“This is why I didn’t want to work with you.”

Spencer scoffs as he types rapidly on the stolen keycard terminal, trying to override the lab’s security. “Oh, please. You didn’t want to work with me because you can’t handle being in close quarters with me for extended periods of time without—”

“Without what?” you snap, yanking your earpiece out as an alarm blares through the corridor.

His lips twitch. “Without getting distracted.”

You glare at him. “Distracted? Oh, I’m sorry, who was the one staring at my ass while I was climbing the ventilation shaft?”

“I was making sure you didn’t fall!”

“Well, you didn’t look very concerned.”

He doesn’t answer—because the moment the door clicks open, gunfire erupts.

You both dive for cover as bullets rip through the sterile white walls.

“Fantastic,” you mutter, pressing your back against the console. “They’re already here. Do you have a plan?”

“Yes,” Spencer says, ducking behind cover with you. “Try not to die.”

“Brilliant. So glad the FBI trained you for this.”

Spencer peeks around the corner, pulling his gun from his holster. “I thought you were the field expert?”

“Yeah, but I also have a healthy sense of self-preservation, so I’d really appreciate it if you—”

BANG!

Before you can finish your sentence, a guard swings around the corner, gun raised—but before you can react, Spencer shoves you back and fires first.

The guard drops instantly, his weapon clattering to the floor.

You blink up at Spencer, who is now practically on top of you, breathing heavily.

“Holy shit,” you mutter.

He huffs, not doing any effort in getting off of you. “Well, I wasn’t about to let you die of course. You should thank me.”