Chasing a Ghost

Chapter Eighteen

"Sick and tired of that British bastard," Drake grumbled as you walked along beside him. His mood had soured. "What the fuck is his problem." He glanced down at you, wearing an expression of pure annoyance. "Are you two together or something?"

You prickled, heat flushing to your cheeks at the question. "Colin, do you think I'd have gone to the bar with you if I was in a relationship with someone?"

He shrugged, taking careful steps along the icy pathway that led to the smaller facility. His brow was furrowed and irritable. You, Drake, Ghost, and Price had all walked along until the path split in two, you and Drake headed down the right side while your superiors headed off to the left. Ghost hadn't said another word since you all had left the hallway. He didn't even look in your direction, just marched ahead with Price in a stony silence.

If you could be honest with yourself, you didn't even know what was going on between you and the Lieutenant at this point. Not a word had been spoken about that unexpected, secretive kiss in your room however long ago. You knew better than to take it as a sign that you and Ghost were a "thing". You had only originally asked him for a kiss, after all. Who knows, the man could very well see it as nothing but an opportunity to relieve some years of pent up sexual frustration that he hadn't had a chance to let go of. And if that were the truth, it would be painful. But you still relished in the opportunity to feel his lips, taste his tongue, and feel his hardened body pressed against you. You were partially inclined to find some part of yourself that could accept that maybe he didn't have feelings for you, and only wanted you physically. You didn't want that, but hell, you might be willing to accept it. You found your focus waning as you remembered the feeling of his toned shoulders beneath your hands, and the hungry grumble that escaped his throat as he tasted your lips for the very first time.

You shook your head silently, throwing a glance towards Drake to see if he'd caught you fantasizing. He seemed wrapped up in his own thoughts, his brow furrowed deeply and walking briskly a few steps ahead of you. You jogged a bit to catch up to his side when you noticed the facility coming into view.

This facility very closely resembled the last one, albeit notably smaller. Drake began to slow down a bit as you approached. You marched alongside him, matching his pace.

"I'm a little nervous," you admitted as the two of you approached the back door of the building.

He glanced at you, his blue eyes practically glowing from the white, snowy surroundings. "What for?" He whispered back.

You shrugged casually, trying not to make a big deal of your anxiety. "I've never infiltrated a whole base with only one other person before."

He didn't seem to hear you, assuming his position against the door with his weapon drawn. He seemed distracted.

He lowered his voice to remind you of the game plan. "This facility's pretty small - I don't expect many guys in there. I think we'd be best to split up into two - you take the left side, I'll take the right. Once it's cleared on both sides, radio me and we'll meet up again. Sound good?"

Your eyebrow raised. He was deviating from the original game plan you all had discussed with the group before. But his demeanor seemed confident and sure. It didn't seem like a good idea to disagree with him. You nodded your head. "Um, sure."

"Follow in after me," Drake said, gripping the handle of the door. His eyes met yours before he turned to the partially open door, sliding through and allowing you to follow in after him. Once you made it inside, he stepped behind you and closed it shut once again.

The two of you were bathed in pitch-black darkness. Not a single light showed within the facility. You heard the quiet click of Drake's night vision goggles being switched on, reminding you to reach up and do the same.