Chapter 4
Flint sighed. "I'm not here to fight with you. And honestly, I have no idea why I'm here. I have no idea why we have to keep monitoring your missions. So far, you haven't screwed up…yet…or given us any sign that we can't trust you."
Jaye felt bad for greeting him so angrily. Just breathe, she told herself. She looked up at her former lover and tried to give a friendlier smile. "Well, usually Agent Faireborn, there is a side mission tacked on to the babysitting detail. I'm sure this time is no different."
It didn't quite come out in the teasing tone she had meant it to. His jaw tightened, but he held back an angry response. He couldn't blame her. After years of being a Joe, he knew how the others felt about the CIA and how many missions they had almost compromised. Apparently being in the private sector was no different. He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
"I wanted to say congratulations on the woman of the year thing," he started, trying to change the subject. If she guessed he had a side mission, he couldn't tell her anyway. Best to stay off that topic. They had sent him because after the past several pairings of the two agencies, the CIA had failed miserably in their attempts to sidetrack the missions. He knew dealing with Jaye and the former Joes, he would really have to watch himself and be careful not to give anything away.
He watched her blush, surprised. "What, you weren't expecting that? I figured it looked great for Phoenix's reputation. And as you told me," he said, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice, "you're dedicated to your company."
"I think it was a bit extreme but whatever," she said, dismissing it. "I haven't lived down the teasing from my teammates yet. So…." she tried thinking of a neutral topic, "how are you doing? How's the family?"
"Everyone's good. I'd ask about you, but you've been in the public eye so much, I feel that I am up to date on everything," he teased. "And here I thought you didn't like attention. That stint on the Today Show was particularly enjoyable. I liked watching you try to control your emotions when they were asking about your Cobra ties."
Jaye rolled her eyes. "Um, ok," she started, at a loss for words. She was saved as Zartan came up behind her and handed her a message on his Blackberry. She glanced at Flint. "Sorry, have to take this. If you'll excuse me."
Zartan chuckled and made a point of putting his arm at Jaye's back to lead her away. Flint read the message perfectly. Were Zartan and Jaye an item? he wondered. He felt as if someone had stabbed him in the heart. Even though he had dated in the past couple years, he still loved Lady Jaye with an intensity that surprised him. Even knowing she chose her job over him, he had still not gotten over her and he thought she had felt the same about him. Obviously not, if she and Zartan were an item, he scowled.
Scarlett came out of the tent she had been hiding in, thinking the coast was clear. She saw Flint and the scowl on his face and would've ducked back in, but he had already spotted her. Damn.
"Flint….hi…" she said, unsure of what to say. "Um, have you seen Snake Eyes?"
Flint closed his eyes and fought for control. "No, but I'll help you look for him. Apparently, I don't have anything else to do," he grumbled.