The Price Of Love

Chapter 27

Jay's POV

I stare at Talia who's still fast asleep, lying beside me in my bed.

It's odd. I've never shared my bed with someone before. Other than my little brothers, but that's obviously different. I woke up with Talia's head resting below my chin, her arms cradled close in between our chests while mine were around her, our legs tangled together. And I've been lying here staring at her ever since.

I moved away from her a while ago so I could look at her properly, taking in what will be our last few moments together.

I always seem to find new ways to torture myself. Letting her sleep her last night was my latest way. I've had the best sleep of my life, and I woke up stress-free for once. Of course, once I woke up more all my problems came rushing back but for a moment, it was just me and Talia, and it was amazing.

And it will never happen again.

I sigh, watching her as she mumbles something incoherent under her breath. I can't help but smile. She does that a lot. I'm yet to understand a word she says, but it's cute.

She looks so peaceful in her sleep. Her lips are always turned down into a little pout, and she clings on to anything in her reach. She's the biggest cuddler ever. Her light blue silk bonnet has a picture of the cartoon character 'stitch' on it. She seems to have a thing for Disney movies since all her socks have some character on them.

"Jay.." She suddenly mumbles, and my smile fades into a small one as I gently brush my knuckles against her cheek, needing to touch her. I then close the distance between us, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.

She doesn't respond since she's still fast asleep, and I pull away a few seconds later. Giving her one last look, I then look away and quietly get up out of my bed.

I'm walking out the door to our house ten minutes later, changed and showered, my smile long gone.

***

"Sir?"

I look up, seeing Atlas standing in the doorway of my office. "You called?" He asks, and I hum, gesturing to one of the two chairs sitting opposite my desk.

He steps in, closing the door behind him before taking a seat.

"The prisoners. Any information?" I ask, leaning back in my seat as I give him my attention.

"I got most of them talking when I-...I did your...eye thing" Atlas mumbles, a look of disgust on his face as he winces. I can't help but smile a bit at him. He always looks away when I start messing with people's eyes. "And?" I ask.

He clears his throat, seeming to be shaking the memory. "It's a long story. It's all in the reports I've been sending you- but I'm pretty sure I know where they are" Atlas says, and I stare at him, hiding my surprise. He takes my silence as a cue to keep talking.

"We found encrypted messages. It took us a while but we figured it out. We believe they're undercover in Arizona. I think we should send a team" He tells me, and my head tilts to the side as I continue to stare. It seems I've been underestimating Atlas.

"I want you to lead this. I want at least one of them brought back alive" I say, and he nods. "What's the plan?" Atlas asks, but I shake my head. "Up to you," I say, and he seems a bit surprised. He then nods, a small smile forming on his lips. "Got it, sir".

"However you need to keep this quiet. Don't tell the teams the plan until you're outside the house. I don't want them getting a chance to run" I tell Atlas, and he nods slowly.

"Sir..are you saying there's a snitch?" He whispers, keeping his voice low despite the fact no one else is listening. "I'm working on it" I mutter, and he curses quietly. "I understand".