Page 106 of Crossfire

But I needed to keep these desires, these unwanted emotions, under control.

“How much longer do we have to be here?” I asked. Because every second felt like dangling from an emotional cliff, my fingers slipping off the edge. “When is your boss supposed to get back to you?”

Grayson’s captivating eyes darted between mine, a puzzled expression etching itself into the line forming between his eyebrows. The subtle changes in his demeanor—the slight tilt of his head, the way his lips parted ever so slightly—only intensified his allure, drawing me in even as he struggled to keep pace with my sudden mood shift.

“Anytime now,” he replied.

“What do you think he’s going to send you?”

“What?”

“Just answer the question.”

Grayson dropped his hands from my shoulders. I should’ve been elated, for crying out loud, not mourning the loss of his touch.

Stupid heart.

“He’s searching for the evidence.”

“Against me.”

“Ivy…”

“But there isn’t any evidence.” My voice wavered slightly as I shifted my footing, trying to steady my nerves. “So, what then?”

Grayson tucked his hands into his pockets, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his shirt. “Once he realizes there is no evidence against you, everything will fall into place.” His deep voice held a note of reassurance, but I couldn’t shake the lingering doubt.

“They’ll call off the assassination,” I clarified, searching his face for confirmation.

Grayson paused before nodding once.

“But you’re only speculating; this has never happened before, right?” I pressed, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Ivy, the CIA has no interest in eliminating an innocent civilian. Once they realize a mistake was made, this will all be over.”

“And I can go back to my life.” I squared my shoulders, trying to look confident rather than heartbroken at the thought. “Without you, right?”

His lips thinned in offense, a muscle ticcing in his jaw. “Is that what you want?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

No. That’s the whole problem. I’m suddenly finding it hard to imagine you not being by my side.

When I nodded my silent lie, Grayson’s face darkened, a tornado brewing behind it. “We still haven’t figured out who lured you to the parking garage, Ivy.” His words were meant to remind me the danger that still lurked, but I couldn’t focus on anything but the sound of his voice, the intensity of his stare.

I balled my hands into fists, my nails digging into my palms. “I can’t stay here.”

“Why?” He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming my senses.

“I just can’t!”

“I know this is hard…” He reached out, his fingertips grazing my arm, sending a blaze of heat across my skin that battled with the crisp air.

“You don’t know anything; I can’t stay here.” I jerked away from his touch, my skin cold from the absence of our smoldering connection.

He fixed me with an unwavering stare. “Why?”

“Because I don’t trust myself around you!” I blurted out, my cheeks flushing with the admission.

Grayson’s eyebrows drew together in confusion. “Trust yourself to do what?”

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