Callen didn't get distracted easily.

It was one of his best skills—compartmentalization. Keep emotions separate. Stay focused on the job. Don't let personal feelings interfere.

Except lately…

Lately, it felt like every time he turned around, Nell was in his head.

First, it had been that undercover operation at the bar. She'd been quick on her feet, adapting flawlessly to the role he'd pulled her into. Then, at the villa, she'd handled herself like a pro—hiding under that desk, getting the data, slipping back out undetected.

And then the fight.

The gunmen had figured something was off. Callen had been ready, but so had Nell. She hadn't hesitated—fighting back, keeping up, making sure they got out in one piece.

She was brilliant.

But now, every time he thought about that night, he didn't just see the success—he saw the moments she'd been in danger. The close calls. The risks she'd taken.

And the thought of losing her twisted something in his chest.

Now, here she was, across the bullpen, completely unaware of the battle going on in his head.

She was laughing at something Deeks had said, her arms crossed as she leaned against a desk. A bandage was still wrapped around her arm—a reminder of how close she'd come to real harm.

Callen clenched his jaw.

"You keep staring at her like that, she's gonna notice."

Callen turned to see Sam watching him with a knowing expression.

"I'm not staring."

Sam snorted. "Right. And I'm not standing here watching you stare."

Callen rolled his shoulders. "I'm just making sure she's okay."

"She's fine."

"She was shot."

"She was grazed," Sam corrected. "And if you say 'she still got hurt' one more time, I swear I'm gonna start charging you every time you repeat it."

Callen exhaled through his nose, crossing his arms.

Sam tilted his head, studying him. "You ever ask yourself why this is bothering you so much?"

Callen didn't answer.

Because he already knew the answer.

And that was the problem.

"She saved your ass. Twice now," Sam continued. "And I think that's messing with you more than you want to admit."

Callen scoffed. "You think I have a problem being saved?"

"No, I think you have a problem with her being the one to do it."

Callen stiffened.

Sam's gaze sharpened. "You care about her."

"Of course, I care," Callen said, too quickly. "She's part of the team."

Sam hummed, unconvinced. "Uh-huh."

Callen clenched his jaw, turning his attention back to Nell.

She'd moved to the tech table now, pulling up some files. His eyes flickered to the way she absently rubbed her bandaged arm, how she shifted on her feet like she was trying to shake off soreness.

The impulse to go check on her—to do something—was immediate.

Sam sighed beside him. "Overprotective much?"

Callen ignored him. "It's not like that."

Sam gave him a long look before shaking his head with a chuckle. "Yeah, okay. Keep telling yourself that."

Callen shot him a glare, but Sam just walked off, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

And one very inconvenient truth.

He felt something for Nell.

And if he wasn't careful, it was going to change everything.