Page 10 of My Temptation

Beth’s history was terrible. The abuse she suffered at the hands of her own family was astounding, and it made sense that my father’s stance would bring that fear back. She was protecting me as much as I was protecting her, and for the first time since I walked into the FBI headquarters, I felt like I could breathe easy.

I laid my hand on her arm. “It’s more than okay. Thank you for having my back.”

She smiled softly and nodded. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah.”

“Can they do anything to Elite?”

“They can try,” I acknowledged. “But I doubt they’d get too far. I think my father underestimates Elite and the reach they have.”

She chuckled. “I would never underestimate them.”

“Are you hungry?” When she nodded, I pointed down the street. “I know a great little place to eat. Let’s do that and then go shopping. What do you think?”

“I’d like that.”

“Good because I’m starving.” We started walking, and I decided to share something I wouldn’t normally, suspecting I could be vulnerable with Beth. “I’m glad you’re here with me. I haven’t made a lot of friends since college, and it feels good to know I’m finally in a place where I’m finding that again.”

“I’ve never really had friends,” she answered. “Just Sydney.” She paused, and when I glanced at her, she smiled. “And now you.”

Friendship.

It seemed like such an easy thing when it was just the opposite. Friendship required trust, and that wasn’t something I gave easily.

But maybe that was all changing.

3

MILA

Leaving my apartment building, I smiled when I realized I had a few hours to myself. I’d been assigned to Beth almost since the day I started, and I never had any free time to run my errands. That was what I should’ve been doing, but I was meeting Nick for dinner instead. When he called me earlier today, I told him I didn’t think I could meet him, considering Striker was out of town, but he got back earlier today, so I called Nick, and we picked a place.

I was excited to have some time with my friend.

Next to Beth, he was my only friend in New Hope. Not to mention, I’d spent almost two years of my life with him, and then one day, he was gone. That was undercover work. The Bureau taught me not to get attached to anyone on a case, but that was a hell of a lot easier said than done.

I jumped in my car and headed across town, getting to the restaurant in under ten minutes, which did nothing but remind me of how small New Hope truly was.

I’d just parked and was getting my purse from the seat beside me when something flashed through my peripheral vision. Quickly looking to my left, I startled when I saw Nick standing next to my car. With my hand on my chest, I shook my head and leveled my breathing before shoving open the car door.

I stepped out. “I see you haven’t lost your touch for sneaking up on people.”

“Hard habit to break.” Grinning, he gestured to the Italian restaurant. “You hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Me too.”

We crossed the lot together, went inside, and were immediately seated.

Looking around, I smiled. “This place is nice.”

“Yeah, Maddie and I come here sometimes. Food’s great.”

I settled back into my seat. “How’s Maddie?”

“Really good. She’s working tonight.”

---