Page 61 of Vengeful Secret

“I put my hair behind my ears,” I suggest, and Lara nods.

“The guy will just think you’re nervous or flirting. It’s perfect.”

“Perfect is a strong word,” Gray mutters, like he’s having regrets about this whole thing.

“Do you have an outfit?” Lara asks, and I nod. “Let me see it.”

I head upstairs, putting it on and coming back down.

Declan whistles, and Gray elbows him in the stomach, making him double over.

Lara gasps. “You look incredible. No snake will be able to resist you.”

“That's the plan.” I feel a little silly wearing no shoes and no makeup with my hair up in a bun. But apparently the outfit is doing what it’s intended to do.

“I can’t believe you agreed to this,” Lara says.

“I can’t, either. This isn’t the kind of stuff I like to do.” I glare at Gray.

“Unfortunately, it’s what needs to happen,” Gray says firmly. “I’m sorry that it ended up like this, but we need you, Sutton. You aren’t going to be recognized by any of Murphy’s men, and when we know what they’re planning, we’ll be able to retaliate.”

Declan nods. “He's right. There's no one else we know that wouldn’t be instantly targeted.”

“I wish I could be a honeypot assassin,” Lara sighs.

“She’s not killing anyone, Lara.” Gray groans, “Just getting information.”

And I can’t help but bark out a laugh.

Why am I laughing? This is dangerous. This is terrible. It’s also oddly exciting, but I don’t want this life. That’s why I left in the first place. That’s why I hid Ciara from him.

Can I really be feeling excited about doing something so dangerous?

But this is for the right reasons. I’m going to find out what’s going on with the Murphys, report back, and everything is going to be fine. Gray is going to protect meandCiara.

We talk for a while longer, and then it’s time for me and Gray to get ready.

I walk upstairs and hop in the shower, shaving and taking my time. There’s plenty of time left before the club opens, and I want to look my best.

I put on a little bold eyeshadow and do my eyeliner, which I never do, and as I’m poking myself in the eye, Lara knocks on the door.

I answer it, and she laughs at my attempt at makeup.

I pout. “I know; I don’t wear it much.”

“Let me help you. I'll do your hair, too.”

I let Lara have full reign, and by the time we’re finished, I look in the mirror and look like a totally different person.

It’s similar, really, to the girl I was five years ago, and it’s something to see.

“You’re ready,” she says after curling the ends of my hair and straightening my bangs. “Remember the signals.”

“I’ll remember,” I promise, and she leads me down the stairs to where Gray is waiting, looking absolutely edible in a black suit with no tie and a navy-blue shirt.

Gray looks up at the stairs from his watch, clearly impatient, and his eyes widen as he looks me over.

“Jesus Christ,” he murmurs, and I can’t help but smile as I descend the stairs.

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