Page 113 of Elusive Promise

"Honestly?"

"Yes. No secrets between us."

"It's a little terrifying to think about how much I love you already. Facing bullets and bombs is difficult, but I'm trained in how to handle those situations. Love is a new one for me."

"For me, too."

"It will make us both vulnerable. It will influence our decisions. It could weaken us."

"Or make us stronger."

"You are definitely the more optimistic one in this relationship."

He brushed her hair away from her face. "I just know we're going to be good together."

"And you're the most confident."

"But you are the sexiest, the most beautiful, the most intelligent…" he said with a teasing smile. "Now, let's talk about that shower."

"I'm done talking. And the shower can wait."

Twenty-Six

Parisa finally got out of the shower around noon and had just finished blow-drying her hair when her phone rang. It was Damon. She took the phone into the bedroom and placed it on the nightstand, turning on the speaker, so Jared could hear the conversation while he finished getting dressed.

"How's it going, Damon?" she asked. "Is Isaac talking?"

"Not yet, but Sara has told us a lot. She was apparently compiling a lot of information in the hopes of one day being able to cut herself a deal."

"That's good news. And Ben?"

"He was shaken up by his father's death, by Neil's participation in the group. His mother is also distraught. We haven't gotten much out of her, but Ben has told us everything he knows, which isn't a lot. His only real involvement was getting Jasmine to give the kidnappers entrance to the consulate."

"What about Jasmine?"

"She was released from the hospital. She's staying with Westley in his penthouse, with an enormous amount of security. Anika and her mother are also there. Raj is working with the state department in regard to the civil war breaking out in Bezikstan."

"I'm glad the Kumars are here and not there, and that everyone is safe. I can't imagine what they think about Neil. He was such a good friend to them over the years."

"Everyone is shocked, that's for sure. How are you feeling?"

"I'm good. I would still like to know who sold out my location at the safe house and the shelter, though. Is Vincent still hanging around?"

"Yes. He and Deputy Director Hunt have been huddled together all morning. Peter just called me and asked me to bring you into the office. He wants to give you a personal report on what he's discovered."

"Which is what?"

"I don't know. He said I would find out when you found out, but that I could assure your safety with 100 percent certainty. How soon can you get here?"

She glanced at Jared, who was shaking his head, and giving her a warning look. "I don't know how comfortable I feel coming into the office when Vincent is clearly working with Peter. How do I know they're not both involved?"

"You don't, but I think you need to hear what the director has to say."

"All right. I'll be there in thirty minutes."

As she clicked off the phone, Jared immediately shook his head. "You can't go down there, Parisa. You could be walking into a trap."

"I don't think someone will try to kill me at the office."

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