Page 11 of How Much For a Life of Lies?

“And my partner?” I didn’t know why I was asking—I already knew where this was going.

“Kai Henderson, former 427. He says the two of you have met occasionally on active ops,” Jake said.

My chest tightened at the thought of working with him—a confusion of denial, attraction, and distrust. And as Jake continued to outline the mission parameters, I had a growing sense of unease at Kai’s presence. Despite his undeniable skills piloting a helicopter, I didn’t know him, and there was still something about him that set my teeth on edge—he had a recklessness bordering on dangerous, and I had to fight the need to get close to him and kiss the infuriating smile off his perfect face.

As if he knew what I was thinking, he raised a single eyebrow and smirked.

Fucker.

The first part of the briefing drew to a close. This wasn’t just a mission to infiltrate and take down a huge LA crew, it was going to have us working with the people the crews trafficked, and all I could think was thatif Kai was at my side,this was too much of a power move to risk my life and the lives of others. I needed someone I could trust implicitly, someone who wouldn’t jeopardize the safety of our two-men-on-the-ground team.

Someone I didn’t imagine naked and sprawled on my bed waiting for me.

“Questions at this stage?” Jake asked.

I kept my voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within me. “I would formally request a different partner for this mission.”

I knew it was a bold move to demand something this early in whatever relationship I’d have with this off-the-books team, but I couldn’t ignore the way Kai wasn’t paying any attention to this at all, leaning against the wall and staring me down. His nonchalant demeanor added to my growing frustration. It was as if he didn’t care about the potential consequences of this mission. Kai was dangerous and unpredictable, and I refused to put my life—or the success of the mission—in his hands. Case in point the way he clutched his chest and faked shock.

“Maybe I’m the one who wants a different partner,” Kai said.

“I’m not the dangerous one,” I snapped then stood, my hands in fists.

Jake regarded us both with a measured expression, his expression betraying no hint of surprise at my request or Kai’s reaction.

“I understand your concerns, Zach.” He glanced at Kai, who winced at the unspoken criticism. “But whatever his faults, Kai has proved himself as one of our best operatives on single missions, and his skill set aligns perfectly with yours.”

His words deepened my unease. Single missions sounded about right—Kai was a weapon, but he was a loner, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that partnering with Kai would be a recipe for disaster. Still, I had to tread carefully—I couldn’t afford to alienate myself from this new team concept before the mission even began.

“How long have you been working with this team in the shadows?” I asked Kai directly.

“I can neither confirm nor deny that I am part of a covert off-the-books organization,” he deadpanned.

I tensed. “How long?”

“Who’s asking?”

“Jesus, you’re an asshole,” I snapped, and heard the CIA guy inhale sharply, and regretted losing my shit. “I apologize,” I said, already seeing my new career in the toilet.

“Let’s leave them to figure this out.” Jake’s tone was hard—a warning—as he motioned for the CIA and Homeland Security representatives to leave the room, leaving Kai and me alone.

I exchanged a tense glance with Kai after the door closed on us, the realization sinking in that my success in getting this role hinged on my ability to work with him. But as Kai’s steely gaze bore into mine, I couldn’t shake the feeling that any partnership with him would be anything but smooth sailing. Did I want this new role enough? Could I compromise? Could I trust him?

“How long have you been with this team?” I repeated, my voice laced with irritation.

He tapped his lip as if he was thinking. “Long enough to know that you won’t get a better partner than me. Mostly because there’s only two of us, when you’re only the second person they’ve brought in.”

“Only two?”

“We’re experimental and team one.” He clenched his fist in salute. “Go team one.”

“So, you don’t have an existing partner?” I asked.

His eyes narrowed and he tensed, but it was quick and easy to miss as the mask of indifference fell back into place and he shrugged. “Assassins work alone.”

“You’re not a freaking assassin,” I muttered, and winced when, with sudden, predatory grace, Kai stalked toward me, his eyes burning as he closed the distance between us.

“I could kill you with one fingertip,” he deadpanned.

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