Lieutenant Ryan Carter had always been good at keeping secrets. He had to be, as a covert operative for the CIA. He had infiltrated enemy bases, hacked classified information, and assassinated high-profile targets without leaving a trace. He was one of the best agents in the field, and he knew it.

But there was one secret he couldn’t keep any longer. One secret that threatened to expose him and ruin his career. One secret that made his heart race and his palms sweat every time he thought about it.

He was in love with his partner.

Captain Ethan Walker was everything Ryan wanted in a man. He was smart, brave, loyal, and handsome as hell. He had piercing blue eyes, blond hair that always looked messy but sexy, and a body that was sculpted by years of training and combat. He was also straight, married, and completely off-limits.

Ryan knew he had no chance with Ethan, but he couldn’t help the way he felt. He had tried to ignore his attraction, to focus on their missions, to be a professional. But it was getting harder every day, especially when they had to share a hotel room, a car, or a tent. Ryan could feel Ethan’s warmth, smell his cologne, hear his breathing. He wanted to touch him, kiss him, make love to him.

But he couldn’t. He had to keep his feelings hidden, for both their sakes. He had to pretend that Ethan was just his friend, his colleague, his brother-in-arms. He had to play the role of Romeo, their code name for their undercover operation.

They were posing as a gay couple to infiltrate a terrorist cell that was planning an attack on American soil. They had been working on this case for months, gathering intel and gaining trust. They were close to cracking it, but they had to be careful. One wrong move could blow their cover and put their lives in danger.

Ryan knew the risks, but he also saw an opportunity. A chance to be with Ethan, even if it was only for show. A chance to hold his hand, hug him, cuddle with him on the couch. A chance to say the words he had always wanted to say.

“I love you.”

He knew it was wrong, but he couldn’t help himself. He knew it was dangerous, but he didn’t care. He knew it was hopeless, but he still hoped.

Maybe Ethan felt the same way. Maybe he was hiding his true feelings too. Maybe he would look into Ryan’s eyes and see the love that Ryan couldn’t hide.

Maybe they could be more than partners.

Maybe they could be Romeo and Romeo.