Page 54 of Forbidden Access

“Was Jaden a CIA agent too?” He was curious about the man who’d left such a huge void in her life.

She shook her head, a small, wistful smile forming. “No, he was an architect. He worked for a firm that designed these incredible buildings all over the world. We met in Paris. I was on assignment, pretending to be an art dealer, and he was there for a design conference.”

“Was it love at first sight?” He wasn’t sure why he asked, but the words slipped out.

“Actually, no.” She managed a thin smile. “I thought he was a little full of himself—typical creative. But that was before I really knew him.”

Hadn’t she thought Damian cocky once too?

Damian returned to his chair. Thorn had pulled herself together. Her eyes were red, and she looked pale, but she wasn’t on the verge of tears anymore. “Appearances can be deceiving,” he said quietly.

“That’s true.” She sat down too, immediately refilling her glass. “Look, I’m sorry for falling apart like that, especially on assignment. It’s embarrassing.”

“Don’t be, and there’s no need to apologize. I’m not just some high-value target you’re protecting. I care about you.” And he really meant it. Even though they’d only known each other for a few days, they’d been through so much that it felt like months.

She was one of the bravest, smartest, and most beautiful women he’d ever met, and he was falling for her hard.

But it was clear now—there was no room for him in her heart. Not with Jaden still there, an unshakable presence in her life.

How could he compete with a memory?

A surge of jealousy hit, but he drowned it out with another shot of tequila.

“Thanks, Damian.” Her voice softened. “That means a lot.”

There was a pause, then she spoke again. “Actually, do you mind if I turn in for the night? I’m exhausted.”

“Sure, no problem.” He didn’t even bother asking if she wanted him to join her. He already knew the answer. It was hard enough being in Jaden’s house, surrounded by Jaden’s things, drinking Jaden’s tequila. The last thing she’d want was to complicate things further by having him in the bed she’d shared with her husband. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She gave him a sad smile, got up, and went inside. “See you tomorrow,” she said softly before disappearing into the house.

Damian stayed on the terrace, long into the night. By the time he turned in, the tequila bottle was almost empty.

CHAPTER 23

Thorn had drunk several cups of coffee, eaten breakfast, and taken a good look around the property by the time Damian appeared the next morning.

Jeez, he looked rough as hell. She’d found the empty bottle of tequila on the outside table this morning, and guiltily, suspected she might be the cause.

“How’s the head?” she asked, glancing up as he came into the living room. She’d been curled up on the couch reading a novel, something she hadn’t done in years.

He grimaced in reply.

Wordlessly, she got up, went to the kitchen, and poured him a cup of coffee. He accepted it gratefully and then sank down gingerly on the couch.

“Damian,” she began. “I feel bad about last night. I shouldn’t have dumped on you like that. I mean, I’m supposed to be protecting you, and?—”

“You are protecting me,” he said, then winced as if the words were too loud. He lowered his voice. “You got me out of Las Piedras and brought me here. We’re safe. I’ll probably make it until Friday, so the FBI will be happy.”

She frowned at his tone. “Is something wrong?”

“Apart from the elephants parading around in my head, no.”

She studied him for a moment. He was pissed about last night, she could tell. She might not be as good at reading him as he was at reading her, but she knew when a man was sulking.

It was Jaden. Why did she have to have a meltdown like that right in front of him? Ever since they’d met, she’d been an emotional wreck. It was pathetic, and oddly, not like her at all.

“You speak to Pat?” he asked, changing the subject before she could dwell on it anymore.

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