Page 40 of Hunted

“Thank you, Sir,” I replied, breathless and dizzy, all but collapsing onto the floor in exhaustion—but for an arm that prevented me from doing so.

I blinked up, not into the steady gaze of my friend, but the conflicted stare of my physical instructor.

Ethan and the rest of the team meandered out seconds later, grimacing and rubbing their skin like it was covered in nettles. To my relief—and annoyance—every single member filed out unharmed, including Bodie Travers.

Bigger fish, Addie. Bigger fish.

[ 14 ]

BECK

THE MAINE – GREEN

If anyone had told me that a five-foot Barbie-doll blonde would literally pick me up a year ago, I’d have laughed in their face.

Redheads were more my speed.

Besides, nobody had been capable of hauling my ass from point A to point B since I was a baby.

But when Adelaide fucking Sinclair dispatched me so thoroughly I was actually surprised, only to march both of us outta that assessment with nary a complaint… well, I had to oblige her, now didn't I?

If only to see if she were capable.

But it was more than that—I knew it was more than that. I wanted her to succeed. I wanted her to secure that Eagle job, even if it meant I’d never see her pretty face again.

Especially if it meant I’d never see her pretty face again.

She’d already managed to wriggle her way through defences I hadn’t let anyone but my brothers past in years. I already had two weak points—two liabilities I’d go to the ends of the earth for. I didn’t need another.

And, by God, she’d just undoubtedly proved that she didn’t need me either.

So why did catching her feel like the most natural thing in the world?

And why did the glare of her Team Leader make me wrap my arms a little tighter around her tiny frame?

“Reset! Two minutes ‘til Red Team’s run-through!” Dek barked, shooting me a pointed look.

“Get yourself some water, Ice Queen. Part two is about to begin,” I murmured into her ear.

She groaned in response, and it was all I could do not to grin—not to imagine that pretty mouth making other, similar sounds in less public places.

“Taylor, get your best shooter some water,” I snapped. “You’ll have about ten minutes until you go back through—and if you ruin her chances at top spot, it won’t be Commander Varco you’ll have to answer to.”

Fine, so I snarled that last part. But it worked.

She was already sipping by the time I reentered the compound to finish my tea.

[ 15 ]

ADDIE

CEDRIC VERMUE – ECOS DEL PASADO

“What’s he playing at?” Ethan muttered, shooting daggers at the man whose bulk almost killed me, yet caught me when I was likely seconds from passing out.

“Probably just eager to get rid of us.”

“I’m not so sure that’s it.” He looked down at me again, seeming to really see me for the first time since exiting the compound. “How’d you do it, Ads?”