In Too Deep Read Free Page B

his duffel, he went to meet his boss, Brooklyn, at the back of the plane. Brooklyn Stewart stood five feet seven inches to his six-foot frame. She had dark chocolate skin, long ebony hair, and dark eyes that held many secrets. The uniform she wore—navy blazer, white shirt, and navy pencil skirt—hugged every curve.
    He’d known Brooklyn for nine years. She’d been an agent in a different division before becoming his supervisor. In the fifteen years that Blake had been with the agency, he had worked with her many times.
    “Good job, Blake,” she said, her British accent punctuating each word. “Once we land, a plane will be waiting to take us back to D.C.”
    He pressed his lips together. Going back to D.C. wasn’t an option in his mind. Duncan had moved from his seat and now joined them near the rear exit. Australian-born and raised Duncan Archer had started at the agency on the same day as Blake. They were partners and friends, closer than any blood brothers could be. Duncan, with shoulder-length brown hair and green eyes, sent his gaze from Blake to Brooklyn. He was dressed in a dark hoodie, blue T-shirt, and jeans. A backpack was slung over his shoulder.
    “How long before we land?” Duncan asked.
    “Five minutes,” Brooklyn replied. “We should get ready.”
    As the plane began its descent, the three moved to the front of the plane. Blake hesitated. He glanced at Analeigh, whose face was now pressed against the window. Should he wake her? No. It was better this way. Having only just met, he doubted she had felt a connection to him. There was a pang of longing in his heart, however, that confirmed the same couldn’t be said for him. Still, he moved up the aisle as the plane made its way to the terminal. Once it stopped, Brooklyn opened the door. The emergency personnel rushed by them to the man’s seat.
    “Let’s go,” Brooklyn commanded.
    The trio made their way down the metal tube toward a waiting area. Blake paused. He glanced back. The medical staff were bringing the man out on a stretcher. A white sheet was draped over the man’s face. Had the commotion awakened Analeigh? Did she know he was gone? Blake felt a hand on his shoulder.
    “Forget about her,” Duncan warned.
    Blake turned toward his friend. “Easier said than done.”
    “This is why the agency prefers we remain unattached. It’s too dangerous. It will make you compromise your mission.”
    Blake jerked away from Duncan’s touch. “I didn’t mess up.”
    “Yet.“
    Blake glared at him. “Who the fuck are you to lecture me about women?”
    Duncan crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t fall in love with them.”
    Blake flinched. “I’m not in love. I just met her.”
    Duncan reached out and jabbed Blake in his chest. “It’s in your eyes, bro. You’re already gone.”
    “Guys,” Brooklyn hissed. “Let’s go!”
    Duncan turned and followed Brooklyn through the terminal. Blake took two steps, then stopped in his tracks. He couldn’t leave Analeigh like this. Pivoting on his heels, he rushed back onto the plane. The flight attendants were preparing the passengers to disembark. Analeigh’s eyes lit up when she saw him walking toward her. And he was sure it matched the look in his eyes. Bending down, he quickly pressed his lips against hers. When he pulled away, he cupped her cheek. Her eyes twinkled like stars in the darkest of night.
    “I have to get off here,” he said. “But I’ll meet you in Dublin tomorrow.”
    She frowned. “My seminar is tomorrow.”
    “Don’t worry. I’ll find you.”
    Blake released her. He dashed up the aisle and back into the terminal. His heart felt lighter than it had in ages. Maybe Duncan was right. Could he already be in love?
    Brooklyn and Duncan were watching for him when he exited the tunnel. The anger in Brooklyn’s eyes was unmistakable. Duncan simply shook his head. Blake held up his hand to halt any forthcoming lectures.
    “I don’t want to hear it,” Blake said as he