end up with a guy who doesn’t agree with that sentiment, you’ve ended up with the wrong guy.”

“Like you care who I end up with,” she said, stepping lightly over a puddle.

“Well, I’d hate to have to kill him for not protecting you.” Wolfe patted the kitten, slowing his stride to match Dana’s.

It was sometimes difficult to tell if Wolfe was joking or not. “Discussions like these throw me off kilter,” she said.

“Why?”

That was a good question. Maybe because part of her wanted to be his, even though she didn’t like the terminology. Or a part of her wanted to know why he was so sure his next mission would be his last and he wouldn’t be around afterward. Or maybe because if his mission was dangerous, she wanted to help and make it sure that it wasn’t his last one. “I want to help you take Rock down without dying yourself.”

His jaw tightened, making the scar stand out. “No.”

Her hackles rose. There was no way he was working alone on this, and the idea that he wouldn’t let her in kind of hurt. “I’m sure you have Brigid trying to track him with bank or military records.”

“No, I don’t.” He opened the door and waited for her to walk inside the dusty hallway.

She stumbled and quickly righted herself. “Why not?” Brigid was the best.

“He can’t be found,” Wolfe said, pushing the elevator button. “There’s no trace of him for Bridge to follow. The game isn’t played that way.”

A chill slithered down her spine. “Game?”